The barns at Wolf Trap were originally for cattle. The bell-roofed barn in particular was designed as a "modern" dairy facility, with its silo, milking facilities, and huge hayloft.
In the 1970's, the barns became stables for thoroughbred race horses, which were raised on the farm, and for hunter/jumpers (which is what one does with a race horse that is no longer winning).
The barns were run down and empty when the farm changed hands in 2004. They received extensive repairs and were put back in service. They have been rented to various trainers and equine professionals over the past decade.
As of now (early 2021), we have four different barn and pasture tenants, representing a number of different equestrian disciplines. The largest barn and its related paddocks are rented by Andy Kocher Sport Horses. Andy is a premier rider and trainer of show jumpers, and operates one of the larger sport horse sales businesses in the U.S. Wolftrap is one of several facilities where he boards sale horses and horses he is raising to become show jumpers.
Sommers Olinger uses the second barn and its related paddocks for his field hunters and horses he is training for others. Sommers is an avid fox hunter, and is on the staff of several of the local hunts.
Other paddocks are leased to people who use their horses for endurance riding and for western competitions.
None of the horses at the farm are suitable for guests to ride. They are generally safe to pet, and unless there is signage telling you otherwise, you may feed them treats (carrots, slices of apple or pear, or even a hard candy). Remember, you interact with the horses at your own risk, and there is always the possibility that you will get a nip.