St. Mary’s County

Let’s start our equine travel from the southernmost tip of Maryland  

Historic St. Mary’s City, the site of the fourth permanent settlement in British North America, was Maryland’s first settlement in 1634 and its colonial capital for sixty-one years. It’s where the first horse coming from England stepped on American soil.  The “must see” when in St. Mary’s County is the Historic St. Mary’s Museum. It features an outdoor archeological park and a living history museum with costumed role-playing interpreters.  Other attractions include the Maryland Dove (a full-scale replica of the square-rigged ships that carried settlers and supplies to Maryland); a working tobacco plantation and a woodland Indian hamlet. There are reproduced buildings such as an inn and a print shop. Bucolic trails around the museum site take you through woods and down to the serene St. Mary’s River. Historic St. Mary’s City has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1969 and is one of Southern Maryland’s leading tourism attractions.

Historic St. Mary’s City

18751 Hogaboom Lane
St. Mary’s City, MD
hsmcdigshistory.org
301-994-4370

St.  Mary’s County Fairgrounds

The Fairgrounds host activities throughout the year, so check out their website for their calendar.  One of the most popular events at the  Fairgrounds is held In mid-September: the annual St. Mary’s Country Fair. The Family Day on Sunday begins with an Open Horse Show, so start your County Fair experience with an equestrian focus. After you’ve seen horses and riders compete, there are the kind of activities you would expect at a rural, agricultural fair: 4-H dairy goat showing; antique tractor pull competition; 4-H rabbit showmanship contest; ride the rides at the Carnival; chain saw artist and wood carvers; pig races and the ever-popular Clydesdales from Suttler Post Farm are on display.

St.  Mary’s County Fair
42455 Fairgrounds Road
Leonardtown, MD 20860
smcfair.somd.com

Point Lookout State Park

Horses played a key role in this county’s rich military history. Several calvary regiments were based here during the Civil War, and it was connected to Washington by Pony Express during the War of 1812.

Point Lookout State Park
11175 Point Lookout Road
Scotland, MD 20687
dnr.maryland.gov
301-872-5698

Greenwell  Foundation

Greenwell Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a variety of unique riding related programs, services and facilities to all community members with or without disabilities in the Southern Maryland area.

Greenwell has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board. The Horse Discovery Centers are part of a volunteer, certified program that welcome visitors of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a knowledgeable and friendly environment.

Greenwell Foundation offers a variety of programs for participants of all ages. Their Lessons/Sessions programs offer riding lessons starting at age seven and up; driving lessons 12+ and a confidence and connection program starting at age five.  The Experiences/Activities program offers trail rides for riders starting at age seven and horse experience activities starting at age five.

Greenwell Foundation also offers activities for Veterans. Trail riding, kayaking and charter fishing are among the activities for Vets.

Greenwell Foundation
25420 Rosedale Manor Lane
Hollywood, MD 20636
greenwellfoundation.org
301-373-9775

Vandermere Farm and Stables

Vandermere’s mission is to provide a positive experience to a diverse group of people through a variety of horse activities in a peaceful farm setting. Vandermere offers horse and pony activities/lessons for kids, teens and adults in either English or Western riding disciplines, from beginners to advanced equestrians. The farm has a heated room and hosts pony and Scout parties. There is a therapeutic riding program offered as well.  

Vandermere has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

Vandermere Farm and Stables
Montana Way
Leonardtown, MD 20650
www.vandermerestables.com
240-538-8001

A Moment in Time

Since its beginning in 1992, A Moment in Time farm has been offering boarding, training and lessons on its bucolic 65 acres. Its year-long lesson program offers instructions for riders of all experience level. The stable has a robust calendar of special events and activities such as clinics, horse shows, and benefit trail rides. Make arrangements to ride a pony and/or host a birthday at the farm!

A Moment in TIme has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

A Moment in Time
41191 Breton Beach Road
Leonardtown, MD 20610
www.amitfarm.net
301-475-5434

Historic Sotterley

Located in Hollywood, MD and overlooking the Patuxent River, Sotterley is a 300-year old National Historic Landmark and one of its oldest museums of its kind in the country. “TravelMag” listed Sotterley as the second of its top ten exhibits in the State of Maryland.

