Club History

The University of Maryland Equestrian Club (now called Maryland Equestrian Club) was formally created in 1998. At that time, the University's Cavalry program had just ended and the purpose of the horses housed at the Campus Farm was in question. The club quickly stepped in to offer assistance with the caring for and riding of the 4 horses owned by the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences. Since there was no equine faculty at the time, the club was initially advised by the swine specialist, Dr. Tom Hartsock with the assistance of the farm manager, Jordan Thomas.

The club worked hard to keep the horses well-cared for and exercised. Soon, plans for a non-profit student-run lesson program were initiated with more experienced riders teaching the less experienced. However, the leftover tack from the Cavalry program was old and used, so the club spent a great deal of time raising money for new tack. They did such a great job that the club was able to purchase horses for the University when club membership expanded.

In 2001, Dr. Amy Burk and Erin Pittman joined the UMD faculty with the task of rejuvenating the Equine Studies Program. Despite all of the wonderful help from Dr. Hartsock, he most happily stepped aside to allow for Ms. Pittman and Dr. Burk to become our co-advisors. Shortly thereafter, we worked with our advisors and the department to expand the horse herd to 7 and our club quickly expanded as well. That year we also presented a petition of over 2,000 signatures to then Provost Destler demanding that the University withdraw plans to demolish the Campus Farm in the University's Provost Master Plan. Thanks to our actions and those of the department faculty, the Campus Farm still stands and is the jewel of the Animal Science program.

The summer of 2012 saw many changes to the Campus Farm as renovations were made to the property to improve the safety and efficacy of the facilities. The riding ring was renovated and regraded to improve rainwater runoff, a lunging ring was added behind the horse barn, and the muck pile is now kept in a structure that will not drain into Chesapeake Bay waterways. The horses are enjoying their new surroundings, and all those working on the farm are happy to know these renovations will improve the health and safety of all the animals on the farm.

In its short history, with the hard work of the Board of Directors and club members, the Maryland Equestrian Club has become a fully functioning, member-run club. We have developed an extensive horse training program, an educational herd health program, as well as an interactive lesson program. Not only do we still care for and exercise the horses today, but we also offer exciting educational and social events for our members.