New guide to region stables, everything equine available

“For Your Horse: The Southern Maryland Equine Guide” is a directory for the region’s equine community that brings together information for horse owners and resources for those who are discovering horses for the first time.

The 44-page, full-color directory showcases horse farms and stables in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties that offer riding lessons and training programs, horse boarding, sales and breeding, plus listings of equine-related goods and services including regional hay farms, feed producers, vets, farriers, tack shops, local area horseback riding trails and more.

The guide also features Southern Maryland’s seven Horse Discovery Centers, a recent program of the Maryland Horse Industry Board. These carefully selected stables welcome people of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a friendly and knowledgeable environment. “It’s a great way to get to know these wonderful animals,” said Susan McQuilkin, marketing executive of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), the guide’s creators. “You can arrange to take a riding lesson, watch a horse show, touch and interact with horses, or just admire them from distance.”

A special section in the guide offers a sneak preview of the region’s newest heritage trail “Hoofbeats Through History: The Southern Maryland Historic Horse Trail,” a network of destinations highlighting the important role of horses in the area’s culture and heritage. Several sites exemplify Southern Maryland’s historic association with the thoroughbred racing industry, and others showcase Maryland’s state sport (jousting). At several destinations visitors can even examine centuries-old equine-related artifacts unearthed in the area. Visit the Historic Horse Trail website at www.somdhorsetrails.smadc.com to see key site descriptions with stories and photos and an interactive map.

The new Southern Maryland Equine Guide is available free to the public, while stocks last, at participating stables and equine businesses, regional public libraries and welcome centers. See a list of pick up sites on the “what’s new page” on the SMADC website, or view the Equine Guide online at the “get the guides” page at www.smadc.com.