Sotterley today has 94 acres of farm and woodlands and 20 authentic buildings. The plantation is farmed sustainably and produce distributed to local food banks.

Dates of significance for Sotterley begin in 1699 when John Bowles started Sotterley as a tobacco farm and traded in lumber and livestock to 1961 when Sotterley became a non-profit foundation and opened to the public. Today Sotterley is dedicated to sustainable farming and cultural and educational programs.  Sotterley gives the visitor an in depth look at life for horses and humans on a plantation in the 18th century.

Historic Sotterley
44300 Sotterley Lane
Hollywood, MD 20636
sotterley.org
301-373-2280

Mount Aventine Manor

Visitors to Chapman State Park enjoy a journey through time to Southern Maryland's pastoral heritage. Park visitors will delight in visiting the Mount Aventine Manor, the historic home of the prominent Chapman family, who were closely tied to the families of our Founding Fathers George Washington and George Mason.

From 1914, when the Chapman family sold its estate, until the 1990s, there were various owners of the property – including the Countess Margit Bessenyey, who owned the property from 1954 – 1984. The Countess was an avid equestrian. She used the Chapman property as a stud farm for breeding Hungarian thoroughbred horses. The Countess has been credited with creating the foundation for the Hungarian Warmblood Association in the United States. Chapman State Park still includes the barns, stables, and a riding arena installed by the Countess.

“The Countess, Mount Aventine Manor and her horses are an integral part of the history of Southern Maryland and considered the most important asset that Charles County or Southern Maryland has.” said Sheryl Elliott president of the Mount Aventine at Chapman State Park board of directors. It’s truly architecturally one of the most significant treasures of Southern Maryland.”

Mount Aventine Manor
3452 Ferry Place
Indian Head, MD 20646
dnr.maryland.gov
301-743-7613

Christ Church Chaptico

The village of Chaptico was a major stop on the stage coach route in the 1700’s. During the War of 1812, the British Fleet ravaged the village and stables its horses in the historic church.

25390 Maddox road
Chaptico, MD 20621
cckqp.net
301-884-3451

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Rosecroft Raceway

William E. Miller—a harness racing Immortal and horse breeder—founded Rosecroft Raceway in 1949. It was the first raceway to be owned by horse owners, horse trainers, and jockeys. It is known as the “Raceway by the Beltway” and has offered top class harness racing since its opening. Its close proximity to Washington, DC enhanced its popularity and was known as a meeting place for politicians and socialites alike.

Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses, Standardbreds, race at a specific gait which is faster than a trot. A harness horse’s speed is typically 30 mph . They typically pull a two-wheeled cart called a “sulky” occupied by a driver.

Over the years Rosecroft has hosted great races such as the Maryland Sire Stakes which promoted the best Maryland-bred Standardbreds. Additionally races such as the William E. Miller Memorial, run in honor of Rosecroft’s founder, has attracted top horses like Cam’s Card Shark the 1995 Horse of the Year. Rosecroft was awarded one of the sports inaugural Breeder’s Crown races which showcased the best two and three year old Standardbreds in the United States and Canada. The Messenger Stakes came to Rosecroft part of the Harness Racing Triple Crown for pacers.

Many of the sport’s top trotters and pacers have run at this storied race track. Spectators will enjoy the comfortable surroundings and should check out Rosecroft’s calendar for special events. An example of hosted special events is the Harvest Hoofbeats featuring pony rides, pumpkin decorating, costume contest along with live music.  

Rosecroft Raceway
6336 Rosecroft Drive
Fort Washington, MD 20744
Rosecroft.com
301-567-4500

Prince George’s Equestrian Center and Show Place Arena

Upper Marlboro is firmly on the horse world map with the presence of the Prince George’s Equestrian Center and Show Place Arena. The facility draws riders and spectators throughout the year participating  in some of the highest levels of equine competition. The facility is host to a wide variety of equine disciplines and activities, so check their calendar for a list of upcoming events.

