Building a More Resilient Future
Hidden Acres Homestead is a 103-acre working horse farm committed to creating a healthier, more resilient environment for both horses and the land they depend on.
As climate conditions continue to change, we're taking a long-term approach to improving the property's ability to withstand drought, severe weather, rising feed costs, and utility interruptions while protecting the natural resources that make successful horse keeping possible.
Rather than relying on a single solution, we're implementing a comprehensive master plan that integrates renewable energy, historic preservation, land restoration, infrastructure, and natural land management.
Renewable Energy & Reliable Infrastructure
Reliable utilities are essential for both horses and people.
Located at the end of an overhead electrical distribution line, the property includes:
- 40-panel solar photovoltaic system
- Dual inverters with battery backup
- Approximately 300 gallons of emergency water storage
- Reverse osmosis drinking water with dedicated storage
- Mini-split HVAC system with wood-burning furnace backup
Together, these systems improve the property's ability to continue caring for horses during power outages and other utility interruptions.
Restoring the Land
Healthy horses begin with healthy land.
Current restoration efforts include:
- Removing invasive plant species
- Building terraces to slow stormwater runoff and improve drought resilience
- Transitioning pastures to predominantly native grazing species
- Expanding healthy pasture acreage over time
Future phases include restoring soil biology through biochar and other regenerative practices designed to improve long-term pasture health and reduce dependence on purchased hay.
Our goal is to create a property capable of supporting self-sustained horse keeping through healthier soils, more productive pastures, and thoughtful land stewardship.
Working With Nature
Three EPA-protected wet-weather streams cross the property, making thoughtful planning essential.
Rather than working around these natural systems, they are incorporated into the farm's long-term design.
Water-permeable shade structures provide seasonal comfort for horses while allowing rainfall to reach the ground below. Strategically planted deciduous trees shade riding areas during the summer while allowing winter sunlight to reach solar-powered arena lighting when it's needed most.
Every improvement is designed to work with the site's natural systems rather than against them.
Natural Land Management
The farm also uses multiple animal species to support healthy ecosystems naturally.
- Chickens help reduce flies by consuming insects and larvae.
- Sheep graze weeds throughout the pastures.
- Goats control woody vegetation along fence lines.
- Potbelly pigs naturally aerate soils.
Together, these animals reduce maintenance while supporting healthier soils and more productive pasture systems.
A Living Demonstration
Hidden Acres Homestead continues to evolve as new projects are completed.
Every improvement is part of a long-term commitment to responsible land stewardship, horse welfare, and climate resilience—demonstrating that thoughtful planning today can create healthier farms for generations to come.
