Category: State Agencies

Just in time for last minute summer day trips! This month, the Maryland Horse Industry Board and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) debuted “Hoofbeats Through History: The Southern Maryland Historic Horse Trail.” A new heritage “trail,” Hoofbeats through History is a self-guided equine tour, a network of destinations highlighting the important role horses have played in Southern Maryland – and you don’t need to be on horseback to do this trail! The self-guided tour includes sites where cavalry camped during the Civil War, early stage coach routes, a Pony Express path, plus plantations and manor houses dating back to Colonial days, when horses pulled carriages and plowed fields. Several sites exemplify Southern Maryland’s role in the Thoroughbred racing industry, and others showcase Maryland’s state sport (jousting) or foxchasing. At several destinations, visitors can examine centuries-old equine-related artifacts unearthed in the area. The website is worth checking out – even if you are not planning on doing the tour! It includes descriptions, stories, photos, hours and directions for the key sites, online galleries of documents and articles, and an interactive map. In addition to the history piece, the website lists Southern Maryland Horse Discovery Centers. Discovery Centers are licensed stables which have applied for and been accepted into this unique MHIB marketing program. To qualify as a Discovery Center, licensed stables must welcome people of all ages and experience levels into their barns to learn about horses in...