Two important horse shows hosted at PGEC are The Capital Challenge and the Washington International Horse Show. Both draw large crowds who watch thrilling competition with horses and riders at the top of their game.  During the horse shows there are numerous options for dining and vendors offer unique shopping opportunities. Prince George’s Equestrian Center is a world-class facility and is a delight for horses, riders and spectators.

Check out the facility’s website for a full calendar of events. Websites for two of the major attractions, the Washington International Horse Show and Capital Challenge, also follow.

Prince George’s County Equestrian Center and Show Place Arena
14900 Pennsylvania Avenue
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
pgparks.com
capitalchallenge.org
WIHS.org
301-952-7900

The Big Purple Barn Horse Sanctuary

The Big Purple Barn Horse Sanctuary offers a lifetime of compassionate care for horses, ponies, minis, sheep, goats and pigs. And the barn that houses these residents is purple! The facility is open to the public, providing an opportunity for visitors to make meaningful connections with the animals.

Check out the Big Purple Barn’s website for information on exciting events on the farm calendar. Details on scheduling a farm tour are also on the website.

Interested in sponsoring one of the animals at the barn? Your support will ensure they have everything needed to be safe, healthy and to thrive.

The Big Purple Barn has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

The Big Purple Barn Horse Sanctuary
6407 Hillmead Road
Bowie, MD 20720
thebigpurplebarn.org
240-687-6995

Belair Stable Museum

Belair is a Georgian structure of historic significance located in Bowie, MD.  Its stable museum tells the story of Belair’s horse breeding and racing dominance from its beginning to the 1950’s.

Belair was built in 1747 for Samuel Ogle was the 16th, 18th and 20th Proprietary Governor of Maryland. Belair has long been associated with horses when the first thoroughbreds were shipped from England to the United States and stabled at Belair. The Ogle family sold Belair and moved to Baltimore in 1871. The Woodward family became the new owners and remained there for three generations.

Belair horses were raced in the 1700’s but the stables true days of horse racing dominance came in the 20th century. Under the leadership of William Woodward, Sr. Belair became one of the nation’s top breeding and racing stables. Names of legendary Belair horses include Gallahad III purchased by Mr. Woodward and partners for the jaw dropping amount of $125,000.  Gallahad III sired Gallant Fox who won the second Triple Crown, a total of 11 of 17 starts and purse money of $300,000 a record breaker at the time. Gallant Fox sired Omaha the winner of the third Triple Crown.  Gallahad III was inducted into the racing Hall of Fame in 1957 and Omaha in 1965.

Belair’s legacy is unmatched: five horses inducted into racing’s Hall of Fame; 630 wins; three Kentucky Derby wins; three Preakness wins; six Belmont Stakes wins. A visit to the Belair Stables Museum is a trip through horse racing history at the highest level of the sport.

Belair Stable Museum
2835 Belair Drive
Bowie, MD 20715
Cityofbowie.org/289/Belair-Stable-Museum
301-809-3089

Surratt House Museum

This historic house and tavern date back to the 1850’; the grounds included an early carriage house and stable. A post office inside the tavern was served by a southern Maryland stagecoach route.

Surratt House Museum
9118 Brandywine Road
Clinton, MD 20735
Surrattmuseum.org
301-868-1121

RIPS Country Inn

After spending quality time in Prince Georges County touring equine “must see’s” you may have worked up an appetite. If that is the case, we have exactly what you need: RIPS Country Inn. For 60 years this beloved, iconic Bowie eatery has been serving its loyal clientele “Comfort with a Kick”. The restaurant is family owned and has a definite horsey look to it. Check out the website for pictures of the restaurant’s booths decked out like stalls!

RIPS Country Inn
3809 Crain Highway
Bowie, MD 20716
Ripscountryinn.com
301-805-5900

R & D Cross

R & D Cross is a one-of-a-kind store, a true farm emporium that will interest and delight visitors of all ages.

