A Family Legacy Rooted in Maryland Soil
When Samuel and Janice Nicholson bought a 200-acre spread on Mt. Carmel Cemetery Road in 1972, they saw more than rolling pastures and historic bank barns. They saw possibility—a place where horses, family, and the rhythm of the seasons could coexist. Five decades later, that vision has matured into Rolling Acres Show Stables, widely recognized among riders who type “rolling acres farm maryland” into search bars hoping to find a serious, yet welcoming, equestrian program. Three generations of Nicholsons have worked the land, baled the hay, and cheered on students from the schooling ring to prestigious indoor finals. The resulting continuity gives the farm a depth of experience that can only come from time—time spent listening to vets in the wash stall, fixing fence boards at dusk, and hauling to shows before sunrise.
Facilities That Put Horse Welfare First
Rolling Acres operates two main barns. The first, a modern 31-stall center-aisle structure, connects directly to an 80′ × 150′ indoor arena, allowing horses and riders to stay dry during Maryland’s unpredictable winters. A few steps away, the original bank barn—renovated, weather-tight, and fitted with 32 roomy stalls—blends 19th-century charm with 21st-century ventilation systems.
Twenty-two paddocks unfold across gently sloping fields, so turn-out remains an everyday priority when the weather cooperates. All hay is home-grown, letting the staff control both quality and consistency—an advantage riders notice when their mounts maintain weight and bloom across the show season. On-site team members live within view of the barns, providing round-the-clock monitoring and the peace of mind owners crave when they leave a horse in training.
- 31-stall center-aisle barn with heated tack rooms and grooming bays
- Historic 32-stall bank barn, retrofitted for safety and airflow
- 80′ × 150′ indoor arena; multiple sand and grass schooling rings outdoors
- Extensive hacking trails that link to protected state parkland
Training Philosophy: Matching Horse and Rider for Success
Sisters Patty Nicholson Foster and Mary Lisa Nicholson Leffler guide the program, bringing distinct but complementary strengths. Patty opened the stable in 1982 and has an almost uncanny knack for pairing horses with riders, whether that rider is a child in short-stirrup equitation or an amateur making the leap to the high hunters. Mary Lisa, a professional since 1994, has piloted more than 25 Grand Prix winners—an achievement rooted in poise, timing, and the belief that correct basics build brave jumpers.
The daily schedule revolves around personalized lesson sets rather than rigid group slots. Green ponies school in the small field to learn pace; mature Grand Prix horses practice adjustable lines in the indoor. Video reviews, quiet conversations at ringside, and a continual feedback loop mean students know exactly where they stand and what to polish before the next outing.
Competition Highlights and Achievements
Success in the ring serves as both validation and learning lab. Rolling Acres trailers to USEF-rated venues up and down the East Coast, giving riders mileage at every level:
- Winter: HITS Ocala Circuit—ideal footing, deep fields, and sunny conditions that jump-start the season
- Summer: Vermont Summer Festival and Culpeper Series—multiple weeks that accommodate child/adult jumpers through Grand Prix
- Fall: Capital Challenge in Prince George’s County, Pennsylvania National, and Washington International Horse Show—where technical courses and electric atmospheres refine mental game
The farm’s record book lists children’s jumper champions, adult hunter classics, and junior riders who progressed to collegiate teams. Those results matter not only for the blue ribbons but also for the intangible confidence riders carry into every area of life.
Life on the Farm: Daily Routines and Horse Care
A typical morning begins at 6:00 a.m. when staff toss home-grown timothy-orchard hay and proceed down each aisle with individualized grain rations. Horses then enjoy turnout in small groups that respect herd dynamics—mares with mares, competition stallions solo, casual geldings in relaxed clusters. After an hour of grazing and play, grooms bring horses back in for grooming. Well-stocked totes, from curry combs to sturdy dandy brushes, keep coats gleaming; many riders assemble their own horse grooming kit so supplies stay organized show to show.
Mid-morning is lesson time. Patty canters a green prospect over cavaletti while Mary Lisa fine-tunes a Grand Prix horse’s rollback turn. Ground poles, gymnastic grids, and small verticals help younger students find rhythm. Afternoon sessions often shift to the outdoor sand ring or grass derby field, weather dependent. Before evening feed, every stall is bedded, water buckets scrubbed, and legs checked for any swelling—daily micro-inspections that prevent small issues from escalating.
