Maryland Horse Library & Education Center

Maryland Horse Library & Education Center

Welcome to the Library

Welcome to the Library

The Maryland Horse Library & Education Center is the largest library of its kind on the east coast, its shelves holding thousands of books dedicated exclusively to horses. Visitors may browse shelves on a variety of topics, from breeds to training methods, riding disciplines to the history of horse sports, and much much more. Officially opened in December 2022, MHLEC serves as a hub for learning and collaboration, while honoring the long history of horses in Maryland. In addition to its non-lending, special collections reference library, MHLEC offers a meeting space, a gallery, educational exhibits and programs.

Backstory

The Maryland Horse Library & Education Center went from dream to reality when the offices of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, established in 1929, moved to its permanent home in Reisterstown in the summer of 2020. The library occupies what was originally Grace Methodist Church (built circa 1866). In September 2021, MHLEC was designated by the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) as the Educational and Cultural Center of the Maryland Horse Park System.

Upcoming Library & Maryland Horse Foundation Events

Jun 5

2023 Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program

Applications due April 21, 2023! APPLY NOW Launched in 2017, the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program is an educational program presented by the Maryland Horse Foundation (MHF) that aims to: Increase awareness of the diverse career options in the Thoroughbred industry Give participants access to leaders of the Maryland Thoroughbred community Highlight various paths for pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry Address a critical need to attract and retain experienced and devoted employees Over the course of a week, participants are encouraged to fully engage in the Maryland Thoroughbred industry and explore a multitude of career options. Graduates of the MTCP are eligible to apply for Career Development Funds, one-time funding that can be used to further career pursuits within two years after the program ends. Interested? Contact Becky Remsberg at bremsberg@marylandthoroughbred.com with questions. LEARN MORE→
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Jun 8

Author Talk with Jennifer Kelly: Author of “The Foxes of Belair”

Jennifer Kelly’s delves into the history of one of Maryland’s - and America’s - most famed Thoroughbred breeders of the early 20th century, William Woodward, in her newest book, The Foxes of Belair: Gallant Fox, Omaha, and the Quest for the Triple Crown. Not only does she examine the racing legacies of his Triple Crown winners Gallant Fox and Omaha, who spent their early lives on the historic Belair Stud in Prince George's County, but how William Woodward's service to racing during the 20th century forever changed the landscape of the American Thoroughbred industry. Attendance is free. For more information and upcoming events at the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center, visit MarylandHorse.com/Library.
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Jun 26

Author Talk on “Self Destruction: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of U.S. Senator Daniel B. Brewster”

“Hollywood handsome Danny Brewster had it all: inherited wealth, stellar education, decorated combat Marine, prestigious horse farm, and even a seat in the United States Senate. He helped pass some of the most important civil rights legislation in our history, and provided the first political jobs to future House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Then, debilitated by alcoholism, he self-destructed and lost it all.”   A new biography about the Baltimore-born senator has recently been released. Self Destruction: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of U.S. Senator Daniel B. Brewster will be the topic of discussion for the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center’s Fourth Monday series, to be held June 26 at 4 p.m. in the library. Author John W. Frece, a longtime legislative reporter with the Baltimore Sun and United Press International, will discuss the book and Brewster’s life, along with members of the Brewster family. “Reexamining the life and legacy of Senator Brewster is particularly timely at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, in light of our renewed struggle for racial justice,” writes Pelosi in the foreword. “Danny showed notable political courage in helping pave the way for progress on civil rights. He was the only Senator from south of the Mason-Dixon Line to co-sponsor both the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signed by the author.  
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Jun 27

Howard & Sondra Bender Educational Series Pasture Management Seminar

The Maryland Horse Library & Education Center is excited to kick off the new Howard & Sondra Bender Educational Series with a sustainable pasture management seminar in partnership with University of Maryland Extension. Attendance is free. Featuring a talk by Dr. Amy Burk, Equine Extension Specialist and leading expert in equine nutrition and pasture management. Visit MarylandHorse.com for more information about this event and future installments in the series. 
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Get Involved

The Maryland Horse Library and Education Center is a multi-faceted facility that honors the history and importance of Maryland’s horse industry. Visitors can expand their knowledge of all things equine while using the library, which houses more than 5,000 volumes; attending educational programs; viewing exhibits in the gallery; and making use of the versatile meeting room. The site is centrally located and easily accessible at 321 Main Street in Reisterstown.

In the Media

WBAL-TV Segment with Jennifer Franciotti

On May 17, 2023, Jennifer Franciotti visited the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center for a segment on WBAL-TV. The segment is below, and features interviews with MHBA executive director Cricket Goodall, MHBA communications manager John Piassek, and Ross Peddicord, the executive director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4nMCo0fz2E
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Where’s Marty? Maryland Horse Library on WJZ

On January 10, 2023, Marty Bass visited the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center as part of his "Where's Marty?" series. Take a sneak peak at the segment below or click HERE to view the full feature.
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Silks Wall

Silks Wall

One of the most distinctive features of the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center is the silks wall! Arranged in 4 x 3 grid and visible to passerby traveling northbound on Reisterstown Road, the silks wall pays tribute to some great names in Maryland racing history.

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Previous Author Talks & Panel Discussions

Elkridge-Harford 100th Anniversary Panel

The Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point races, held on Atlanta Hall Farm in Monkton, celebrated their 100th anniversary this year. On April 24, the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center played host to a panel on the influence and importance of the races. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEPODE1MMY8
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Women & Horses Panel

The Maryland Horse Library & Education Center played host to a panel discussion on women in Maryland racing on March 27, 2023, in celebration of Women's History Month! Speakers included Karen Fulton, head trainer and owner of Full Moon Farm in Finksburg and vice chair of the Maryland Horse Industry Board, Cindy Halle, a multiple championship-winning polo coach at Garrison Forest School and the Maryland Polo Club, Georganne Hale, vice president of racing development for the Maryland Jockey Club, and award-winning equine photographer Cappy Jackson. Check out their conversation at the link below! [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sQFr3o-TX0[/embed]  
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Author Talk with Alvin Stone

The Maryland Horse Library & Education Center played host to its first author talk on February 27, 2023, when Alvin Stone, the author of Stoney: the Story of my Dad's Life, an African-American Groom of Horse Racing, came by to discuss his book and his father's experiences in racing. Watch Alvin's talk at the link below! [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJUc8UYiuZI[/embed]
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Visit Us

321 Main Street

Reisterstown, MD 21136

HOURS:

9AM – 5PM
Mon – Fri

The Library will be CLOSED for the following dates in 2023:

April 7

May 29 (Memorial Day)

July 4

September 4 (Labor Day)

November 23-24 (Thanksgiving)

December 23-25

December 29

 


Questions? Contact us!