Bascule Farm LLC

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

UPDATE: received emails from Caroline Hairfield (exec director of Office of Animal Services) over the last 24 hours backpedaling on the newly evaluated prior regulations that must be done by deadline. Don’t let up on the letter writing campaign. Horses are LIVESTOCK and they have zero need for your horses veterinary records. Inspections can (and always have been) one way authorities ensure horses are cared for. I’ve called County Animal Control three times in my 30+ years running Bascule. Not once did they do anything but pass the buck. They wouldn’t even help get law enforcement involved and two were repeat offenders with long history of animal abuse complaints. OAS has a long way to go..time to focus inward.

BARN FAMILIES! All stables in Montgomery County have been blindsided by "new regulations" from the County concerning licensing our stables. Including a Sept 10 due date to file a very extensive form and have at least 4 Inspections completed with written reports.

Remember we have been regulated by the STATE for MANY years. The state manages our Nutrient Management Plans (pastures, run off, animals per acre etc) and they are updated regularly including soil tests, arial photos, and number of animals. There are multiple places where the County requirements are contradictory to the State requirements.

The County is now requiring HEALTH INSPECTION CERTIFICATES and VACCINATION CERTIFICATES by a Licensed Vet on ALL horses (though the statute only says "for Hire" (ie lesson horses). The cost to meet these requirements will be passed on to all the owners.

What you can do right now to help. Horses are LIVESTOCK and as such, do not need the level of reporting on personal health as do your house pets. Adding more regulations will continue to push out these farms as it's already hard to find places to keep your horse with additional taxes and regulations. We are already regulated by the state, and though ensuring lesson horses are properly cared for at the local (county level) is a good thing, regulation can and will rid the county of all riding opportunities for budding equestrians. Common sense laws to help horses are one thing, micro managing horse farms are another.

Contact your County Council Representative, find who your rep is here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/government/legislative-branch/county-council/councilmembersand
the County Executive Mark Elrich [email protected]
CC the new Executive Director of the Office of Animal Services, Caroline Hairfield [email protected].
and the Office Services Coordinator [email protected]

08/21/2026

Poolesville, MD: Part time afternoon barn help wanted. Our college kids are leaving and we need some help in the barn 4:30-6:00 (latest). Easy schedule, nice horses. Must be at least 14 years old, and be able to lead, blanket(when the time comes) and help with resetting. Reliable transportation and 2 to 4 afternoons per week. Monthly schedule. Hourly pay. PM if interested!

08/20/2026

Olivia and Parker cruising home at The Maryland Horse Trials twilight eventing last night!

08/15/2026

Bay play day at The Maryland Horse Trials schooling course this morning! Cleo, Lulu, Parker, and Honza showing they're ready for the fall season

07/30/2026

Super fun evening at The Maryland Horse Trials twilight eventing yesterday with two big firsts: 1. Parker finally figured out how to eat from a hay net and 2. Nadia rocked around her very first 3 phase with Koz! Amanda/Lulu rounded out the group cruising around a CT

07/21/2026

Reach out to Julie if you want go do a Hound Walk! It’s a ton of fun AND kid friendly

Have you been missing out on our summer rides and events? We have several great events coming up that are open to the public, and we’d love to see you there!

🐶 Hound Walk Happy Hour #2 | Friday, August 7th at 6:30PM
Couldn’t make the first one, or want to join us again? Come spend another evening with the hounds and members of the Potomac Hunt community. It’s a fun and easy way to learn more about the hunt and meet new people.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1UpMAMg49A/

🐴 "Get Ready to Hunt" Trail Ride #2 | Sunday, August 9th at 10AM
Get ready for the season ahead with a ride designed to help horses and riders build fitness, practice riding in company, and travel at approximately the pace of the field they plan to hunt with. A jumping first field and non-jumping second field will be offered, followed by a potluck tailgate.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMMo71xRt/

🐴 Fall Hunter Pace | Saturday, October 17th from 10AM-2PM
And it's NEVER too early to start thinking about our Maryland Hunter Pace Circuit Fall Hunter Pace!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1HWqk3Q99A/

Whether you’re a longtime rider, curious about foxchasing, or simply looking for a fun community event, we hope you’ll join us. Please RSVP through the individual event pages so we can plan for food and refreshments.

Come join the fun at Potomac Hunt!

07/18/2026

07/16/2026

We are excited to be hosting this UDJClub show August 7-9. If you are a rider who truly wants an education this is the perfect format for you. The judge will give you feedback, and you build your basics to move up the levels. They truly practice what they preach.

Dressage, Jumper, and Hunter classes available. View the prize list for class lists & requirements and get your entries in today! ALL LINKS FOR PRIZE LIST AND TO ENTER IN OUR FB COMMENTS.

At UDJC, the mission is to make equestrian sports more accessible, fair, and enjoyable for everyone.

We are committed to:

Affordable Horse Shows
Keeping entry fees reasonable so that more riders can participate.

Education for All Levels
Providing a rich learning experience, whether you’re just starting out or competing at advanced levels.

Horse Welfare First
Promoting practices that ensure the health, safety, and happiness of every horse.

Inclusive Community
Building a welcoming environment where riders of all ages and backgrounds can grow & succeed.

August 7 - 9
UDJC Foundation Show at Loch Moy Farm.