Carroll County
During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate cavalry units cut through swaths of the county from Westminster to Taneytown up into the landmark battle of Gettysburg, Pa.
After the Civil War, the Carroll County Agricultural Society was formed in 1869 and in 1897 the first Carroll County Fair was held, featuring equestrian exhibits and activities.
It was during this period starting in 1872 that Long Islander Robert Wyndham Walden moved to Middleburg between New Windsor and Taneytown and established the famous Bowling Brook Farm. The farm grew to 1,800 acres, housing 200 Thoroughbred racehorses. For 31 years from 1872-1902 Walden owned and/or trained 101 stakes winners and won more than 1,000 races. He owned and trained two Preakness winners—Tom Ochiltree (1875) and Refund in 1988 and trained five more for owner George L. Lorillard--Vanguard, Harold, Grenada, Saunterer and Duke of Magenta (1878-1882). He also won the Belmont Stakes four times. After his death, his son Robert J. Walden trained Manuel, the 1899 Kentucky Derby winner. Robert Walden went on to become a vice president of the Maryland Jockey Club and Maryland State Fair.
Walden built a one-eighth mile indoor training track and constructed a railway link from the farm to nearby Union Bridge, which transported the horses directly by rail to the Mt. Washington Station at Pimlico Race Course. Robert Wyndham Walden was installed in the Racing Hall of Fame in 1970. The farm stayed in the Walden Family until 1951. By that time it had dwindled down to 300 acres. The manor house still stands and is operated as a luxurious wedding and retreat center known as Bowling Brook Mansion.
Over the years raising Thoroughbreds has become a Carroll County tradition with such farms as Ryehill Farm (Jim Ryan, Mt. Airy, home of Belmont Stakes winner Caveat) Green Willow (Ron & Carolyn Green, Westminster) and Derby Hill (Leslie Glazier, Woodbine) producing Maryland-bred champions and current farms Shamrock Farm, owned by the Rooney family of Pittsburgh Steelers fame and managed by Jim Steele, former President of the Carroll County Farm Bureau, and the No Guts No Glory Farm (Jerry & Gina Robb), both in Woodbine, turning out numerous stakes winners.
In addition well-known farms of all equine breeds and disciplines have called or currently call Carroll County home including Someday Soon Farm (Suzanne Quarles, Mt. Airy, warmbloods); Cold Saturday Farm (the Hackney family, Finksburg, Morgans), Dr. Mike Odian (Taneytown, Percherons), Chapman Reining Horses (Woodbine, Quarter Horses), Persimmon Tree Farm (Carolyn and Kenny Krome, Westminster, hunter/jumpers), Shadow Ridge Farm (Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, hunters/jumpers), Ship’s Quarters, home in the 1960s of the U.S. 3-Day Eventing Olympic training trials (Sharon Dawson, Westminster) and currently six Horse Discovery Centers—Full Moon Farm (Karen & Steve Fulton, Finksburg), River Valley Ranch ( Peter & John Ministries, Manchester), Talbot Run Equestrian Center (Bob & Ann Petrasek, Mt. Airy), High Ridge Farm (Candy Cole, Manchester), Sweet Rock Farm (Roxy Baldwin, Manchester) and Coexist Stables (Elizabeth Tonti, James Hillman, Mt. Airy).
Overseeing equine activity in the county is the Carroll County Equestrian Council which oversees the Carroll County Equestrian Center and the Carroll County Western Circuit; other major venues that include equine exhibits and shows are the Carroll County Agricultural Center, the Carroll County Farm Museum and Lady Longears Ranch and Arena. The Carrollton Hounds and formerly the Taylorsville Hunt and Mayberry Hounds carry on the foxhunting tradition; and Harrison Mule Days is Maryland’s largest show highlighting the exploits of mules.
There are 85 licensed lesson and boarding barns in the county, five with therapeutic riding programs. In the most recent 21st century Maryland horse census there were 6,050 horses in Carroll County, 1,700 places where horses are kept from training centers to smaller “backyard” farmettes with one to two horses, 41,500 acres devoted to horses and annual capital expenditures of $13.3M.
Famous horse people include the late Colonel Donald W. Thackeray of New Windsor, who held the highest rating for Olympic equestrian judging by the Federation International Equestrian (FEI) in dressage, driving, 3 day eventing and jumping and was chairman of numerous equestrian committees in the U.S. and abroad. He was personal friends with HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh of the U.K.
Westminster
Carroll County Equestrian Council and Equestrian Center
The Carroll County equestrian community is well served by the Carroll County Equestrian Council and Equestrian Center. The Equestrian Council operates the Equestrian Center which features a facility with multiple rings, three miles of trails, cross country jumps, dressage arenas, judging stands, concession stands, a shaded pavilion for observation with bleachers and electricity. The Center is offered to the public at a nominal charge. Check out their calendar for Equestrian Center availability.