The Cross family started their store in a one room building in 1927, selling farm, garden and tobacco growing products to the immediate countryside. Over the years the items sold by R & D Cross have increased and includes clothing, equine, farm/AG, hunting and outdoors, nursery and garden, and  livestock among other products. Their special events include a calendar of when guinea, turkey and duck chicks are due to hatch!  If you have a hankering to have a barn built on your property, give them a call. Their website shows a variety of structures their custom-building team have completed.

R & D Cross
13801 Martin Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
301-579-2449
randdcross.com

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

Maryland’s History of Horse Racing began in Annapolis

Annapolis is known as the place where thoroughbred racing began in Maryland. In 1719 an Annapolis Alderman identified a track of land to be designated as a race track. It was built on West Street close to the location of the Graduate Hotel. The track in Annapolis drew many visitors, including George Washington who wagered and watched the racing. The first recorded race was in 1747, featuring two imported English thoroughbreds owned by then Governor Ogle.

In 1743 the first jockey club in America was founded in Annapolis Now known as the Maryland Jockey Club, it is affiliated with Pimlico Race Track and Laurel Race Track. Pimlico has national and international stature as the home of the Preakness, the “Second Jewel” in the Triple Crown.

From the 1700’s until present day, thoroughbred horse racing has been loved and followed throughout the United States. And it all began in Annapolis.

Laurel Park

Laurel Park has been attracting seasoned handicappers and spectators since it first opened its doors in 1911. Located between Washington, DC and Baltimore, Laurel has seen Triple Crown greats Sir Barton, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Secretariat and Affirmed run on its storied track. But the track’s illustrious history does not stop there.  The Washington, DC International Turf Cup, started in 1952 and run at Laurel drew top turf horses from around the globe. In addition to the sleek thoroughbreds, the race attracted a star-studded line up of celebrities, diplomats and other notables who flocked to Laurel to see the action, both human and horse. This race was the first major international equine event in the U.S. Washington International parties were the mainstay of the local social calendar and drew everyone from dignitaries, to royalty, to movie stars (Elizabeth Taylor was sighted!)

Laurel’s first-class racing continues today with the Maryland Million, a race inaugurated by legendary sportscaster and horse racing supporter, Jim McKay. This day of racing was designed to promote and recognize Maryland-bred racehorses who compete in races with purses totaling over one million dollars.  Maryland Million is considered the second most important day of racing in Maryland, following the Preakness, the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

Laurel’s focus on providing racing excellence and excitement continues to present time. There are stake and handicaps races with large purses that draw big fields and great competition. Check their calendar for special events and important races held throughout the year. A race day at Laurel is exciting for spectators of all ages!

Laurel Park
198 Laurel Race Track Road
Laurel, MD 20725
301-725-0400
laurelpark.com

Dun-Pikin Farm

No matter your age or experience level. Dun-Pikin offers the chance to pet or ride a pony! This small, family owned and operated barn has been in the business of providing riding opportunities since 2001.

The Pony Pal Program provides children age four+ with an introduction to a pony. Riding lessons are offered for beginner to intermediate riders, age seven through adults. The farm offers Pony Parties held at their private party area on the farm. Want to have a pony at your private party?  Arrangements can be made!

Dun-Pikin has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

Dun-Pikin Farm
4808 Mountain Road
Pasadena, MD 21122
Dun-pikin.com
410-255-3918

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Now we are going even farther back in time with horses in Southern Maryland. Located in Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover, Maryland, Medieval Times takes you back to 11th century Spain, when brave men fought to protect the Court and honor the Queen. The action is epic and features beautiful horses, falcons, soldiers wielding swords, all in rich medieval costumes. The audience is not only treated to a one-of-a-kind show, but also to a delicious four course meal. If you want a truly unique, special outing, Medieval Times should be at the top of the list of your entertainment “musts”.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
7000 Arundel Mills Circle
Hanover, MD 21076
Medievaltimes.com
885-935-6878

En-Tice-Ment Stables at Obligation Farm

En-Tice-Ment Stables welcomes visitors to their riding school located in bucolic Harwood, Maryland. The barn instructs students of all ages and experience level in balance seat equitation as well  as hunters/jumpers instruction. And if you like to ride the surrounding countryside, the farm has miles of trails to experience and enjoy.

