MHIB launched a statewide network of 35 Horse Discovery Centers in 15 counties in April 2015. 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, 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 HDC's 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
Applications are will Open again on December 2021
Applications to become an HDC open every two years - Horse Discovery Centers renew each year and attend an Annual Meeting prior to the deadline.
Click below to learn more about each HDC!
A Moment in Time
Leonardtown, MD 20650
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.
Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding
Street, MD 21154
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.
Clark’s Elioak Farm
Ellicott City MD 21042
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.
Coexist Stables
Mount Airy, MD 21771
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.
Days End Farm Horse Rescue
Woodbine MD 21797
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.
Dun-Pikin Farm
Pasadena Md. 21122
Dun-Pikin is a small community lesson barn. We specialize in teaching beginner and intermediate riders with an emphasis on safety. We welcome anyone interested to learning and interacting with horses.
Fairwinds Farm and Stables
North East MD 21901
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, 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.
Full Moon Farm
Finksburg MD 21048
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.
Good Intentions
Keymar, MD 21757
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.
Graham Equestrian Center
Glen Arm MD 21057
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.
Greenwell FoundationHollywood MD 20636
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).
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.
Linden Farm
8530 Mitchell Rd, LA PLATA, MD 20646, Charles Co.
Linden Farm is a 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.
Maryland Therapeutic Riding
Crownsville, MD 21032
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.
Molly Hill Farm
Whiteford, MD 21160
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.
Paradise Stables
Mount Airy, MD 21771
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!
Peaceable Pastures
Fairplay, MD 21733
Peaceable Pastures is a small, quiet, low-drama family-friendly barn set on 80 acres. We primarily board horses but do give tours.
Rolling Hills Ranch and Freedom Hill Therapeutic Riding Program
Port Deposit, MD 21904
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.
Rose of Sharon Equestrian School
Glen Arm, MD 21057
©Tom O’Connor
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.
Sweet Rock Stables
Manchester MD 21102
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.
Taking the Lead
Freeland, MD 21053
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.
Vandermere Farm & Stables
Leonardtown, MD 20650
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.
If you have any questions please email Anne Litz anne.litz@maryland.gov
Click here to view the Horse Discovery Center Rack Card
