Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2017
Enjoying The Ride
Christianna McCausland 2016-12-08 02:07:14
Saddle up and explore Maryland’s equestrian scene.
Mmaryland’s horse heritage gallops on with equine-inspired outings that range from polo matches to trail rides.
Thoroughbred Racing
See the most powerful horses in the world thunder across the finish at the Preakness (and its sister event for fillies, the Black-eyed Susan), held at Pimlico Race Course each May. Bet the ponies at Laurel Park, which honors Maryland-bred horses each October with the Maryland Million, and at the Timonium Fairgrounds, where races are held during the Maryland State Fair which begins in late August. At the Decanter Wine Festival, an annual spring event, guests toast the racing thoroughbreds with glasses filled by local vintners.
Harness Racing
In case you didn’t know, a sulky is a small carriage pulled by a trotting horse. These quick-stepping two-wheelers circle the harness racing tracks at Rosecroft Raceway— known as the “Raceway by the Beltway” for its proximity to the nation’s capital—and at the Casino at Ocean Downs.
THE HORSEY SET
Steeplechase racing at Fair Hill Races
Harness racing at Rosecroft Raceway
Steeplechase Racing
Springtime in Maryland carries the scent of horses and sweet turfed grass as steeplechase riders hurtle over fences and gallop across open countryside at a blistering pace. April and May are abundant with races including My Lady’s Manor, Grand National Steeplechase, Maryland Hunt Cup and the Potomac Hunt Races, while other steeplechases take place at Shawan Downs throughout the year. At the Fair Hill International horse trials in October, see riders complete a dressage test, a show jumping course and a cross-country course.
Jousting
Chivalry is not dead in Maryland and neither is jousting, the state sport. Hooves rumble and lances split at Medieval Times in Hanover and at the annual Renaissance Fair in Crownsville. A series of jousting tournaments, sanctioned by the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association, takes place across the state during the summer and fall.
Just Horsing Around
Churchill is credited with saying, “There’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man.” Experience their soul-soothing company at Assateague Island National Seashore, home of the wild horses and start of the Historic Horse Trail, or get up close and personal at one of the 35 Horse Discovery Centers throughout the state.
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