Maryland Horse Industry Board Certifies Seven New Horse Discovery Centers

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Horse Industry Board — a program within the Maryland Department of Agriculture — has certified seven new Horse Discovery Centers in seven different counties across the state.

These centers are part of a volunteer certification program of 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 seven new Horse Discovery Centers include:

Camp Letts Equestrian Center — Edgewater (Anne Arundel County) Coexist Stables LLC — Mount Airy (Carroll County) Foxie G Foundation — Union Bridge (Frederick County) Linden Farm — La Plata (Charles County) Molly Hill Farm — Whiteford (Harford County) Talisman Therapeutic Riding Inc. — Queenstown (Queen Anne's County) Wellspring of Life Farm — Monkton (Baltimore County)

These seven stables were recently recognized at the Maryland Horse Council's annual barbecue at Sagamore Farm in Reisterstown.

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"Maryland's Horse Discovery Centers are at the heart of our state's equine industry," said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. "For many visitors, the Horse Discovery Centers provide their first experience on a working horse farm. The centers play a critical role in engaging the public and showing them just how important the equine industry is in Maryland."

"With the addition of these seven Horse Discovery Centers, this brings the total number of centers to 40 in 18 different counties around the state," said Jim Steele, Chair of the Maryland Horse Industry Board. "These stables are part of the horse community's outreach, making it accessible for every Marylander to learn about horses and to get involved."

Many of the stables offer monthly "Open Barns," where the public is invited to visit and interact with horses first-hand. They offer a wide 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.

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"Horse Discover Centers are a great resource for folks to learn about horses, Maryland horse shows, and equine events," said Anne Litz, Maryland Horse Industry Board's Field Marketing Specialist. "The centers also serve as a recruitment opportunity to refer future equestrians to organizations like 4-H, Pony Clubs, and other equine associations."

A full listing of Horse Discovery Centers and their contact information is available at www.mda.maryland.gov/horseboard.

For more information on the Horse Discovery Centers and Maryland's equine industry, contact Anne Litz at anne.litz@maryland.gov, or Ross Peddicord at ross.peddicord@maryland.gov, 410-841-5798.

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