Maryland Horse Industry Board Launches Statewide Network of Horse Discovery Centers

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Horse Industry Board, a program within the Maryland Department of Agriculture, is launching a statewide network of 35 Horse Discovery Centers in 15 counties next month. These centers are carefully selected, licensed stables that are welcoming people of all ages and experience levels into their barns to learn about horses in a friendly and knowledgeable environment.

“We know from our research that there are thousands of Marylanders interested in becoming involved with horses, either as riders or spectators, but they don’t know where to go or how to get started.” said MHIB Chair Jim Steele. “The Horse Discovery Centers are the answer.”

The breadth and diversity of the stables in the Discovery Center network is wide and deep. They range from trail riding centers to Western riding operations to horse rescues and stables offering summer camps, English equitation, even Civil War re-enactments. Geographically they are located in all regions of the state.

Last year MHIB invited its more than 700 licensed stables to volunteer to become a Horse Discover Center if they were willing to meet stringent criteria and eagerly welcome newcomers with open arms to educate them about horses and horsemanship. A total of 68 stable owners responded and attended five information workshops throughout the state. Of these, 45 applied to join the program and 35 met the certification standards of an MHIB inspection team.

Criteria included proof of commercial liability insurance; written programs and procedures addressing safety rules and public outreach; clean, sanitary conditions, equipment and facilities; and of course, well cared for and healthy horses.

“Most of all, the stable operators need to exhibit exemplary customer service, enthusiasm and a passion to educate the public about horses and a sense of selflessness in providing information and referrals to all types of horse activities and experiences,” said Kathleen Tabor, an MHIB board member and equine attorney. She logged more than 3,000 miles inspecting the facilities with longtime MHIB stable inspector and current board member Beverly Raymond.

The Maryland Horse Chase

To launch the program, MHIB will host a statewide scavenger hunt called the Maryland Horse Chase from April 6 to April 26. Scavenger hunt participants will have the opportunity to visit many of the centers, earn points by completing challenges and then have a chance to win more than $10,000 worth of horse-related prizes, including free riding lessons, riding apparel and tickets to horse events.

“We are thrilled to be part of this new program and eager to provide wonderful experiences with horses to our fellow citizens,” said Tara Guevara, co-founder of The Big Purple Barn in Bowie and a Horse Discovery Center operator. “We already do a lot of public outreach. Last year we welcomed between 8,000 and 10,000 people at our stable and at public events. But now we are part of an amazing group of fellow stable operators from all over the state with the same commitment. We feel we can have a major impact on introducing people to horses and the joy that they can bring to their lives.”

For more information about the Maryland Horse Chase.

A complete list and contact information for each Horse Discovery Center is online here.

For more information about the Discovery Centers or MHIB, contact MHIB Executive Director Ross Peddicord at ross.peddicord@maryland.gov or  410-841-5798.

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