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After a respite of several years, the Potomac Barn Tour re-emerged last weekend as a resounding success, according to the Potomac Bridle and Hiking Trails Association. The group hopes to make the tour an annual tradition.

The event, which brought about 150-200 viewers through a series of six county horse barns, was organized as a fundraiser for the group, which aims to improve Potomac trails. Rex Reed, the organization's president, estimated that the tour raised about $2,000 for trail upkeep.

The tour was a way for equestrians and non-equestrians alike to get a feel for what life is like on a small farm, Reed said. "There are still a lot of horses in Potomac — it's not just a thing of the past," Reed said.

The last time the group held the barn tour, about five years ago, it highlighted only Potomac farms. That changed this year, Reed said. "I said if we're going to do this every year, we need to expand our territory a little bit," Reed said.

Highlights of the tour included the Amberlea Farm in Gaithersburg, which features a historic bank barn along with horses, goats, chickens, an emu, and antique carriages. The barn, which dates back to 1850, was also home to Sassy the zebra until her passing in December.

Visitors were treated to a dressage exhibition at the 65-acre Wyndham Oaks Farm in Boyds, home to a barn featuring Olympic arenas, skylights and cathedral ceilings. And at the Cedar View Farm in Potomac, tour participants got a chance to glimpse the state-of-the-art barn facility featuring heated and air-conditioned tack rooms, a heated wash stall and a laundry room.

"Any human being could live there and be very happy," said Elaine Jones, a Potomac Bridle and Hiking Trails Association member.

Through the tour, the group not only hoped to raise money, but to pique the interest of residents in area trails. "It's not all about horses," said Naomi Manders, the group's treasurer. "It's about appreciating the outdoors and preserving green space."

Several previous members of the association asked about re-joining, Manders said.

Next year, the group may include a few cattle barns as well, Reed said. "I think people who came through the barns really enjoyed it and learned a lot," Reed said.