Open Barn Tour
Pennsylvania -- The Harrisburg Patriot carried a story on April 20, 2001 by Mary Klaus about an open barn tour:

NEW FREEDOM -- Centuries ago, Arabian horses shared so much of their lives with their owners that the animals and humans developed deep bonds.

They still do.

The Arabian breed, known for its rich history and unparalleled beauty, will be in the spotlight tomorrow and Sunday at Foxcote Show Horses in this southern York County community. Foxcote will be one of 18 professional horse farms participating in the ninth annual Horse Farms Open House.

The free, self-guided tour, sponsored by Pennsylvania Equestrian of Lancaster and Nutrena Feeds, will feature 18 horse farms in Berks, Bucks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh and York counties. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

"Arabians are wonderful horses," said Nancy Waite, who trains, sells and leases this breed through her business, Foxcote Show Horses.

"When I was 2 months old, my mother put me on my aunt's Arabian horse, Flouky," Waite said. "I've loved them ever since. Flouky was the first word I ever said. She later was the mother of my first horse, a gelding named Mur-Aaf, that I got when I was 10."

Waite, who took riding lessons while growing up in York and spent summers showing horses with her aunt near Cincinnati, Ohio, said she will share her love of Arabians with horse tour visitors.

"Arabians are very intelligent, quick-thinking, fast and refined horses," she said. "They love people and have great endurance. They're a great family horse and live into their 30s."

Visitors to Foxcote Show Horses, along Interstate 83 South, will see acres of pastures and paddocks separated by white fences, Arabian horses and indoor and outdoor arenas. Waite said she plans to talk with visitors about how to buy the right horse.

"It's critical to do good research before buying a horse," she said. "You need to buy a horse that matches your skill level."

Stephanie Shertzer Lawson, Pennsylvania Equestrian spokeswoman, said the open house gives both active and would-be equestrians a chance to visit a variety of professional horse farms. Approximately 10,000 people visit participating farms each year during the tour, she said.

"They learn about various breeds and styles of riding and about raising, caring for and training horses," she said. "They can explore the many opportunities for getting involved with horses right in their own back yards."

Six of the farm owners will invite visitors to take a sample riding lesson. Five will offer pony rides and one, Flint Hill Farm in Lehigh County, will offer wagon and carriage rides. Visitors also can watch horse shoeing, equine dentistry and massage, foal imprinting and round pen training.

The open houses also will have demonstrations on using horses in ranch work, plowing, dressage, police work, jumping and driving. Breeds range from miniatures to draft horses, including Paints, quarter horses and thoroughbreds.

Other midstate horse farms on the tour include: *Centennial Acres Stable, Lebanon. Lessons, boarding. *Double-D Stables, 1265 Mapledale Road in Conewago Twp. Breeding and sales of registered American paint horses. *Harvest View Stables, Manheim. Lessons, trail riding and boarding. *Homestead Farm, 85 Hillymede Road, Hummelstown. Boarding, lessons, English, dressage, Western riding, barrel racing, calf roping and team penning. *Lost & Found Horse Rescue, York. Emergency stabling, rehabilitation and adoption services for abused, neglected and discarded horses. *Quentin Riding Club, Quentin. Boarding and show grounds for 16 horse shows annually. *The Stables at Village Square, Marietta. Boarding, lessons, English and Western, beginning dressage.