MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Castle Farm Andalusians
Snow Hill, Maryland
www.CastleFarmAndalusians.com
Castle Farm has been an Andalusian breeding farm for 20 years, owned and managed by Catherine and Darren Casto. They breed 2-3 exceptional quality Spanish Andalusian foals every year, seeking gentle temperament and trainability suitable for amateur riders, and athleticism for dressage.
The current facility was built in 2012, and after brides persistently requested to use the farm for their weddings, Castle Farm became a wedding venue! CFA maintains a dressage training facility year-round and hosts gorgeous weddings and corporate events on weekends from Spring through Fall.
CFA hosts dressage clinics from top international trainers and occasional schooling shows. Currently, it is the home to 11 Andalusians, 2 beer ponies who serve beer/seltzer at cocktail parties and 7 horses of various breeds that are boarded. They also own a gorgeous silver micro mini pure Scottish Highland bull and a total of 6 mini moos that they breed and sell.
Designated as a Century Farm
Castle Farm is historic, situated on 150 acres that are part of an original 1800-acre family farm that dates back over two centuries. It has been designated by the state as a Century Farm. Catherine's grandfather started the first automatic dairy milking parlor in Maryland but horses were an integral part of working the farm throughout its history. Her father bred Standardbred racehorses and taught her to ride and appreciate horses. Her dream was always to own an Iberian, the original dressage horse, and Horse of Kings.
Barn, Indoor & Facilities
The expansive indoor arena is a 20 x 60 m dressage ring with GGT dust-free footing, mirrors, surround sound, chandeliers and cafe lighting throughout that transforms the space into the most amazing riding experience AND a magical wedding venue.
CFA's Andalusian breeding program
Catrina TSF (below) was CFA's first Andalusian and she was THAT special horse for Catherine. She was imported 20 years ago at the age of 3. She was the foundation broodmare, Catherine's trail companion and amazing dressage partner. Catrina's bloodlines include Granadino XI/Leviton and Ebano - favored for being athletic, powerful and gentle. She trained through third/fourth level dressage in between Catrina producing 6 truly amazing foals, all currently successful in the dressage ring!
Catherine kept her only filly, Adelante CFA who has since produced a stallion prospect, Viento CFA. After weaning, Addy will begin her show career. Adelante CFA is sired by Donoso VII, was gently started under saddle before being bred.
Elegancio CFA is a 6yo gelding by LC Galanton, who is currently training at first level dressage. They both remind Catherine everyday of their mamma.
Century Farm Woodworking
The facility and landscaping was mostly planned by Catherine's husband Darren, who is an artisan and owner of Century Farm Woodworking and is also managed by their son who is completing his Bachelor's degree at the University of Delaware in Animal Science. Upon graduation, he plans to expand the farm into an equine reproduction facility and he already holds AI certification.
The barn is an immaculate 22,000 sqft 16-stall barn that features copper walls and timber framing throughout. The hardwood was all harvested from the century farm and was milled and prepped on-site.
Boarding for dressage or jumping enthusiasts
The barn features a climate-controlled viewing lounge, with a full kitchen and bathroom, tack rooms with built-in lockers, and heated wash stalls. The facility offers miles of trails, outdoor jumping and dressage rings and premier care with individual 1-2 acre turnout fields with run-in sheds.
CFA Broodmares are proven under saddle
O'Isabella MC (below) by Amoroso is a chestnut Andalusian mare who was trained through first level dressage and has produced 4 foals. Her son, Mateo CFA has been successfully shown in dressage and started piaffe/passage with Britta Johnston. Her filly Sophia CFA is successfully showing at first level and her filly by Olympian, Grandioso is being offered for sale. Aurora CFA was recently weaned will be joining their breeding program. Izzy will be started back under saddle and sold as a very lovely riding mare/broodmare soon.