So with this winter in Maryland, I’m thinking that next year I’ll want to board so I can keep riding. Looking for a barn with an indoor, great care, possibility of individual or small group turnout, and in the Olney MD/Sykesville/Mt Airy triangle. Would not need training, just a place to keep two horses. All suggestions appreciated.
Will you require Full board or pasture board? Celebration-Farm is located in Frederick County so this might work for you. There are many photos up on our website as well as the facebook page that you are welcome to join. Send us some questions. David
If these don’t work - call The Equiery, they can help you find something. (This was not intended as a complete list)
Waredaca - Laytonsville/Brookeville
TaylorMade - Damascus
Oatlands - Brookeville
Brooke Grove - Olney
Hullfields - Woodbine
Greystone - Brookeville
Merry Acres - Ellicott City
Goodness Ridge - Mt. Airy
Paradise Stables - Mt.Airy
Rockland Stables - Mt. Airy
By Chance Farm - Union Bridge
Fox Quarter - Union Bridge
Darenth Farm - Mt. Airy
Playland Farm in Union Bridge is very nice.
In general, I’m looking for a place where my horses can be out as much as possible, but have a stall available. I’m a believer in 24/7 turnout, but one horse is hard on his turnout partners, yet freaks when completely alone. He can be a little bit of a management challenge. So, really good, knowledgeable, attentive care is paramount.
Karmic Run … great care.
I’m good friends with the owner of Goodness Ridge in Mt Airy. Beautiful farm, excellent care and amazing footing in the indoor and the outdoor. Mostly dressage riders though so no real jumps to be had. Top notch though.
Bonafide stables. Field board available, full board available, very old-fashioned, pro-turnout owner who provides excellent care. Indoor is not huge but the footing is good. Outdoor schooling is on grass fields, not ring with footing, but it is very nice. Access to lots of trails.
http://www.bonafidestables.com/
Edited to say of course Waredaca, where I am. Wonderful place with many options. Merry Acres is also great.
I second Southwind, By Chance, and Goodness Ridge. Nice facilities, friendly people, and well run. Goodness Ridge is definitely dressage based, but By Chance is just a few minutes away from there and isn’t specific to one discipline. The outdoor is almost always set up for jumps (the only exception being when they host the dressage shows), herds are small, pastures are large without being overwhelmingly huge on those days when you have to go get your horse, there are XC jumps, and there are trails. They also host dressage shows 2-3 times a year and you can bring your own trainer.
You might check out the MHIB’s directory of licensed stables. It doesn’t have every licensed stable, but owners/managers were asked about their facilities, so that info is in there: http://mda.maryland.gov/horseboard/pdf/mhib_guide_2012_optimized.pdf
