High Bridge Farm is operated by Holly and Tony Abunassar
Holly McDonough-Abunassar was born and raised on an apple orchard/horse farm in Bowie, Maryland. She grew up in a large family (1 of 7 children) with horses and ponies aplenty. She began taking formal lessons in english riding at age 8. She rode at several hunter barns in Maryland and competed successfully in the local and A circuit. She also spent a year riding on the University of Maryland Equestrian Team. As a young adult, Holly had the unique opportunity to spend a summer in Ireland on a cultural exchange experience and was give a chance to ride on a hunter/jumper team for the United States during her stay. She feels very blessed to have had the chance to learn under some of the best equitation teachers.
Holly and Tony married in 1992, and she completed her studies in education. Thinking she was ready to set the bulk of her horseback riding aside, she settled into a career teaching and began starting a family. She taught preschool, elementary and middle school, and was nominated three times for Teacher of the Year. She also wrote two books on education and worked as Executive Editor of a national magazine for preschool and child care staff. (Holly continues to write as much as possible.)
When their youngest child (Lauren) was born, it was clear from an early age that horses were in this little girl's blood, too. Before long, Holly was dusting off her chaps to teach her daughter how to ride. Several friends asked her to teach their children, too and Holly was reminded by one of her former trainers that once horses are in one's blood, they are there to stay. The trainer then encouraged Holly to just accept this and jump back in. Holly began teaching lessons at a friend's farm in Baltimore County and High Bridge Farm begain to sprout roots. She has found it has been a wonderful way to combine her love of horses and experience as a horsewoman, with her love for and experience in education. By 2002 Holly and Tony realized that they would need more room to grow and build their vison of what they believe defines a quality facility. Unsuccessful in their search in Maryland, they hopped thestate line and fell in love with a 35 acre piece of property in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This was a logical choice, as Holly has many family members living nearby. The farm takes its name from Holly's childhood home built by her father.
Tony Abunassar's love for horses is what he calls an acquired taste. He always liked to look at horses from the outside of the fence, that is, until he met Holly. Since the farm was started, he has become a regular stable hand, "Mr. Fixit", and all around helper. He attributes his most valuable lessons about horses, not to Holly or the other two legged teachers he has met, but a regal thoroughbred (with quite a personality), named "My Gusto" (Gus). Tony credits this distinguished gentleman with everything he knows. Gus is a 16.2h twenty- three year old retired jumper who came to board at the farm. We asked Tony what Gus has taught him that has proved to be invaluable:
In addition to her love for horses,Lauren Abunassar has a love for community service and is excited to find ways for the farm to give back to the community. Lauren is also a talented writer. She has been published once and is hard at work completing her much-anticipated children's novel..
Much to her dismay, Lauren has finally outgrown her beloved small pony, Peter Pan. While Peter will have a home for life on the farm, the search is now on for a new , larger mount for Lauren. Stay tuned for pictures! She also plans to show in children's hunters this year .