Horseback Riding in Easton, Maryland (Talbot County)

Merkel Farm is a family owned and operated equestrian center run by Stephanie Serenati-Merkel. Merkel Farm is nestled between Bowie State University and the Patuxent Wildlife Preserve in Bowie, MD and is within easy reach from the Washington D.C., Annapolis and Baltimore metro areas. Merkel Farm has miles of trails, a lighted indoor and outdoor ring, which allows for riding horses and horseback riding lessons to be conducted year round. We have two barns and separately fenced fields for turnout. The outdoor and indoor rings are dragged throughout the year to maintain optimal footing for horses. We have a small cross country course and a full set of jumps in each ring.... See More

The goal of our riding program is to teach novice students how to ride, handle and groom horses safely and to help more experienced riders achieve success and confidence riding in a variety of disciplines including dressage, hunters/jumpers, eventing, Western, pleasure riding, basic horsemanship, and trail skills. We accept students from 4 to 104!

Our school horses are carefully chosen for their quiet temperament, good manners and their abilities to help students learn the fundamentals of riding from the beginner to the intermediate /advanced level. We have horses and ponies that school both English and Western and are available for lessons and showing.

Our trainer, Aurelie has many years of riding experience. Aurelie started her riding career in France in the famous military institution “CSEM Centre Sportif d’Equitation Militaire” in Fontainebleau. She graduated “Galop 7”, the highest level in the French federal certification. She was ready to become a horse owner and she spent her time competing in local jump shows and events. She competed in the French national championship in 2004 and 2005 and was selected for 1 star 3-day eventing competitions. She moved in United States in 2016 where she imported her young French event mare. She currently competes at training/preliminary level and plan to compete at an international level. Aurelie’s focus is on creativity to keep the exercises interesting and exciting for students and horses. She will listen to your goals and expectations, and will help you reach and exceed those goals.

We also accept trailer ins for lessons if you wish to train on your own horse. Our beautiful indoor arena has Surefoot Equestrian Footing, the most shock absorbent, anti-concussive footing in the area! We also have a lighted outdoor sand ring as well as obstacle areas and a 9 jump cross country trail. We have a variety of wonderful jumps including many fun verticals, roll tops, walls, flower boxes, and more.

If you are looking for a structured activity that will provide your child with physical activity, fun, and teach responsibility throughout the year, lessons at Westbrook Horse Farm is the answer!

Our experienced instructor will work with you to increase your skill level and reach your goals whether you are a beginner who is just learning about horses or you are an advanced rider looking for a competitive edge!

* Private and Semi-Private Lessons Available
* English or Western
* Basic Skills Training, Dressage, Hunt Seat, Jumping & Eventing
* We provide our own lesson horses or you can trailer in to train with your own horse
* Novice riders will learn basic horsemanship skills, good riding mechanics, increase their confidence and skill level
* Intermediate and Advanced Riders will be able to work with our instructor on specific goals and performance training.

Our lessons are custom tailored to each rider and is perfect for anyone who simply wants to enjoy an occasional trail ride or a rider who is ready to compete in the show ring. Riders of all ages can achieve their goals with the assurance that they are being taught by an experienced instructor on the best lesson horses in the area. Westbrook Horse Farm prides itself on the diversity of our lesson program and our ability to make all levels of riders feel at home.

Unlike many farms who say "Whoa!" to their lesson program during winter months, at Westbrook Farm, we keep going strong in our beautiful indoor arena with Surefoot Equestrian Footing - the most shock absorbent, anti-concussive footing in the area! We also have cross country trails and obstacle areas to work in!

For more info or to schedule a lesson, please email or call

We also offer individual pony rides by appointment for children under the age of 12.

LESSON RATES
1 Hour lesson (boarded horse or farm’s school horse) $50
1 Hour lesson (trailer in to ride your own horse) $65
Pony Ride (lead line) $40... See More

Family owned riding stable in Southern Maryland that provides beginner and introductory riding lessons through advanced show levels and jumping.

High Standards Equestrian Center offers private or small group lessons. With one of the largest indoor arenas and 3 outdoor ring, there's always plenty of places to ride. We offer lessons in dressage, jumping, and even western riding with a balanced seat approach. Whether you want to just enjoy yourself for a hobby, build confidence from a traumatic experience, or prep for competition, we can work with whichever direction you wish to go in! Ages 5 - Adult. Send an email or give me a call. Convenient to VA/DC/Surrounding areas. Just 20 minutes from Alexandria, VA.
or April @ ... See More

Semi-retired trainer and lesson program manager, now taking limited amount of students in an effort to "fill the gap" for those who own their own horse(s) and want a trainer to come to their home barn or public facility that doesn't have a needed resident trainer. Please note that at this time I am a TRAVELING horse professional, preferring to work with individual horse owners who desire to form a knowledgeable, safe, intimate, and confident relationship with their own horse for either pleasure or show. Owners can haul-in to take lessons with me at Cremona (Mechanicsville, MD), if you do not have a suitable arena on your property. Can also take a few beginners without their own horse at this time.

