Horse Discovery Center


MHIB Horse Discovery Center logo.jpg MHIB launched a statewide network of 35 Horse Discovery Centers in 15 counties in April 2015, which has grown each year and now has 42 Horse Discovery Centers in 18 counties.  These centers are part of a volunteer, certified program of already existing licensed stables that welcome the general public of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a knowledgeable and friendly environment. 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, and English equitation.  Geographically they are located in all regions of the state. 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. 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!   Visit one of our HDCs today!

What does it mean to be a Horse Discovery Center?  Horse Discovery Centers are licensed stables that strive to provide the general public with a safe, friendly, and educational experience, particularly for those individuals who have never or rarely experienced horses personally.
MHIB has developed a network of licensed equine facilities that can offer tours, demonstrations, educational programs, and riding experiences to individuals and groups for free or minimal fees. Horse Discovery Centers are Maryland's gateway to bring people to the entire industry via your stable gates!

Would you like to be a part of the HDC network? 
Email Anne.Litz@maryland.gov

Application Open in December 2024 for 2025

Click here to see the Guidelines for being an HDC
Click on the PDF below to see the HDC Numbers from the past year
HDC_Numbers2022.pdf


Allegany County
Allegany County
Cumberland MD 21502
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Anne Arundel County

Dun-Pikin Farm
Anne Arundel
Pasadena MD 21122

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Dun-Pikin is a small community lesson barn. They specialize in teaching beginner and intermediate riders with an emphasis on safety. We welcome anyone interested to learning and interacting with horses.


En-Tice-Ment Stables at Obligation Farm 
Anne Arundel
Harwood MD 20776
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En-tice-ment Stables, LLC operates at Obligation Farm located in Harwood, Maryland, central to Annapolis, Baltimore & Washington DC areas. This facility is ideal for personalized learning in a beautiful country setting. We welcome children and adults whose levels range from beginner to advanced horseman. Our lesson programs offer balanced seat equitation and hunter/jumper instruction by highly qualified instructors.

Anne Arundel County
Crownsville, MD 21032


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Maryland Therapeutic Riding is dedicated to helping individuals find overall wellness and mental wellbeing in their lives through the therapeutic power of horseback riding. We strive to improve the quality of life of children, adults, active military, and veterans with special needs.  MTR’s services support our mission by connecting humans and horses to help conquer physical, developmental, and emotional challenges and improve quality of life. In addition, we provide a community of support for parents who often feel isolated when dealing with illness or disability


Baltimore County

Camp Puh'tok's Top Bar Stables
Baltimore County
Monkton MD 21057


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Keeping in line with Camp Puh'Tok's theme of Reliving our American History, Puh’tok’s herd includes five mustangs as well as several Chincoteague ponies. Year-round lessons are given in both English and Western.
There is a strong emphasis on cart and wagon-driving with three driving miniature horses, a team of
POA’s, and several driving draft crosses. Horses and horsemanship are incorporated into our traditional
overnight and day camp programs and a dedicated two-week overnight horseback riding camp is offered
throughout the summer.

Graham Equestrian Center
Baltimore County
Glen Arm MD 21057

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Our mission is to educate the mind, improve the body and lift the spirits of local children and adults, regardless of income or (dis) ability through the joy of horses. We offer lessons, free outreach events and provide opportunities to a variety of organizations to allow the people they deserve to experience and enjoy time with horses for enrichment.

Rose of Sharon Equestrian School 
Baltimore County
Glen Arm, MD 21057

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Rose of Sharon Equestrian School (ROSES) is an ADA-compliant stable providing equine-facilitated services for individuals with special needs of all ages. Proud to be a Maryland Horse Discovery Center, ROSES can offer introductory programs in horsemanship, as well as barn tours and information sessions to the general public, schools, agencies, scout groups, and other organizations. ROSES partners with therapists seeking to provide services in the non-traditional setting of a stable.


