HUGHESVILLE, Md. – The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, has released the ‘Horse Extra’, a new guide to Southern Maryland’s horse industry.
The Southern Maryland Horse Extra is a consumer guide to all things horse-related in the five-county area of Southern Maryland (Anne Arundel, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s), which brings together resources for the region’s equine community including horse owners and businesses and those who are exploring the world of horses for the very first time.
Since the first settlers set foot in Maryland in the early 1600’s, horses have played an important role in the state’s culture and economy. Today in Southern Maryland, the horse industry remains a dynamic component of the region’s agricultural community with numerous stables and barns that feature a wide range of services and activities in every equestrian discipline.
The full-color, 40-page brochure lists more than 50 horse barns and facilities around the region that offer riding lessons and summer camps, horse-boarding, training, sales, breeding, horse rescue and more. Additional sections are dedicated to essential support services for the horse and rider, including local hay producers and feed suppliers, tack and saddlery, farm equipment, vets and farriers, plus information on area riding clubs, noteworthy Maryland equine organizations and state and county park trails that welcome equestrians.
Southern Maryland is also home to many specialized barns that provide nationally accredited equine-assisted therapy programs for individuals with special needs, and if you are new to horses and riding there are ten certified Maryland Horse Industry Board Horse Discovery Centers where you can interact with horses in a safe and friendly environment – no riding experience needed!
The Horse Extra is a free public resource and is available now to view or download on the ‘Get Our Guides‘ page at SMADC.com. Coming soon, SMADC will also launch an interactive online version of the Horse Extra which will enable content to be regularly updated and expanded as new equine businesses apply to be listed.