En-Tice-Ment Stables has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

En-Tice-Ment Stables at Obligation Farm
4024 Solomons Island Road
Harwood, MD 20776
Enticementstables.com
410-798-4980

Maryland Therapeutic Riding

As stated on their website, Maryland Therapeutic Riding believes in the natural healing and therapeutic power of horses. The facility serves children, adults, active military and veterans with special needs by connecting them with horses in a supportive and healing environment. From its founding in 1996 to today, Maryland Therapeutic Riding (“MTR”) has developed into an award winning Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Center and has been accredited by the distinguished Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (“PATH”) and has risen to Premier level within this revered association.

Maryland Therapeutic Riding has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

Maryland Therapeutic Riding
1141 Sunrise Beach Road
Crownsville, MD 21032
Horsesthatheal.org
410-923-6800

Dover Saddlery Crofton

Whether you are a novice or have been riding for years, Dover has all the items from all the brand names needed by the well turned-out horse and rider. Their experienced staff will ensure that you get exactly what is needed for your riding lesson, trail ride, horse show, any event involving horse and rider! Their inventory is extensive and features riding apparel; riding boots and chaps; horse tack/blankets; horse care; stable supplies and gifts, to name just a few.

Dover Saddlery Crofton
North, 11041, MD-3
Gambrills, MD 210
stores.doversaddlery.com
410-451-2174

Maryland Saddlery Consignment – Crofton

In the market for riding apparel and tack? Not against considering previously owned items? Then Maryland Saddlery Consignment is for you! Knowledgeable staff will guide you through the shop’s extensive inventory to find just what you are looking for. This store is owned and managed by experienced horse people who will help you every step of the way to make the perfect selections!

Maryland Saddlery Consignment – Crofton
1413 Defense Highway Suite 101
Gambrills, Maryland 21054
410-457-7428
marylandsaddlery.com

Calvert County

Freedom Hill Horse Rescue

Beautiful Owings, Maryland is the home of Freedom Hill Horse Rescue (“FHHR”) an organization dedicated to rescuing horses from neglect, abandonment and slaughter.  FHHR provides a truly safe haven for horses and ponies who have the chance for healing and rehabilitation. The horses also provide education, inspire and improve the lives of children and their families.

FHHR was formed to provide sorely needed for rescue and sanctuary services in Southern Maryland. An important part of their mission is to educate the public about quality horse care, strong horsemanship skills and safety around horses. FHHR offers clinics and programs throughout the year open to kids, adults and families that include lectures and hands on activities with the horses.

Check out FFHR’s website for its robust calendar of events for 2024 and a charming video reliving FFHR’s activities throughout2023.

Freedom Hill Horse Rescue has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

Freedom Hill Horse Rescue
7940 Flint Hill Road
Owings, MD 20736
Freedomhillhorserescue.com
301-806-1708

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

JPPM has more than 65 archaeological sites, including the Smith’s St. Leonard Plantation and rare remains of one of Maryland’s earliest stables.

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
10515 Mackall Road
St. Leonard, MD 20683
Jefpat.maryland.gov
410-585-8538

Charles County

Linden Farm

Linden Farm offers riding lessons to riders of all ages and experience levels.  Established in 2000, Linden Farm has taught horsemanship to over 1000 riders in programs such as Hunt Seat; Dressage; Sidesaddle; Over Fences; Driving; and Summer Camp.  There is a horse lease program offered as well.

Linden Farm students who ride in horse shows accumulated a number of grand champion and reserve champion ribbons at the local 4-H show.  If you’d like to watch a show at Linden Farm, check out their website for information on an upcoming Dressage Show Schooling Shows. If you live in the Charles County area and have wanted to learn to ride or get back in the saddle, they have a place in their lesson program for you!

