Ladybug Hill is a tiny (8 acre) farm nestled in the
Alleghany Mountains near Harrisonburg, Virginia. Chris Tolar,
along with her husband Paul, own/manage the small operation.
With a lifelong interest in horses, Chris started riding 30 years
ago and began breeding hunter horses more than 20 years ago. Most of
the breeding program has focused on the classic Thoroughbred
hunter, with an occasional Welsh cross pony.
Chris enjoys breeding horses that are sane,
beautiful, and a pleasure to ride. Selecting good breeding stock
and then taking the time to develop young horses to the start of their
under saddle career are key priorities at Ladybug Hill. Chris
frequently gets remarks from vets, riders, breeders, and other horse
people on how easy Ladybug Hill "graduates" are to handle. Care is
always individualized for each horse to make the most of their
personality. Horses are treated kindly, but are not made into
spoiled pets that are unpleasant to handle and ride.
Occasionally, we accept a young horse to
come to Ladybug Hill kindergarten or for remedial trailer training.
We have found non-abusive and very effective methods for retraining a
horse to load on the trailer and for other behavioral problems.
