“Military Night”, Friday, October 28th, was even more special for the crowds at the 2016 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) when theMaryland Horse Discovery Center Networkreceived theKlinger Perpetual Award for Honor & Servicesponsored by Ariat International and the EQUUS Foundation. The award recognizes a horse, individual, or organization that best demonstrates the values of honor and service as embodied by Klinger, a special horse who has touched the lives of many in his life of service with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon.

Under the leadership of the Maryland Horse Industry Board Chair, Jim Steele, the Horse Discovery Center Network was established in 2015. “Like the horse Klinger, the goal is to showcase the best of the horse world, give the public the opportunity to enjoy these wonderful animals and help our industry prosper and grow”, said Executive Director Ross Peddicord. It’s hard to imagine a future without horses, but the Maryland Horse Industry Board continuously heard a litany of terrible first-time experiences with horses. “It became obvious to us that despite the over 700 riding schools and boarding barns operating in Maryland that we needed to establish a network where folks could encounter horses in a safe, friendly and knowledgeable environment”, said Peddicord.

Four workshops were scheduled across the state at which over 60 stable operators gathered to develop criteria for the network centers. 46 applications were received. The inspection team, including equine attorney Kathleen Tabor and Bev Raymond, winner of the American Horse Council’s Van Ness Award, traveled over 3,000 miles in a three-month period to inspect facilities, make sure they had airtight insurance policies, bomb proof horses and programs in place to teach very basic horsemanship and riding instruction. Eventually 35 centers in 15 counties were certified. 

Not surprisingly, the Maryland Horse Industry Board has continued to be innovative. In 2017, it will unveil a “horse curriculum”, for grades 4-8, developed by Discovery Center operators along with the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation and the Maryland Department of Education. The $1,000 EQUUS Foundation grant received as the Klinger Award recipient will be used to connect the stables to local schools and provide opportunities to introduce children to horses in a structured, knowledgeable format. 

Mary Horse Discovery Center

These Maryland Horse Industry Discovery Centers are committed to providing the best possible experience for you and your family. They offer a range of experiences from demonstrations and hands-on activities to farm tours and volunteer opportunities. Many stables also offer riding lessons, trail rides and pony rides.

CAPITAL REGION

Frederick County

• Cedar Rowe Lusitanos Equestrian Fitness Center, Rocky Ridge

• Misty Peaks Farm, Smithsburg

• New World Stables, Frederick

Montgomery County

• Reddemeade Equestrian Center, Silver Spring

• Waredaca Farm, Laytonsville

• Woodland Horse Center, Silver Spring

Prince George’s County

• The Big Purple Barn, Bowie

CENTRAL REGION

Anne Arundel County

• Dun-Pikin Farm, Pasadena

• En-Tice-Ment Stables at Obligation Farm, Harwood

Baltimore County

• Amazing Grace Equestrian Center, Parkton

• Graham Equestrian Center, Gunpowder Falls State Park, Glen Arm

• The Retreat at Beckleysville, Hampstead

Carroll County

• Darenth Farm, Mount Airy

• Full Moon Farm, Finksburg

• Nagrom Farm, Westminster

• Persimmon Tree Farm, Westminster

• River Valley Ranch, Manchester

• Sweet Rock Stables, Manchester

• Talbot Run Equestrian Center, Mount Airy

Howard County

• Columbia Horse Center, Laurel

• Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine

• Clark’s Elioak Farm, Ellicott City

EASTERN SHORE

Caroline County

• Jewel’s Landing Farm, Ridgely

Cecil County

• Fairwinds Farm & Stable, North East

• Rolling Hills Ranch & Freedom Hill Therapeutic Riding Program, Port Deposit

• Silver Fern Farm, Earleville

Dorchester County

• Windy Way Horses, Hurlock

Kent County

• Worthmore Equestrian Center, Worton

Wicomico County

• Holly Ridge Farm Equestrian Center, Willards

• Secret Pride Stables, Salisbury

SOUTHERN MARYLAND

Calvert County

• Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, Owings

• Lucky Cricket Farm, Huntingtown

St. Mary’s County

• A Moment In Time Farm, Leonardtown

• The Greenwell Foundation, Hollywood

WESTERN MARYLAND

Washington Country

• Peaceable Pastures, Fairplay

The EQUUS Foundation is the only national charity solely dedicated to horse welfare and the horse-human bond. Efforts are focused on the rescue, rehabilitation and prevention of unwanted horses, and the rehoming of horses for new careers after their competitive careers are over, including those serving the special needs and veterans communities. The EQUUS Foundation provide resources to over 1,000 equine charities across the United States, and award over $250,000 annually to organizations operating at the highest standards for horse care and use, and for programs where it is needed most.