Discover Maryland's horse heritage

Discover Maryland's horse heritage 
along a trail, in the countryside or at a sporting event 

Traditions run gamut from racing to jousting to show jumping

BALTIMORE (May 3) – Maryland's rich equestrian heritage evokes a variety of traditions, says the Maryland Office of Tourism, especially this time of year. The 137th running of the Preakness Stakes (on May 19) – the middle jewel of Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown series – represents the most visible of these traditions, yet it's not the only one in the state.

Steeplechases, dressage (gymnastics/ballet for horses) competitions, polo, and even jousting, all have strong identities in the state. Also, consider the extensive number of horse farms located in pockets of "Maryland horse country" across the state. And, for recreational equestrians, riding trails are ubiquitous in Maryland.

"The strength of our state's horse community is its deep-rooted diversity – Maryland, after all, is a 'horse-heritage' state," says Ross Peddicord, executive director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board, referring to Maryland's long-standing ties to equestrian culture.

Established in 1998, the board – a program of the state's Department of Agriculture – promotes Maryland's horse industry, licenses 600 riding, lesson and rental stables, and evaluates industry data. For instance, of the more than 79,000 horses in Maryland, 60 percent are used for recreation and 40 percent for racing, according to board statistics.

The board's web site links to The Equiery, an advertising-driven publication that is a clearinghouse for Maryland's equestrian community. Independently owned and based in Howard County, the monthly publication maintains online directories for: rental stables and guided trail rides; riding and boarding stables; spectator events; summer riding programs; andequestrian-related associations.

"Options for planning a Maryland excursion with horses in mind are seemingly endless," says Margot Amelia, executive director of the Maryland Office of Tourism. "Wherever visitors go in the state, nearby opportunities exist for riding along a trail in a state park, on a horse farm, or at an equestrian center."

She adds: "Areas where horses are part of the local culture tend to be some of the most picturesque in Maryland – especially enticing for a warm-weather getaway. And, for a charming place to stay, check the Department of Agriculture's online list of farm bed and breakfastsacross the state – where horses are often in evidence."

Here is a sampling of historical information, upcoming events and destinations – all related to horses in Maryland:

Horses and Maryland history

• In 1650, British colonist Robert Brooke brought the first foxhounds to North America, when he settled in St. Mary's and Calvert counties, and established the tradition of foxhunting in the New World.

• In May 1743, Charles Carroll of Annapolis (father of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence), bet that his horse could beat George Hume Steuart's English-bred horse in a three-mile race along the South River in what is now Parole. Steuart's horse, Dungannon, won the race and the accompanying trophy, the Annapolis Subscription Plate.

• The Maryland Jockey Club – oldest sporting organization in North America – was also established in 1743. It's still the name of the entity that runs Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park Racecourse and Bowie Race Track. Pimlico opened in 1870 and Laurel Park in 1911. Bowie opened in 1914 as a race course; after 1985, it became a training center for horses.

Jousting
Fifty years ago, in 1962, Maryland designated jousting as the state's official sport.

• Jousting tournaments are actually ring-jousting competitions. Riders must pass through a series of arches and spear three dangling rings in three different rides. A perfect score is the capture of nine rings. Ring diameters start at 1.75 inches for novices, ranging to 1.0 inches for experts – the size of candy lifesavers.

• Two upcoming tournaments on the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association schedule are: Double Header Joust, May 5 in Glen Arm (Baltimore County), and the Founder's Day Joust, June 2 at the same location. Call 717-382-4589 for details.

Thoroughbred racing
Seabiscuit beat heavily-favored War Admiral in a much-anticipated match race at Pimlico Race Course, Nov. 1, 1938, before an estimated 40,000 onlookers in the grandstand and millions listening on radio. Here are two of the most well-known racing events occurring this month:

• Black-Eyed Susan, May 18, Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore – Held a day before the Preakness, this $300,000 stakes race for fillies dates back to 1919 when it was called the Pimlico Oaks. (The name was changed in 1952.) It's the anchor of Black-Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico, which also features the third annual People's Pink Party – forged by Pimlico and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Maryland affiliate.

• Preakness Stakes, May 19, Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore – In 1873, during its first-time spring meet, Pimlico presented a new stakes race for three-year-olds – the Preakness Stakes. The race was named for a colt by that name who won the Dinner Party Stakes on the day Pimlico opened, Oct. 25, 1870. The Preakness is the largest single-day sporting event in the mid-Atlantic region.

Steeplechases
The first steeplechase race in Maryland was Oct. 18, 1873, over a course built in the infield at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. North, in Baltimore County, steeplechase races emerged out of competitions between foxhunting clubs. Here are a few races in May:

• Potomac Hunt Races, May 20, Poolesville (Montgomery County) – This 60th annual event will again be held at the Kiplinger estate. Tailgating is encouraged. General admission tickets are $30 for each vehicle and are available online. Gates open at 11 a.m., activities begin at noon. Event benefits the Yellow Ribbon Fund.

• Fair Hill Races, May 26, Elkton (Cecil County) – Held on the 5,600-acre former estate of William duPont Jr. (10 minutes off I-95), this annual event began in 1934. Gates open at 10 a.m. General admission tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. Reserved seating, boxes and tailgating packages are also available. All proceeds benefit Union Hospital. This is the only U.S. steeplechase race with pari-mutuel betting (a common wagering system used in horse racing in which pay-offs are determined after the betting pool closes).

Traveling equine entertainment

• Apassionata, June 8-10, First Mariner Arena, Baltimore – Having played before European audiences during the past decade, the show now tours North America, too. It showcases more than 40 horses and equine stunts as a theatrical extravaganza, directed by a Broadway creative team. Tickets are available online.

Polo

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