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Carroll County Agricultural Center
The Ag Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the appreciation and understanding of agriculture in the area. For more than 50 years, the Ag Center has been the region’s premier location for livestock, dog shows, equestrian outings, live music and entertainment shows, truck and car shows, tractor pulls, trade shows and exhibits, and home of the Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair and the Carroll Farmer’s Market.
It is also the permanent home of the long-running Carroll County Farmers Market and the highly–regarded 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County. Check out their online calendar for a full listing of a wide variety of events for the coming months. If you want to see some horse action, check out the Ag Center calendar for their IBR Rodeos!
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Carroll County Farm Museum
This farm museum complex has 15 buildings including the main house and dependencies. Self-guided tours are available. Bring a picnic and enjoy the farm-themed playground. The Farm Museum has a robust calendar of events that offer entertainment for and information for spectators of all ages! Unique classes such as the Art of Tinsmithing and Bees and Teas for grade schoolers are among the many fabulous events at the Farm Museum. Interested in hosting a party or meeting at the Farm Museum? There are a variety of venues on the Farm that are available to rent.
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Lehigh Riding Club
This bucolic horse show grounds offers a calendar full of competitions throughout the year. Hunter Shows, Schooling Shows, classes that cater to both English and Western disciplines are offered. Check out their calendar for more details. The mission of the Lehigh Riding Club is to keep horse showing affordable and accessible to all riders. The Club is 100% run by volunteers. Their hard work and dedication to horse showing provides riders a great venue to show off their mounts, their riding skills and compete for a cherished ribbon!
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Carrollton Hounds
The tradition of fox hunting in Carroll County, Maryland began in 1937 when Carrollton Hounds founder Harry Straus organized hounds and fox hunting in this bucolic setting. Watching the Hunt pursue the wily fox is thrilling for spectators, you don’t have to be on horseback to see some of the action! Those who are “riding to hounds” see the hounds work, following the scent the fox has left behind. There are riders who follow the Master closely, galloping across open fields and over natural fences. For those not as experienced, there is a second group that walks, trots and may canter, but no fences to jump. This format ensures that all mounted riders get to experience the thrill of the hunt, including those who are less experienced.
The Carrollton Hounds has a calendar of events that attract riders and spectators: Carrollton Hounds Spring Hunter Pace; the Landowners’ Day Picnic; Horse Trials; Game Day and a Christmas Party.
Hounds hunt September – March, on Sundays and Wednesdays. Off season members and visitors can join the Hunt staff to “walk out” the hounds! This is a great way to meet members and staff of the Hunt and learn more about the Hunt and the Hounds!
An interesting note of history involving the Carrollton Hounds: The Hunt was started by an early computer engineer, Harry Straus (1896-1949) in 1937. In addition to founding the Carrollton Hounds, Mr. Straus developed the “Totalisator” or “Tote Board” systems that you will find in racetracks around the globe. This system printed, and issued betting tickets at race tracks, automatically computing the bets and odds and displaying them on a large board.
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The Carroll County Agricultural Center has been the region’s premier location to enjoy livestock, dog shows, equestrian outings, rodeos, live music and entertainment shows, truck and car shows, tractor pulls, trade shows and exhibits, and home of the Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair and the Carroll Farmer’s Market.
Mt. Airy
Harrison Mule Days
It would be difficult to come up with a better way to have fun than to attend three days of celebrating the venerable mule. If you don’t know the difference between a mule, donkey or a horse you will after attending this fun filled extravaganza that honors the majestic mule! Event organizers have planned three full days of activities offering something for everyone regardless of age. There are competitions, trail rides, kids’ mutton busting (children ride sheep!), live entertainment, a bevy of vendors offering a wide range of products. The event is held at the Carroll County Equestrian Center.
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Coexist Stables
This facility offers a variety of programs for riders of all ages and experience levels. There is a strong lesson program and horse show and summer camp opportunities. Riders at Coexist really learn about horsemanship. Cleaning “tack” (saddles, bridles, halters and related items), horse care, preparing for a
horse show, among other duties. Coexist has two horse show series: Snowflake and Central Maryland Classic. The Snowflake is a no pressure, relaxed horse show series that gives riders experience and a fun way to compete with others for ribbons. The more advanced riders participate in the Central Maryland Classic, a series of shows where, as a member, you can compete for year-end points and ribbons. Check out their website for other showing opportunities Coexist offer
Coexist Stables has been designated as a Certified Horse Discovery Center (HDC) by the Maryland Horse Industry Board. HDC’s are part of a volunteer program of already licensed stables that welcome the general public of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a friendly, knowledgeable environment.
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Talbot Run Equitation Center
Talbot Run Equitation Center offers a plethora of riding opportunities and equine experiences for horse lovers of all ages and all experience levels.