Taking the Lead
Baltimore County
Freeland, MD 21053
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Taking the Lead uses the therapeutic power of horses to help children and adults with disabilities increase their focus, communication, strength, and self-confidence. Your loved one will be a part of our Taking The Lead, Inc. family through our hippotherapy sessions and our Monthly Round-Up events that are included with the sessions. Veterans assist us by participating in Heroes & Horses to take our horses through a ten-week training curriculum.

The Retreat at Beckleysville
Baltimore County
Hampstead MD 21074

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The Retreat at Beckleysville offers recreational, competitive, and therapeutic riding for people of all ages and abilities in a safe environment with minimal cost. Riders come from all over Maryland and Pennsylvania to enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere and the enriching approach of trained volunteers. 

Wellspring of Life Farm  

Baltimore County
Monkton MD 21111

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Wellspring's equine therapy sessions are based on the theory that horses through centuries of development and survival as creatures of prey are highly intuitive and acutely receptive. Beloved therapy horses offer participants direct feedback to a participant's emotional and physical interactions during equine therapeutic activities. Perceptive and loving creatures, therapy horses assist the participant in building problem solving strategies to achieve short and long term goals. Equine therapeutic activities are based on natural horsemanship activities and follow an interactive curriculum that offers participants sound horsemanship skills and a thorough overview of their Equine Team member.​  Participants can have private sessions or group sessions, unmounted and mounted therapeutic activities depending on goals and determined by team.


​Calvert County

Freedom Hill Horse Rescue
 
Calvert County
Owings, MD 20736

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Freedom Hill Horse Rescue is a 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to rescuing horses from neglect, abuse, abandonment, and slaughter.  They are a small reputable horse rescue located in Southern MD that is passionate about helping horses in any way that they can.​

 
Carrol County

Coexist Stables 
Carroll County
Mount Airy, MD 21771


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Coexist Stables is a full-service riding facility offering boarding, lessons for any level, age, and discipline. Heated indoor and outdoor arenas, a large x-country course, trails, and events.​

Foxie G Foundation 
Carroll County
Union Bridge, MD 21791

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The mission of Foxie G Foundation is to create a brighter future for horses and cats in need and to strengthen the communities in which they live. Contact them about their volunteer program and open barns.​

Full Moon Farm 
Carroll County
Finksburg MD 21048

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Located in beautiful Carroll County, Maryland Full Moon Farm is a family-owned and operated full-service equine facility convenient to Reisterstown, Westminster, and Ellicott City. The farm encompasses 200 acres within a short hack of the Liberty Reservoir watershed and includes a 60' x 180' indoor, a 80' x 160 foot lighted outdoor arena, a 200' x 400 outdoor arena, and a cross country course with a water complex, bank complex, ditches, trakheners and obstacles from elementary through intermediate. Our lesson program is focused on providing a safe and enjoyable family atmosphere for learning. We have the instructors, horses, and facilities to accommodate all levels from beginner to advanced, and our students range from dedicated competitors who ride every day to beginning riders who ride once a week.

High Ridge Farm
Carroll County 
Manchester MD 21102


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Introducing children and adults to horses and ponies in many different ways through touch and meeting to grooming and riding at High Ridge Farm. We are kid-friendly and beginner safe with all sizes of horses and ponies to fit about every size person we push safety and comfort first. If you love horses HDC across MD you will find one that fits you and or your family if not High Ridge.

River Valley Ranch 
Carroll County
Manchester MD 21102​

 
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River Valley Ranch's serene Maryland horse trails will take you along the Gunpowder River and through the rolling hills and forests surrounding their private 500-acre property and adjacent local public horse trail networks. Part of RVR's Maryland Horseback Riding programs, horse trail rides are a memorable & unique experience for groups of all sizes! RVR horse trail ride participants must be 10 or older and capable of controlling their own horse with instruction (Pony rides are available for younger riders). 


Sweet Rock Stables ​
Carroll County
Manchester MD  21102
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Come see Sweet Rock Stables's beautiful Registered American Morgan Horses.  The horse that chooses you!  All lesson horses are Morgan and ready to teach you to ride or drive.

