United States Eventing Association

Loch Moy Farm is a Year-Round Playground for Eventers

The Maryland Horse Trials, located at Carolyn Mackintosh’s Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Md. is one of the most versatile competition venues in Area II. Home to the East Coast Future Event Horse Championships, popular starter and recognized horse trials, and now CIC1* and CIC2* competitions, Mackintosh attracts competitors up-and-down the East Coast. Loch Moy Farm prides themselves in offering competitions, schooling shows and clinics for all levels of horses and riders.

Mackintosh recently installed a permanent jump chute on the property thanks to the USEA Future Event Horse (FEH) Presenting sponsor, Priefert. She also hosted the East Coast FEH jump chute clinic with Samantha Allen earlier this summer. Alongside Allen were popular Area II trainers Kelley Williams (A Bit Better Farm, Brookeville, MD) and Natalie Hollis (Destination Farm, Dickerson, MD) where they were trained and are now available by appointment to help you school your horses in the Priefert jump chute.

The 7-foot high custom Priefert jump chute arena offers a safe environment for young horses.

Mackintosh describes, “After our September 11th starter horse trials we’ll have the jump chute set-up for use along with the FEH triangle in FICS fiber footing. The jump chute and triangle are fully enclosed to optimize safety. We wanted to offer a space where competitors could practice before the East Coast FEH Championship in October.”

If you’re planning on attending the Future Event Horse championships on October 6th, Mackintosh will be hosting an FEH qualifier event, as well as a jump chute clinic the day before, so that the young horses have the opportunity to be fully prepared.

This year Mackintosh hosted the Maryland Horse Trial’s first ever CIC1* and CIC2* competition during the second weekend of back-to-back competition weekends in July. In order to host these divisions, Mackintosh made big changes to the cross-country course.

Loch Moy Farm is always growing. Photo via Loch Moy Farm's Facebook Page.

“We cleared 10 acres in the back of our property and excavated as well, which can easily make our tracks 4,000 meters or more. Next year we hope to run those divisions over our first competition weekend to ensure optimal footing for the competitors,” Mackintosh explained.

Big changes to the water jump closest to the barn included making sure it was able to be run in all directions, which along with the addition of the popular Maryland Blue crab and Old Bay jumps made this combination a competitor and spectator favorite.

After catching her breath from the busy summer, Mackintosh will be finishing a new lower warm-up ring and will be installing a water feature into the ring so that competitors can school water through the winter. Starting in November competitors can enjoy the competition cross-country jumps in the 5+ acres of all-weather rings in addition to more Donation Derbys, Cross Derbys and possibly an Irish Derby or two!

Winter schooling at Loch Moy Farm. Photo via Loch Moy Farm's Facebook Page.

“Every rider doesn’t have the means to travel down to Ocala or Aiken for the winter so I want to provide a service that allows them to school and prepare for their spring season,” Mackintosh comments.

Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm also participates in the Area II Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP). In conjunction with Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials and Waredaca Horse Trials, VIP streamlines the volunteer process from volunteer check-in on a smartphone to providing an online source for organizers to coordinate volunteers. This is a pilot program that is expected to spread nationally. "What a great program that brings recognition to our volunteers who make Eventing happen! It makes volunteer sign-up easy, encourages volunteers to share their time at many events and get rewarded at the same time,” Mackintosh said. Learn more at eventingvolunteers.com.

Looking into the future, Mackintosh is hoping to expand her venue to the land across the street to add more upper level schooling questions and a galloping track. Additionally, Mackintosh hopes to add a versatile water jump that asks questions for every level of horse and rider.

There are so many activities coming up at Loch Moy Farm, so be sure to visit their website here: www.themarylandhorsetrials.com to mark your calendars!