History
Owl Hollow Farms boast a rich history in the equestrian world. Formerly owned and operated by the late Stephen “Steve” Cushing McBroom, who was widely regarded as the “Champion of the Virginia Horse Industry”, the farm has a legacy deeply rooted in the breeding, raising, and training of Champion horses. McBroom, along with his wife Diane McBroom, poured their passion and expertise into Owl Hollow Farms, producing numerous successful show horses, including the esteemed champion Morgan stallion, Van Lu Starbuck
Steve McBroom’s profound impact extended beyond the confines of Owl Hollow Farms. He dedicated 14 years of his life, from 2000 to 2014, serving on the board of the Virginia Horse Center. His unwavering commitment led him to become the president of the Virginia Horse Center from 2006 to 2014, guiding the organization through its transition from a public entity to a private institution. In recognition of his remarkable leadership, professional achievements, and deep passion for the Virginia horse community, McBroom was rightfully inducted into the Virginia Horse Center Hall of Fame in 2010.
Stephen “Steve” Cushing McBroom
1984 World Champion Stallion Van Lu Starbuck
(Apollo’s Merry Don x Westworld Dona Resa)
Today’s Throughbred premier breeding facility builds on the strong foundation and ample contributions of Owl Hollow Farms to the equine world in Virginia and beyond. Following its acquisition and remodeling of the original stables and paddock by Covilar, LLC plus the acquisition of our foundation breeding stock, we are thrilled to help write the next page of the history of Owl Hollow Farms as the home of future generations of Thoroughbred horses. The enduring legacy of Owl Hollow Farms will continue to inspire and shape the future of this remarkable equestrian institution.
Original Covilar
Original Covilar
The original Covilar Farm traces its roots to a European farm established in the XIII century by William of Cubila in Sant Joan de les Abadesses located in the Catalan Pyrenean mountains. The original Covilar Farm was the location were the Catalan poet Joan Maragall gained inspiration to write the poem entitled “The Cow Gone Blind” La Vaca Cega in Catalan
La vaca cega
Topant de cap en una i altra soca,
avançant d’esma pel camí de l’aigua,
se’n ve la vaca tota sola. És cega.
D’un cop de roc llançat amb massa traça,
el vailet va buidar-li un ull, i en l’altre
se li ha posat un tel. La vaca és cega.
Ve a abeurar-se a la font com ans solia;
mes no amb el ferm posat d’altres vegades
ni amb ses companyes, no: ve tota sola.
Ses companyes, pels cingles, per les comes,
pel silenci dels prats i en la ribera,
fan dringar l’esquellot mentres pasturen
l’herba fresca a l’atzar… Ella cauria.
Topa de morro en l’esmolada pica
i recula afrontada… Però torna
i abaixa el cap a l’aigua i beu calmosa.
Beu poc, sens gaire set… Després aixeca
al cel, enorme, l’embanyada testa
amb un gran gesto tràgic; parpelleja
damunt les mortes nines, i se’n torna
orfe de llum, sota del sol que crema,
vacil·lant pels camins inoblidables,
brandant llànguidament la llarga cua.
Joan Maragall, La vaca cega. Barcelona: Edicions La Magrana, 1998, pàg. 157.