I am a fully experienced English Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter/Jumper, and Western Stock Seat Instructor/Trainer with many years teaching experience and former showing history in A, B & C rated English shows (medal & hunter/jumper), and AQHA Western shows (reining & gymkhana). I am therefore seeking opportunities to work with horse owners who wish to upgrade their skills and knowledge while boosting performance level, or who are experiencing difficulties in control, obedience, and maintaining a confident seat in the saddle. I use multi-frame photography as a teaching aid so that students may see and evaluate their riding and jumping at every phase of a gait or jump, as well as flying changes and making halts with quiet and virtually imperceptible aids; the mark of a truly advanced rider. Understanding how and why horses react the way they do will increase your communication and effectiveness as a rider no matter what disciplines you undertake; and, will help to correct any scenario which has advanced to the point where the horse too often seems to call the shots" and you come away from a ride frustrated and feeling like you gave in.

I also have a good deal of experience working with clients who struggle with fear issues (love to ride & jump, but are nervous, or had a traumatic spill); horses with formerly learned negative behavior problems that interfere with steady rider progress; and, I am a former certified equestrian therapies instructor, and Special Olympics coach. (I can provide quality therapeutic riding to you or a family member on your own horse.) Finally, I do what is most basic and necessary to the newer horse owner: give instruction on how to safely and successfully handle, ground train, house, groom, feed, and bathe their horses, as well as manage sanitation and pasturing techniques (to prevent health problems), at their private residences (or at barns that accept outside trainers).

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET FOUND THE RIGHT HORSE FOR YOU: my expertise at choosing safe, sound, and appropriate horses for my former riding programs can help you navigate the current sales market. Using your price range and riding level as a guide, we can ride and evaluate potential horses together, eliminating common first-buyer mistakes and horses with undesirable conformation faults that can signal unsuitability and/or early breakdown of the essential bony columns of the legs. Negotiating price and terms of sale is included in the percentage based finder's fee.

A New York Native where I began riding at the age of 7, my work in the Southern Maryland area includes teaching, training, and Program Management positions at Greenwell State Park (Able & Disabled Foundation Program Director), Holly Point Equestrian Center (Lesson Program Manager), and Serenity Cove Stables (where I taught 80% of the clientele and founded a secondary NARHA/PATH certified therapeutic riding program before retiring due to physical burnout in 2011. Clients are limited to the St. Mary's County area. No green horse/green rider combos, please; it rarely has a safe outcome. Child riders must be at least 7 years old, with the age appropriate height and musculature to physically control the horse they are mated with. For price quote and consultation, please call or email me direct: or ... See More

Lessons for all Ages
Children and Adults
IEA Equestrian Teams Middle and High School
Showing - Leases - Boarding Available
A-rated horses available for lessons
and/or shows
Family atmosphere and 15 minutes D.C.Hunt Seat, Lesson Horses, Hunter/Jumper, Showing, Young Riders, Group Lessons, Private Lessons, Boarding, Haul-Ins, Weekend Lessons, Beginning Riders, Adults, Horse Leasing, Family Oriented, Coaching.
In operation for 47 years with an impeccable reputation.... See More

I am a certified equine behaviorist, and a positive method riding instructor. I train in Balance Seat and Dressage, but believe in working to keep your horses mind engaged and happy. I am positive and build confidence in all my clients. I travel to teach lessons, and work with client horses, but I often have boarding space available for clients at one of several locations that I frequent. I work with all levels of riders, I also work with vets, and other trainers to deal with sound minds in their equines.... See More

Let us welcome you to Thunder Plains Flame and Glory Farm! First I would like to say that I have 14 year experience in most disciplines and recently have been Certified through Riding instructors of America. Check out our photos and then come and enjoy the fun and relaxation of being around one of the most beautiful creatures God could have made. Thunder Plains Farm is a family riding school-we are not fancy(-but extremely safe, low cost and fun to work with. Now, down to the riding business-for your riding lesson you will have a single horse to master-we teach Western and English basics and advanced-most younger riders start in a Western saddle for balance and safety. I offer western, English, beginner and low level jumping, trail and just safe riding techniques. Leasing programs are available on several horses to show and ride. Lessons are all year round-the weather permitting. Beginners will learn care for the horse ,tacking up and safety first. I am very supported and will assist until not needed. Most lessons are 1 hour sessions for ages 8 and up. I offer a 30 minute lesson for 5-7 year olds. You pay for a month upfront and receive a discount if you have 3 family members or friends riding. If you would like to just ride once here and there I can work with you and your financial needs.
My technique is based on safety, natural horsemanship and dressage.
Trailering to trail rides and horse shows are an option at additional fees. I also start young horses under saddle from ground work to riding in the saddle. I have several horses I've trained that I can show. Please feel free to call me at or E-mail me directly at ... See More