Talbot Run Equestrian Center​
Carroll County
Mt. Airy MD 21771 

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Talbot Run Equestrian Center welcomes you to one of Carroll County, Maryland’s premier riding, lesson and horse boarding stables.   At Talbot Run, our goal is to provide safe and happy opportunities for horse enthusiasts of all ages and levels to practice and develop their riding skills.  We invite you to come and visit Talbot Run Equestrian Center and check out our program.  We offer a discounted trial and evaluation lesson.  Talbot Run has been chosen to be an approved Maryland Horse Discovery Center – a great place to meet and learn more about horses. Talbot Run Equestrian Center is situated on 147 acres in beautiful Mount Airy, Maryland easily accessible from Frederick, Westminster, Eldersburg, Damascus, Sykesville and Columbia.  

Cecil County

 Fairwinds Farm and Stables​ 
Cecil County
North East MD 21901


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Beautiful 52-acre riding stable with two barns housing 25 stalls surrounded by 5 fenced pastures.  Fairwinds Farm and Stables offer riding lessons, trail rides, pony rides, horse-drawn carriages, summer camp,  and birthday parties, along with a Bed & Breakfast, a unique wedding venue, and film location. We are open every day year-round and, as a Maryland Horse Discovery Center,  welcome visitors to the farm to experience horses up close and personal.  

Rolling Hills Ranch and Freedom Hill Therapeutic Riding Program 
Cecil County
Port Deposit, MD 21904

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Since 1982 Rolling Hills Ranch has offered quality horsemanship and riding lessons to beginners through advanced riders ages 4 years through adults. We are also the home of the Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program. Our instructors continue to take lessons so we are always offering a quality experience.​ 

 Charles County

Linden Farm
LA PLATA, MD​
Charles Co

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Linden Farm is family-oriented. We focus on care and respect for the horse. We allow riders to focus on their interests, recreational riding, competitive riding, just having fun.  ​

Promise Landing Charles County Location

Nanjemoy, MD​
Charles Co


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At Promise Landing Farm, the people are our programs. Our staff works to ensure our farm is a state-of-the-art equine inclusive community. Promise Landing Farm has two locations. PLF Headquarters is situated on 115 acres in Upper Marlboro, MD; conveniently located between the Baltimore, Annapolis, and DC metropolitan areas.  PLF at the Melwood Recreation Center (MRC) leases 5.5 acres from the Melwood Recreation Center, a 109-acre camp and recreation area in Nanjemoy, MD.
 
Dorchester County​

Windy Way Horses
Dorchester County
Hurlock MD 21643
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Windy Way Horses LLC. is a Maryland licensed stable, as well as a certified Maryland Horse Discovery Center!  They strive to make everyone's experience great, from beginner horse enthusiasts to the advanced horseman and horsewomen, looking to improve their equine relationships and horsemanship skills.   Windy Way offers Trail Ride Lessons- on our their trails, Western Riding Lessons,  Therapeutic Riding Lessons, Equine Training and Rehabilitation, Horsemanship Clinics and Camps, and Equine Sports Massage Therapy

Frederick County

Good Intentions​
Frederick County​
Keymar, MD 21757


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Good Intentions Farm specialized in the breeding, care, and showmanship of Clydesdales. Various canvas tent campsites are available throughout the farm furnished and containing wood stoves. Instructions provided in the care and draft horses and preparation for show season.​

Frederick County
Mount Airy, MD 21771


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Paradise Stables, LLC, operates as a Premier Horse Boarding Facility and Equine Facilitated Learning Center, open to all breeds and disciplines specializing in deluxe horse care.  We are a pleasure barn... because being with your horse should be a pleasure and drama-free!  With 125 acres of prime pasture, 10 miles of woods, fields, and horseback riding trails. Come check us out.  You will be glad you did! 

