ABOUT THE OWNER
Hilary Morrow is the owner and head instructor and trainer at Top Bar Farm, where her lifelong dedication to horses shapes a program focused on quality horsemanship, versatility, and care. With nearly three decades in the saddle and 18 years of professional training experience, Hilary brings a wealth of knowledge, hands-on expertise, and a passion for helping both horses and riders thrive.
Her horsemanship foundation was built early through shadowing and interning with experienced barn managers and owners, giving her real-world insight into equine care and training. This practical education was strengthened by years in Pony Club and 4-H, where she developed strong fundamentals and a competitive edge that continues to influence her work today.
Hilary began her riding journey in the hunter/jumper world, transitioned to eventing as a teenager, and later explored speed events—eventually falling in love with barrel racing and western disciplines. Though western riding became a major focus later in her career, she still actively rides, trains, and competes in both English and western disciplines, believing that a well-rounded approach brings out the best in every horse.
Throughout her career, Hilary has earned numerous local circuit finals wins, year-end championships, and championship buckles. Her experience focusing on off the track thoroughbreds have also earned her a yearly invitation to compete in the prestigious Retired Racehorse Project's Thoroughbred Makeover in Lexington, Kentucky, year after year as one of a select few recognized from Pennsylvania.
She specializes in off-the-track Thoroughbreds, with a passion for rehabbing and retraining them for successful post-track lives. Her ability to read a horse’s potential and help them find their ideal discipline sets her apart from others in the industry.
Outside the barn, Hilary volunteers her time as a youth wrestling coach and works for Yellow Breeches Educational Center. She also is a proud mom of three and finds joy and balance by traveling, spending time on or near the water, and gardening.
OUR STORY
While the Top Bar Farm riding program officially began in 2021, our roots go much deeper. After years of teaching and developing riders across the region, it was time to build a program that reflected our vision — one that focused not just on riding, but on producing thoughtful, well-rounded horsemen.
We started small, operating out of a farm in Newville, Pennsylvania. As our program and community grew, so did the need for a space to truly call our own. In the spring of 2023, we moved to our permanent home on Buttermilk Road — a property with a rich history.
Our farm was once part of the McGillvray Dairy, established in the 1950s. While the main dairy barn was lost to a fire, the upper barn — once used for milking — still stands, now reimagined for a new purpose. The original farmhouse remains as well, a quiet reminder of the property’s agricultural past.
Today, Top Bar Farm blends the tradition of the land with a modern approach to horsemanship. Our mission is simple: to develop skilled, educated riders who always put the horse first. Here, riders grow, horses thrive, and history lives on.