Questions for people around D.C.

[TBlitz]

My university is sending me to intern in D.C. for the upcoming fall semester. I have many questions about organizing the horsey stuff that I’ll be doing there (hunting being one of them). Yes, I know this is very early, but I’ve held back from asking these questions for months so far. Excited much? :yes:

I’m going to be there from the very end of August until around Dec. 12 and I want to meet EVERYONE and do EVERYTHING!

1. Should I bring my own horse or try to lease one there? Know of any people who lease out hunt horses? I know a few people who do this around this area, so I’d assume that people do it out there. I’m not sure if I’d want to deal with my accident prone, high vet bill horse being 1000 miles from my comfort area.

2. I’m probably going to be living in the Bethesda or Grosvenor area. I’m looking for a hunt club not too far from this general area. I will bring either my truck or a car, so I will have transportation besides the metro. I’d love one that would give me a one-semester, under 21, student, discounted membership since I’ll still be holding 2 other hunt memberships (home and school hunts) and be on a budget since I’m not getting paid for my internship.

3. If I do bring my horse, where would be a good place to keep him? I’d prefer not to bring him or to have him very close to me if I did have him.

[LexInVA]

1. That’s a matter of economics as much as practicality. Might be easier for you to just lease a horse.

2. You won’t have any difficulty finding one. There are several within an hour’s drive.

3. See the first answer. Boarding here can be VERY expensive.

[linquest]

There are many hunts around. I think the closest are Goshen Hounds and Howard County-Iron Bridge.

Robert Taylor, the MFH of Goshen, runs a lesson program with schoolhorses, and I believe he hires out for the hunt. Pleasant Prospect Farm in Howard County has many hunt hire options.

I don’t think you can board at a decent facility near Bethesda for less than $650.

[Tory_Relic]

Be sure to check out the Capitol Hill Equestrian Society. I can’t find a website for them, but they were a great group of folks that have events all over the DC area. If you can get your hands on a Congressional Staff Directory, you can find contact information in that.

[pharmgirl]

Potomac hunt is also pretty close.
http://www.potomachunt.com/

Depending on how many times you might be able to hunt, several of the hunts around here offer cap packages. That might be another option especially if you may want to be doing some other horsey things while you are there.

[TBlitz]

Thanks for the input so far!

I’m curious about this Capitol Hill Equuestrian Society. Anyone know anything more about it?

[LexInVA]

(202) 828-3035 is the number listed for them.

[TBlitz]

ok, now this sounds nice. who wouldn’t want this?:

The “I’m Too Busy To Hunt” Foxhunter Package $825
Have the horse, but you just don’t have the time to keep him fit? You could make time to hunt, but it is the getting the horse ready for the meet and taking care of him after the meet that is keeping you from the field? Well, then this is the package for you! Your horse will arrive at the meet fit, groomed, tacked and ready to rock! After the meet, a groom will take your horse and tack from you so you can get back on the road. Monthly rate includes stall board, fitness and tuning, booking and holding for regular vet and farrier appointments, grooming, tacking, clipping and braiding for formal meets.

It looks like my guy may fit in alot better hunting around there than where he currently is. Out of the hunts I’ve been to, my horse is hands down the fastest horse there. I’m used to trying my best to hold him back in the gallops when others are using their whips :winkgrin: It doesn’t look like he would be the fastest at these hunts that have the racers out with them.

I’m not sure if I could go without him since I’m so attached to him, even though he’d be a distraction for me and crush my chances of trying to have a normal social life for once :lol:. He’s just now getting back into top condition after struggles with medical issues.

[Tory_Relic]

@TBlitz;3095806

Thanks for the input so far!

I’m curious about this Capitol Hill Equuestrian Society. Anyone know anything more about it?

Back in the day (some 15 years ago), when I belonged to it, there were people all over the DC area that belonged. You did not have to be a Hill staffer to join. The yearly dues were ~$35, IRRC. They had monthly meetings on Capitol Hill and also many activities such as trail rides, foxhunting, group trips to shows, etc. I always rented a horse when I went with them to mounted events. There were opportunities to volunteer at the Washington International Horse Show, or to go with a group as spectators, we went to the Preakness in Baltimore, and quite a few other things. I am pretty sure the group still exists, but I have lost touch with anyone who may be a current member. The DC area can be pretty transient. I gave up my membership when I gave up riding for a couple years, and when I got my horse and started riding again, I didn’t rejoin, but the reasons had nothing to do with CHES. We also got some discounts at some tack shops in the area and some lessons in the area, but the barns where I rode (Columbia Horse Center and Readymeade) did not participate, if memory serves.

I really enjoyed it when I was a member. It is an excellent way to meet other horse people.

[wateryglen]

Sorry!

The Capitol Hill Equestrian Society shut down several years ago. It no longer exists. But there are a number of equestrian clubs in northern Va. and maryland suburbs. Some are discipline oriented like eventing or dressage and some are breed or just pleasure oriented.
Remember, you will have to drive out further to board/ride in the country as the DC burbs are ever expanding. Although it’s not the distance; it’s the traffic & lack of roads. And boarding is very, very expensive in that area.

[AKB]

You might email the local pony club DCs for information. Pony Club continues to age 25, so some clubs have a lot of college students and new grads who do a lot of activities. Our club is kids aged 15-24, plus a few kids (ages 24-26)who graduated out but are still involved in the activities. Our club is more dressage oriented, but we have one member who sometimes hunts. Some clubs do a lot of hunting. Check the www.ponyclub.org website to get the names of all of the local DCs.

[Fairview_Horse_Cente]

If you decide to check out Virginia instead of MD, the secretary for Fairfax Hunt boards with me. We are about 40 miles west of DC. That can take 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on rush hour and if there are any accidents on Rt 66. Metro goes to Vienna. We are VERY close to many hunts, and about 15 minutes from Middleburg, and board is extremely reasonable.

Fairfax Hunt does have Jr/young adult memberships.