Silverado - Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program
Frederick County
Thurmon, MD 21788

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Silverado -Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program's mission is to provide Frederick County, Maryland citizens who have medically certified mental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities with equestrian activities to learn basic horsemanship skills, improve physically with better muscle tone, balance, and posture, and encourage their emotional well being by building self-confidence and self-esteem—the I Can Do It attitude. 


Harford County

Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding 
Harford County
Street, MD 21154


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CTR is dedicated to providing meaningful, hands-on experiences in a welcoming environment. At CTR, we serve people of differing abilities, veterans, and people wanting to connect with horses through experiential learning. We strive to make each experience as meaningful as possible for individuals, corporations, and groups.

Molly Hill Farm 

Harford County
Whiteford, MD 21160


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Molly Hill Farm is a family-friendly oriented farm.  We strive to teach horsemanship through our multi-level ability, lessons and camp programs.  We welcome and encourage you to make an appointment to visit our farm and facility. 

Howard County

Clark’s Elioak Farm 
Howard County
Ellicott City MD 21042​

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Come visit Clark's Elioak's friendly farm animals and take a pony ride. We are open April 1 to Nov 7 every Tuesday through Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.  


Howard County
Woodbine MD 21797

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Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc., is a 501(c)3, volunteer-based, animal welfare organization that has been in operation for over 30 years. Its mission is to ensure quality care and treatment of horses through intervention, education, and outreach.

vR Growth and Learning Center 
Howard County
Sykesville MD 21784
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The horses are interactive partners in activities with our clients that elicit natural responses and patterns of behavior from the participants. Traditional Psychotherapy: Providing talk therapy for clients who prefer a more traditional approach.  Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy with horses acting as an interactive partner for change through activities with the clients. Horses can also help students build important relationship skills.Play Therapy (Specializing in Children): Talk therapy that allows our children to leave the office for an outdoor setting using equine. Learning with horses that helps groups and teams identify and develop a variety of skills that are immediately put into practice to help elicit change. Throughout the year they offer groups and workshops focusing on special interests or topic. Full and half-day retreats working with companies and organizations to improve and enhance workplace relationships that increase productivity and employee satisfaction.​

Kent County

Kent County
Worton MD 21678

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Worthmore Equestrian Center is a full-service equestrian facility that specializes in providing individualized care for both horse and horse enthusiasts, and it is home to two equine therapy programs, Kent Association of Riding Therapy (KART) and Bridges at Worthmore. Located in Kent County Maryland, Worthmore Equestrian Center is also a certified Horse Discovery Center by the Maryland Horse Industry Board. Whether you are a "horse person" or you have never touched a horse in your life but want to, visiting Worthmore will cater to exactly the real-life horse-related experience you are looking for!​
 
Montgomery County

Great and Small
Montgomery County
Boyds MD 20841
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Great and Small provides Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) to children and adults of all ages affected by a range of physical, developmental, emotional, and learning disabilities. Through a supportive and therapeutic engagement with horses we strengthen and empower our riders, helping them develop their full potential.

Prince Georges County

The Big Purple Barn 
Prince George's County
Bowie MD 20729​

 
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The Big Purple Barn provides a permanent home with a lifetime of compassionate care for special needs horses, ponies, minis (all equines), as well as sheep, goats, and pigs.  Their residents, in turn, provide opportunities in our community for people to make meaningful connections with our animals.  We are a nonprofit organization that is dependent on the generosity of our friends and donors; and with your help, they can keep our commitment to the animals in our care.  Please come on in and explore the variety of residents that call us home and see the different ways YOU can help!