Linden Farm has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

Linden Farm 
8530 Mitchell Road
LaPlata, MD 20646
lindenfarm.com
301-266-9220

Promise Landing Farm at Melwood Recreation Center, Nanjemoy

For over 50 years Melwood has been assisting people with disabilities to work and thrive in their  communities. The Melwood Recreation Center is an important part of the Melwood Mission. As stated on their website, “A key component to our mission’s fulfillment is the support we provide to children, youth and adults of all abilities through enriching recreational activities.” One of the recreational activities offered is an inclusive equestrian program offered to riders of all ages, and all abilities.

In 2021, Promise Landing Farm, a renowned inclusive and adaptive riding facility, assumed leadership of Melwood’s equestrian program. Promise Landing Farm offers year-round equine-assisted services including riding lessons and ground-based horsemanship. These programs are offered both at Promise Landing Farm at Melwood Recreation Center in Nanjemoy and Promise Landing Farm’s facility in Upper Marlboro.

Promise Landing Farm at Melwood Recreation Center has received the Horse Discovery Center credential awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

Promise Landing Farm at Melwood Recreation Center, Nanjemoy
9035 Ironsides Road
Nanjemoy, MD 20662
melwood.org
301-249-2971

Oak Ridge Park Equestrian Area

You are bound to see great equestrian events  at Oak Ridge  Park Equestrian Area. Throughout the year local equestrian groups schedule open and private club events at the Park.  The 4-H Mounted Wanderers, Potomac Valley Dressage Association, Southern Maryland Quarter Horse Association, Maryland Arabian Horse Association and the Southern Maryland Trail Riders are among the organizations that hold their events at this popular park.

Oak Ridge Park Equestrian Area
13675 Oaks Road
Hughesville, MD 20646
Charlescoounty.md.gov
301-932-3470

The Crabby Mare

This is a animal feed store “par excellence”, located in LaPlata, Maryland. Contact them to place an order for horse, dog and pet supplies. Tack and apparel also offered.

The Crabby Mare
8045 Amberleigh Lane
LaPlata, MD 20646
240-561-8135

Fox Hunting in Southern Maryland

Southern Marylanders have been riding to hounds since the area’s earliest days. It is a thrilling sport that attracts riders  who enjoy galloping across the rolling countryside and jumping natural fences in pursuit of the wily fox.

De La Brooke Foxhounds W

There are eight recognized hunt clubs in Maryland, two of which are in Southern Maryland: De La Brooke Foxhounds and Marlborough Hunt. The De La Brooke Foxhounds W began in 1939. Its calendar of activities open to the public include Hunter Pace and trail rides.

De La Brooke Foxhounds W
Mill Run Road
Mt. Victoria, MD 20661
301-259-2275
Delabrookefoxhounds.com

Marlborough Hunt Club

Established in 1936, the Marlborough rides on land in Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County and parts of Charles and Calvert Counties. The Club’s hunting territory spans 25 miles. In the earlier days of the hunt meets would begin at some of the area’s most historic homes such as Beechwood, Montpelier, Keokuk and Blythewood, all located on the Patuxent River.

The Club offers activities open to the riding public, such as the Fall Hunter Pace.

Marlborough Hunt Club
5904 Hunt Club Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-627-1653
Marlboroughhuntclub.com

Jousting – Uniquely associated with Southern Maryland

The word “jousting” might bring up images of dashing lords and beautiful ladies from the medieval times, but it still flourishes to this day in Southern Maryland! Jousting was introduced to the settlers of St. Mary’s County by the second Lord Baltimore, Cecil Calvert, in 1634. It is not just a popular past time for spectators, jousting is the official state sport of Maryland! There are thrilling tournaments in summer months, featured at the St. Mary’s County Fair and Christ Church in Calvert County, among other locales.

Riders of all ages, on horses of all types, gallop towards three dangling rings with the goal of spearing them. The rings range in size from 1 ¾” for novice jousters to 1” for professionals. A perfect score consists of nine rings speared.  Check out tournament dates and locations on the Maryland Jousting Association marylandjousting.com