Wading through Options: Eventing Barn in MD

[cleverkangaroo]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if I could get some advice about where to take eventing lessons as an AA in Maryland. With so many options, it’s a bit overwhelming. I took a break from riding for about a year when I moved back to the area from the midwest & I’m looking to get back into it this spring.

Admittedly, I’m fairly picky- I was spoiled by my time at a stellar collegiate program. I appreciate well maintained facilities & capable horses. Though I am a solid rider, (by no means expert) I like to learn from those who are active in the sport and accomplished.

I need a farm that gives lessons on their horses, though I would be open to a lease in the future! I’ll be traveling from the Frederick area, but I’m willing to put in a hour or more of travel time for the right facility.

Does anyone have advice about what places are the best to check out?

Thank you so much for help in my quest to get back in the saddle!

[Dr_Doolittle]

Check out Reddemeade farm’s Equishare program.

[Texarkana]

A recent thread on this topic:

https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/eventing/10008800-eventing-barns-in-maryland

[gottagrey]

From Frederick area - I’d try Destination Eventing as I believe they might have lesson horses available, I believe Bascule in Poolesville also has lesson horses available, and then Waredaca. I would start with one of those 3 which are pretty convenient to Frederick.

[cleverkangaroo]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! I’ll check them out.

I saw the other post about potential stables, but since they were looking for a boarding facility- I wanted specifically for a lesson program! I’ll look into some of those spots as well though.

I plan to take a lesson at a couple different places and decide that way this spring.
If anyone else has any ideas, I’ll be happy to hear them.
Thanks!

[retreadeventer]

Destination Farm might be a good fit for you. I’d contact the stables, ask if you politely can watch or audit a lesson, and then show up and audit and observe and see what you think about the instruction, the rider and the horse. Ask for a barn tour and chat with the instructor. We have a wonderfully full and vibrant eventing community in Area II (usea2.org) with a large number of barns, stables, instructors, coaches, etc. from one end to the other. I would HIGHLY recommend volunteering at Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy (www.themarylandhorsetrials.com) as they have something almost every weekend, and you will QUICKLY meet everyone and find some compatriots, be able to observe many trainers and instructors in action there and have fun. Welcome - enjoy!

[ObligedLimits]

Tara Equestrian is in Sykesville, MD (~30 from Frederick). First lesson is free and the lesson horses have all competed at different levels of eventing ranging from Elementary to Intermediate. www.taraequestrianeventing.com