The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association will honor the national award winners at its awards dinner on Sept. 7 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington. Five national winners have been announced in advance, and BloodHorse Daily will feature profiles of those winners throughout the week.

Today we’re featuring Castle Rock Farm, winner of the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award. Equine Land Conservation Resource is a co-sponsor of the award.

For many farm owners, there comes a point when they must make a difficult decision about the future of their land. Peter Giangiulio and his sister Barbara Geraghty of Castle Rock Farm in Unionville, Pennsylvania, recently made that difficult decision and hope their decision serves as an example.

As an attorney, Giangiulio has considered and researched all options for the future of their farm. Along with his wife Stephanie and brother-in-law Bill, Giangiulio and Geraghty decided to preserve their 113-acre farm in 2022 with Natural Lands, a nonprofit organization that protects open space, cares for nature, and connects people to nature in Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.

“You have a responsibility for the land and the animals,” said Giangiulio. “You lose nothing by doing this, you gain so much.”

Using a land protection tool known as a conservation easement, Natural Lands has ensured that the property will never be developed, preserving the idyllic, scenic views of the Brandywine Creek Valley. Castle Rock Farm can still be sold, but not developed.

“You have grown very fond of the country and your neighbors, and everything that comes with it is ultimately worth more than any monetary difference,” said Giangiulio.

The Brandywine River flows through part of the property and is a popular spot for locals to enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing.

“It has value and cannot be replaced,” Giangiulio said. “We did it for the right reasons. I’m very proud of my family and my wife for seeing the best opportunity for green space, for the neighborhood and for the people who enjoy it.”

In addition to his connection to the land where Giangiulio began working with horses at the age of eight, he also feels a sense of responsibility towards his horses.

Giangiulio and Geraghty have both followed their father’s passion for horses and own and breed Thoroughbreds. Giangiulio is a past president of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association and currently serves on its board of directors. He is also vice president of Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a boarding farm for horses of all breeds. Giangiulio recently completed his 54th foaling season, has a deep connection with his horses and uses his farm as a sanctuary for them as they age.

“What are you doing with your friends?” he asked about developing the land. “That was part of the trust we accepted.”

In addition to his family, Giangiulio also thanked his farm manager June Hillman for her support during her 29 years on the farm.

“This is a team,” said Giangiulio. “Everyone is just as important as the other.”