Promise Landing Charles County Location
Nanjemoy, MD​
Charles Co

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At Promise Landing Farm, the people are our programs. Our staff works to ensure our farm is a state-of-art equine inclusive community. Promise Landing Farm has two locations. PLF Headquarters is situated on 115 acres in Upper Marlboro, MD; conveniently located between the Baltimore, Annapolis, and DC metropolitan areas.  PLF at the Melwood Recreation Center (MRC) leases 5.5 acres from the Melwood Recreation Center, a 109-acre camp and recreation area in Nanjemoy, MD.
Promise Landing Prince Georges' Location
Kent MD​
Prince Georges


Promise Landing Prince Georges' Location
Kent MD​
Prince Georges
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At Promise Landing Farm, the people are our programs. Our staff works to ensure our farm is a state-of-art equine inclusive community. Promise Landing Farm has two locations. PLF Headquarters is situated on 115 acres in Upper Marlboro, MD; conveniently located between the Baltimore, Annapolis, and DC metropolitan areas.  PLF at the Melwood Recreation Center (MRC) leases 5.5 acres from the Melwood Recreation Center, a 109-acre camp and recreation area in Nanjemoy, MD.

Queen Anne's County

Talisman Therapeutic Riding 
Queen Anne's County
Grason Ville MD 21638​

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Talisman Farm is located on thirty-acres in Queen Anne’s County, just fifteen minutes from the Bay Bridge. The waterfront farm features open fields, woodlands, wetlands, a large Indoor Riding Arena, large outdoor lighted riding arena, seventeen stalls, eleven fenced pastures, a Veterans Victory Garden, rain gardens and wonderful summer breezes. The Welcome Center offers ADA bathrooms, a fully stocked Horse Library, private assessment space and a wrap-around porch for viewing horses at work and play.  Talisman serves families from throughout Maryland, northern Virginia, Delaware and Washington DC. The popularity and diversity of our programs offers all with abilities and disabilities to find peace and healing. Our youngest rider is three years old, our oldest rider is in his eighties. “Whether you can walk or not, talk or not, see or not, we can get on the back of a horse where you will have a life-changing experience, one ride at a time.”

St. Mary's County

St. Mary's County
 Leonardtown, MD 20650
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A Moment In Time (AMIT) is a 65-acre equestrian farm in Southern Maryland offering boarding, training, and lessons. AMIT has a large, active community of horses and riders: approximately 45 school horses, 20 boarders, a dozen instructors, and 140 clients. We strive to make horseback riding safe and enjoyable for all levels of riders.


St Mary's County
Hollywood MD 20636

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Greenwell offers Southern Maryland’s most inclusive and flexible horseback riding programs (7 years old and up) and equine encounters for adults and children (5 years old and up).

Vandermere Farm & Stables 
St. Mary's County
Leonardtown, MD 20650


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A quiet family-friendly farm that offers horseback riding for all ages.  We offer English & Western lessons, trail riding, horse camps, scout events, pony parties, and an IEA riding team.  ​​

Washington County

 Peaceable Pastures 
Washington County
Fairplay, MD 21733


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Peaceable Pastures is a small, quiet, low-drama family-friendly barn set on 80 acres. We primarily board horses but do give tours.

STAR Equestrian Center 
Washington County 
Hagerstown MD 21740

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STAR Equestrian Center opened in 1998 following a 10-year vision for equine therapy in Western Maryland. Star has 501c3 non-profit status. The center focuses on the importance of individualized programming and safety for each rider through initial riding assessments. Currently the center serves abled and challenged riders in many types of equine activities. STAR is accredited through Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) operating center. As a full spectrum equine learning facility our vision is to serve children and adults of all cognitive, physical, and social abilities. We strive to enhance quality of life by attending to the mind, body and spirit of each rider, volunteer and participant.​

Wicomico County

Wicomico County 
Willards, MD 21874
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Visit Holly Ridge a scenic farm country just minutes from Ocean City, Maryland. Year-round trail riding through woods filled with all kinds of wildlife, including deer, fox, and bald eagles. Call today to make a reservation!  All lessons are taught by a CHA Certified Riding Instructor. Holly Ridge Farm teaches all levels of riding for all disciplines, focusing on a balanced seat and good horsemanship. All horses used are safe and reliable. 

If you have any questions please email Anne Litz anne.litz@maryland.gov






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