Maryland's rich equestrian heritage evokes a variety of traditions Maryland gallops into full stride with a rich equestrian culture on display. The most visible tradition might be the Preakness Stakes, but horse enthusiasts can enjoy a wide variety of events and activities year-round. Steeplechase, dressage competitions, polo, and even jousting all have strong identities in the state, and, for recreational equestrians, nothing beats a refreshing jaunt down one of Maryland's many riding trails. The Maryland[...]
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Both English and Western horse shows, lesson barns, foxchasing, steeplechasing and Thoroughbred racing and breeding farms are part of the county’s horse allure. In December, horseback riders mix with farmers on their tractors in The Great Lisbon Farmers Feed the Hungry Christmas Parade, which raises money for local food banks. Howard County is steeped in horse history. It is the site of Doughoregan Manor, closed to the public, but famous for more than two centuries[...]
Riding stables across the Old Line State including our officially recognized Maryland Horse Discovery Centers are open to provide your family with the kind of fun you can only get up on the saddle and under the Maryland sky. Whether you’re an old hand expert or looking for your first equestrian experience, Maryland’s Horse Discovery Centers are waiting with just the adventure for you. And don’t forget a stop at a Maryland saddlery for that[...]
The early hotspots for colonial horse sports, including racing and foxchasing, were in Southern Maryland, Annapolis and the Eastern Shore areas of the state. But this began to change in the 1700s as settlers migrated north and west and the commercial scene shifted to Baltimore City. The first major Baltimore County horse farm was established in what is now Towson at Hampton Mansion, where Charles Carnan Ridgeley bred and raised Thoroughbreds in the late 1700s[...]
Of course, the Shore is also home to one of Maryland’s major tourist attractions—the Assateague Wild Horses at the Assateague Island National Seashore Park. There are also numerous trail riding stables where you can rent a horse and see nature up close and personal. Worthmore Enrichment Center 11570 Still Pond Rd, Worton Full service equestrian center offering lessons, boarding, summer camps, two therapeutic riding programs and various Horse Discovery Center activities. The farm is located[...]
The use of horses principally fell into two categories—their horsepower was needed for work, and for war; or for enjoyment in all types of sporting events, mostly racing. Horses pulled fire engines, and one named Goliath, a giant Percheron, was celebrated as the “hero” of the Great Baltimore Fire in 1904. Baltimore started its Mounted Police Unit in 1888, considered the oldest in the country. Arabbers, who are street vendors selling fruit and vegetables and[...]
Western Maryland It was through these areas that horse-drawn wagon trains headed west on the National Road and that horses carried George Washington and his soldiers during the French and Indian War. Horses, of course, were a big part of the Civil War and there is a proliferation of equestrian statues at the Antietam Battlefield in Sharpsburg (Washington County). The mule, and its role in moving goods on the C & O Canal from Washington[...]
Cecil County In 1924, William duPont founded Fair Hill, a tract of nearly 6,000 acres near Elkton, which is now a state-owned natural resources management area and equestrian competition venue. About 20 miles further south, in the 1960s, Allaire duPont banded together with well-heeled friends and established a 10,000-acre enclave of individual horse breeding farms in Chesapeake City. It is the largest contiguous area of preserved farmland in Maryland. The county is comprised of gently[...]
Since Colonial times, fox hunters have swept across these rolling, grassy fields in a colorful pageant of horses, hounds and “hill toppers,” who prefer to watch and ride at a slower pace. Located in an area traditionally known as “Hunt Country,” where fox hunts and steeplechase races are still a popular pastime, some of the farms you see during this relaxing drive across the beautiful Maryland countryside are also famous for producing Thoroughbreds that have[...]
Drive the Horses & Hounds Scenic Byway Check out the exhibits explaining the history, wildlife, and natural environment at the Oregon Ridge Nature Center Explore forests, wetlands, meadows, farm-inspired art installations and enjoy breathtakingly beautiful scenic vistas along the trail system at Baltimore County Farm Park Taste the latest vintage at Basignani Winery or one of the other wineries along the Piedmont Wine Trail Bike, hike or run the Torrey C. Brown Railroad Trail (Northern[...]