Tour MD Horse Farms During Preakness Festival

MARYLAND — Horse farms across the state are offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at where current and future champion equestrians are born and raised as part of the Preakness Festival that kicks off later this week.

The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes will be celebrated with the Preakness Festival that highlights the state's equestrian heritage while showcasing local artists and traditions through various events.

The Preakness Festival runs May 9-16 and includes such activities as the Preakness Festival Market and Movie Night Friday starting at 5 p.m. with a makers market featuring Maryland artisans, makers and small businesses. A free screening of Secretariat will follow at 8:30 p.m. at Rye Street Park in Baltimore, 201 E. Cromwell St.

There's also Fascinator Friday, the Prince George’s County Preakness Celebration, a Toast to Preakness Brunch, Mother's Day at the Races, the Governor's Classic Golf Tournament, the traditional Alibi Breakfast, the Black Eyes Suzy Party and more.

A self-guided tour of participating Maryland horse farms and horse-related businesses will be available Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Maryland Horse Industry Board under the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the tour is free to attend but advance registration is required to visit the farms. A digital program features the participating horse farms, as well as a curated list of local agribusinesses nearby.

“The Maryland Horse Farm Tour is a perfect way to celebrate Preakness week and experience the heart of Maryland’s horse country. Select farms and locations across the state are opening their doors and gates to everyone—not just racing fans—to meet the horses and enjoy a relaxing day in the countryside," Anne Litz, executive director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board, told Patch.

"From mares and foals to the stories behind Maryland-bred champions; whether its lesson horses or ponies there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The tour is ... a free, family-friendly day that showcases the spirit of Maryland's horse ecosystem," Litz added.

Residents embarking upon the tour can walk through scenic horse farms located in several counties including Harford, Howard, Prince George's and Baltimore. They can watch mares and foals together, learn about horse breeding, observe the care and training required to produce elite equine athletes, and discover the state's rich heritage in the horse-racing industry.

While on the tour of horse farms, residents can check out nearby farm stands, wineries and other area agribusiness that are listed at Maryland's Best.

The Maryland Horse Farm Tour is presented in partnership with the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Maryland Racing Commission, Maryland Million Ltd., Rosecroft Raceway, Cloverleaf Standardbred Owner’s Association, Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland Horse Industry Board.

Below are some of the horse farms and horse-related businesses participating in Sunday's tour.

Harford County

• Atlanta Hall, 2933 Pocock Rd., Monkton
• Country Life Farm, 319 Old Joppa Rd., Fallston
• The Mill of Bel Air, 524 N. Main St., Bel Air

Howard County

• Chanceland Farm, 1975 McKendree Rd., West Friendship
• Days End Farm Horse Rescue, 1372 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine

Prince George's County

• Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro
• Rosecroft Raceway, 6336 Rosecroft Dr., Fort Washington

Baltimore County

• Maryland Horse Library and Education Center, 321 Main Street, Reisterstown
• Oldfields School, 1500 Glencoe Rd., Sparks Glencoe
• Willowdale Farm, 3100 Black Rock Rd., Butler