This is a family owned and operated riding establishment that began in 2004. It has grown over the years, from starting as a one horse, backyard operation to what it is today: 150 acres, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, cross country fields and miles of wooded trails. There are nine pastures for horse turnout and grazing. Twenty five school horses, nine experienced riding instructors representing over 200 years of combined teaching experience. Riding lessons are taught seven days a week and span a variety of disciplines and interests: eventing, dressage, jumpers and equitation. Riders of all ages have the opportunity to attend horse shows. From beginners to advanced, children to adults, there is a program for all ages to enjoy.
Talbot Run Equitation Center has been designated as a Certified Horse Discovery Center (HDC) by the Maryland Horse Industry Board. HDC’s are part of a volunteer program of already licensed stables that welcome the general public of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a friendly, knowledgeable environment.
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Finksburg
Full Moon Farm
For over 30 years, this family owned and operated barn has attracted riders and spectators to its robust calendar of events and program offerings. Riders of all ages and experience levels are welcomed at the barn, which has taught beginners to international competitors! Summer camps; birthday parties; horse shows; eventing competitions have attracted people year-round to the farm. Check out “Lessons and More” on the website for a list of offerings.
Full Moon Farm is well known for its focus on eventing, a challenging competition taking place over three days that includes dressage, cross country jumping and stadium jumping. Eventing attracts a skilled rider with a horse that can compete in these three very distinct and challenging divisions.
Full Moon Farm has an indoor ring, so their riding programs are truly 12 months a year. If you get bitten by the horse “bug”, look at “Lessons and More” on the Full Moon Farm website. They may be looking for working students, interns and have a listing of current job openings.
Have an event you’d like to host in a farm setting? Check out The Chateau at Full Moon Farm, a lovely space for parties and events year-round. Wedding receptions, office meetings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are among the many types of get togethers hosted at Full Moon Farm.
Full Moon Farm has been designated as Certified Horse Discovery Center (HDC) by the Maryland Horse Industry Board. HDC’s are part of a volunteer program of already licensed stables that welcome the general public of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a friendly, knowledgeable environment. They offer a range of experiences from demonstrations and hands on activities to farm tours. Like Full Moon Farm, many HDC’s offer riding lessons, trails rides and pony rides.
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Manchester
River Valley Ranch
The story of this ranch and its founding starts with a fascination that two young brothers had with the American cowboy. This is not unusual for American boys and girls to have a hankering for the wild westand the life of a cowboy except for the fact that these boys lived in Glasgow, Scotland!
The dream of Peter and John Bisset started to become a reality when the young men immigrated to the United States and settled on the East Coast. Their Christian upbringing inspired Peter and John to become Ministers with a dedication to youth. They never forgot their dream of building a Christian youth camp.
In 1952 the brothers started scouting for land to build their ranch. Looking at numerous properties, they found their building site near a Civil War village, Roller, which offered bucolic scenery and the Gunpower Falls River.
River Valley Ranch started out as a summer day camp and horse center that offered riding lessons, trail rides, group retreats, and school trips. Two new overnight camps have been built for campers: Fort Roller, for ages 7 – 12 and Frontier Town, for campers aged 13-17. The day camp serves campers from age 4-10. The age-appropriate programs offered in the overnight camps last for one week.
River Valley Ranch has been designated as a Certified Horse Discovery Center (HDC) by the Maryland Horse Industry Board. HDC’s are part of a volunteer program of already licensed stables that welcome the general public of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a friendly, knowledgeable environment. Check out the Ranch website or stop by for a visit and see first-hand the many different activities campers can participate in at River Valley Ranch!
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High Ridge Farm
High Ridge Farm provides riding lessons and trail rides for both English and Western riding disciplines. There are 57 horse and ponies at the farm, so finding a safe, suitable mount for riders of different ages and levels of expertise is easy. The farm has both indoor and outdoor riding arenas, so riding takes place throughout the year. There is a novice cross country for riders with the skill to take a horse over a series of challenging jumps. If you want to go on a trail ride but don’t have much or any experience, take lessons in the saddle to build up your confidence.
High Ridge Farm has been designated as a Certified Horse Discovery Center (HDC) by the Maryland Horse Industry Board. HDC’s are part of a volunteer program of already licensed stables that welcome the general public of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a friendly, knowledgeable environment.
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Millers
Sweet Rock Stables
Want to learn more about horses? Considering taking riding lessons? Looking for a fun, family-oriented environment focusing on our equine friends? If you answered “yes” to any or all of those questions, plan a visit to Sweet Rock Stables. Sweet Rock Stables offers a variety of programs for riders of all ages and experience levels. The farm hosts horse shows, clinics, tours, riding lessons, summer camps and birthday parties. The farm has a number of Morgans in their barn, a breed of horse that is known for being alert, intelligent, pleasant, gentle and loyal.
Sweet Rock Stables has been designated as a Certified Horse Discovery Center (HDC) by the Maryland Horse Industry Board. HDC’s are part of a volunteer program of already licensed stables that welcome the general public of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a friendly, knowledgeable environment.
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