Visiting Rolling Acres: What Riders and Owners Can Expect
Prospective boarders typically start with a barn tour guided by Patty. Expect to walk the aisles, meet the staff, and stand at the indoor’s in-gate while watching lessons in progress. The farm encourages visitors to bring a list of questions:
• How is a feeding plan adjusted for hard keepers?
• Which shows may fit a rider’s current level?
• What veterinary and farrier professionals service the barn?
Many parents appreciate seeing the on-site hay fields—a tangible demonstration of the farm’s commitment to controlling feed quality. Riders who decide to stay receive a written training roadmap that outlines weekly lesson structure, tentative show schedule, and budget parameters.
For those not yet ready to commit long-term, Rolling Acres offers lease options. This program allows a child or adult to ride a seasoned competitor three to five days a week without the full cost of ownership. Horses available range from 2′6″ hunter packs to 1.30 m jumpers, all of which have proven records, vetted through years in the Nicholson system.
Why Rolling Acres Farm Stands Out in Maryland’s Equestrian Scene
Maryland bursts with stables, yet Rolling Acres maintains a reputation for steady excellence. Several factors contribute:
1. Generational Stewardship: With family members living on the property, decision-making is immediate and invested. Horses receive individualized care because their well-being is personal, not just professional.
2. Integrated Show Program: From local schooling shows at McDonogh to headline events like the Washington International, the farm provides a ladder of opportunity. Riders step up one rung at a time rather than leaping blind into advanced divisions.
3. Proven Track Record: Mary Lisa’s more than 25 Grand Prix wins offer aspirational goals, but equally notable is Patty’s list of short-stirrup riders who matured into amateur-owner champions. Results across divisions underscore a flexible teaching style.
4. On-Farm Resources: Controlling hay production means fewer surprises in forage quality; multiple rings allow simultaneous lessons without overcrowding; nearby parkland trails keep horses mentally fresh on non-jump days.
5. Transparent Communication: Weekly lesson recaps, open barns, and prompt phone updates from staff foster trust—critical when an owner heads home leaving a beloved horse in another’s care.
Experience Rolling Acres Through Video
The broader property hosts local enterprises beyond show stables, such as farm-fresh produce stands that illustrate the land’s agricultural versatility. The short film below offers a glimpse of that community spirit:
Practical Gear Tips for New Boarders
New students often ask what to bring for their first month. While tack and attire preferences vary, a few staples appear in nearly every Rolling Acres tack trunk:
• A durable pair of riding breeches suitable for daily schooling.
• A bottle of high-quality fly spray to combat Maryland’s summer insects.
• A compact equine first aid kit with essentials like digital thermometer and wound spray.
• Well-fitted leather riding gloves for rein security during flatwork and over fences.
Rolling Acres maintains a communal library of training resources, but many riders also carry exercise notebooks to document lesson takeaways—reinforces learning and sparks productive conversations with trainers.
How to Reach Rolling Acres Show Stables
The farm is easy to locate via GPS at 3111 Mt. Carmel Cemetery Road, Brookeville, MD 20833. After pulling into the tree-lined drive, visitors should park by the lower indoor arena. To arrange a tour, call Patty Foster at 301-461-7159 or email rollingacrespatty@gmail.com. Because show schedules shift seasonally, advance appointments ensure trainers are on-site to answer questions.
Drivers coming from Interstate 270 typically exit at Route 97 North, pass through historic Brookeville, then turn onto the gently winding country roads that signal you’re close. First-time visitors often remark how the bustle of suburban Montgomery County fades into quiet farmland within minutes, underscoring one of Rolling Acres’ charms: proximity meets pastoral calm.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Search Result
Typing “rolling acres farm maryland” reveals a map pin and a few online photos, but the lived experience is richer than any screen can show. It is the steam rising from a freshly bedded stall on a cold January morning, the hush before a vertical, the shared applause when a timid rider conquers her first show. It is family members who answer night-check alarms themselves and professional staff who understand that every horse shipping in carries someone’s dream.
For riders seeking a barn that blends competitive ambition with a holistic commitment to horse welfare, Rolling Acres stands as a compelling, time-tested choice. The past 50 years prove that good land, good people, and a clear vision can turn open fields into a national-caliber equestrian program—one trot step, one low schooling jump, and eventually one Grand Prix at a time.