INDOOR ARENA for riding in all weather!
Teaching Beginners through advanced, all ages, your horse or ours. For pleasure or competition. Instruction by International three-day event rider Monica Fiss. We have a 100x200 stone dust arena with lots of stadium jumps and cross country jumps and 40 acres of trails. Lessons taught all day Mondays-Saturdays. Safety is our number one concern in advancing the horse and rider team to their maximum potential. Extensive competition program available in Eventing, dressage and Hunter Jumper... See More

Our horse farm is just minutes from Salisbury and Ocean City MD. Trail ride through majestic pines and towering cypress trees. Lessons for children and/or adults. Inside and outdoor arena. English and/or Western. Horses of all sizes. Holly Ridge is a serene equestrian center in Worcester County. We are dedicated to the sport of riding for education and fun! Our emphasis is on safety for both rider and horse. We have several levels in a series of riding programs. Each of our riding courses addresses a different aspect of riding including non-riding seminars and instructional grooming sessions. Each course is designed to teach students through theory, practical, demonstrations, written and lecture. All instructors are CHA certified. The stable is state licensed and meets all current nutrient management laws. Please call in advance to make a reservation. Family owned and operated.... See More

My farm is a family safe, very basic and fun for beginners. I am a Certified Western instructor with American riding instructors of America(look my name up) In my instruction-learning how to care for and respect a horse comes first then riding. I have 13 years experience in western pleasure, barrel racing, dessage, jumping, bareback, trail riding, english pleaure, and showmanship. I have been teaching for 6 years, starting at ages 5 and up. I have horses suited for your level-Either beginner or advance. My technique is based on natural horsemanship, dessage and safety. If you are interested in competing in shows-that is offered. Leasing safe horses is optional. I am available to haul horses to your home for pony rides. I am also offering training for young horse(no problem horses). Discounts are offered if 3 months of lessons are payed for up front. Lesson are once a week payed for one month in advance. First lesson is a trial lesson to see if I am suited for your needs. I offered month to month clinics on horse care, show prepping, medical care and more. Please email me @ ... See More

We are a WESTERN Barn teaching solid fundamentals to all ages and stages of riders from beginners, to advanced performance riders.Professional, seasoned trainers work one-on-one with you as often as your schedule and budget allow. Private, one-on-one lessons are $40/hr. Reining lessons on our show horses are $50/hr. REINING tune-ups and pre-show support available on your horse or ours. 80 acres,lighted arenas, beautiful wooded trails,and lots of other horse-loving, nice people. Call or visit!... See More

Holly Stello competed for many years on the AA Circuit, also judging, training, and managing a show stable with a team of riders of all ages. She competed in many finals, including the USEF Medal Finals in 2004 and 2005, was Zone II Large Jr Hunter Champion with The Professor in 2004, and earned top ribbons in the indoors and at The Devon Horse Show. Now, she focusing on teaching horse and rider to work as a team in preparation for the show ring in hunters, equitation, or jumpers.... See More

Theresa Crowther -- 9 years experience teaching lessons to beginners thru advanced in Hunter-Jumper-Pleasure. Available for students who want to show locally in Harford and Baltimore County. Advanced students may compete in upper level circuit.

Previous Experience
• 15 years experience training, breaking, and riding race horses at Fair Hill & Delaware Park.
• 8 years working for Michael Dickinson – top trainer in England.
• 4 years riding for Sylvia Hector – trainer of Touch of Class (Olympic open jumper champion).
Personal Experience
• 3 years riding flat races and steeple chases.
• 10 years showing hunter-jumpers.
Additional Experience
• Sales for Denali Stud in Kentucky.
• Involved in the Welsh Pony Association – allowing children to ride for Priscilla Martin and Nancy DuPont.
• 2 years with Pony Club at Patsy DuPont’s.
• Numerous years working with problem horses and ponies at your farm or ours
Camp Experience
• 4 years doing summer camps at local Harford County facilities.... See More

WINTER PONY CAMP now forming . December 27 and 28 from 10am to 3pm.At Half Halt Farm our number one objective is safty and fun. We learn from the ground up which includes how to tack,safty around a horse, what to do and not to do,parts of horse and of course how to ride. We have quality lesson horses and ponies. Ship ins are also welcome. We have a Brand New Indoor so we can ride what ever the weather and we also have a outdoor so we can ride outside when it is nice out. Call today to set up a visit. Please call for more info.... See More