Equestrian / Rider returning to Balt. seeks contacts & info. (Baltimore: fit in, living)

[Returning2Balt]

I am a life long horseman. I have owned horse farms, trained horses, taught and coached riders, and worked with youth in equine therapy programs. Now I am headed to Baltimore to live and work. I will most likely live in the city, and I am looking do do something connected with horses.

I am open to a wide range of possibilities. I have decades of hands on skills and experience, as well as management expertise. If I were permitted to dream, I'd start a stable in the city. I do not think there is one now. This would address my skill range and an interest to broaden the opportunities in riding. In the city could work with riders of all ages and levels, as well as offer the experience of horses to people who might otherwise miss the opportunity.

I have lots of questions like, what does Baltimore need in the way of equestrian services or advancement? Are there and urban programs or facilities? Is anyone else interested in bringing horses closer the the city?

I am also open to more traditional work with horses. After a life in barns, I know I will miss the smell and the work. Does anyone need or know of a need for an experienced, well seasoned horseman?

Any and all replies will be appreciated.

Thank you,

Bob

[katabe]

I don't know of anything - we're moving to Baltimore in a month. But I join you in your question about how to access or spend time with horses out there. I grew up with them, trained mine, and did some competition, but mostly for me it's just good for the soul - and the kids. Wondering the same thing as you ...
Good luck to you!
Oh - one thing to look into is therapeutic riding for children with disabilities, as you have experience in this area. Google "therapeutic riding, Baltimore." There are many area options, it looks like, and might be a place to start.

[Returning2Balt]

I have searched for equine therapy programs. Most are for physically handicapped. I worked for four years in a locked mental health facility setting for boys. This is pretty specialized work and I found it very satisfying. I'd like to find something like that again.

I am 62 years old and began riding in 1953. That's 56 years with horses. I'd like to find an envronment where I could play a minor role in someone else's operation, having played the lead role for so many years.

Baltimore is horse country, I trust there is something out there that would be a fit. I am old fashion in the sense that I am much more about the old equestrian community than the new horse industry. I was first trained by a gentleman who was a US Cavalryman, and as such I have always been a generalist, not the specialist that is so popular today. Things have changed in the horse world. When I was young if you only did one thing with your horse you were considered a bit odd. Now, if you do more than one thing with your horse, you are considered odd. Today it is all about defining "market shares" by discipline or breed, all very commercial.

I'd like to fit into something that is less commercial, and more about the energy that horses can provide to a person's life.

[carolott]

One of my coworkers is an equestrienne....send me your contact info, and I will pass it along. She lives a little far from the city, but she's an excellent resource -- she'd probably have some good information for you.

[Returning2Balt]

Carolott, I went to your website 1000 Friends of MD . What do you feel is the optimum role of green space in Baltimore?

I am a fan of Google satellite and I was looking over Baltimore city. I saw the Gwynns Falls greenway, and then discovered the Gwynns Falls Council and their trail. It is apparently a pedestrian only trail. Is this correct?

I wonder if when this trail system in Baltimore was conceived were other forms of recreation considered for inclusion in this greenway? As a horseman I see the number of urban stables dwindling . Claremont in NYC, for example, closed not too long ago after 115 years. Urban renewal progress was its demise.

http://www.potomachorse.com/claremont2.jpg (broken link)

http://www.potomachorse.com/claremont3.jpg (broken link)

These kinds of community assets offer a unique balance to urban living. I think only one stable in NYC remains in Van Cortlandt Park. Several cities, large and small, across the country still maintain bridal paths from San Francisco to Allentown Pennsylvania. With the green space in Baltimore, I am a little surprised that bridal paths have not survived as part of Baltimore's open space recreation.

[Returning2Balt]

I found this quote at Baltimore Travel Itinerary--Druid Hill Historic District .

The park (Druid Hill) contains miles of carriage and bridle paths, a lake, and picnic groves.

Are the Druid Hill Park bridal paths referenced on this current webpage in current use? The present tense "contains" might indicate that they are.

[carolott]

I've never seen anyone riding a horse in Druid Hill Park, but I think it would be a great place to ride...if it was allowed. I passed on your info, so hopefully my coworker will get back to you.

Getting me started on greenspace in Baltimore is like getting Barante started on history. I could go on and on. The quick and dirty version -- we don't have enough of it, outside of rather large parks...which is great, but we need smaller parks, too. I'd like to see condemned properties demolished to make way for greenspace, if it's agreed upon by the surrounding community. However, in order for that to happen, Baltimore needs to stop screwing over its residents in favor of outside investors.