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.

On the Shelves

Browse our collection online, keep tabs on new additions to the library, and take a closer look at fascinating titles, book reviews and staff suggestions.

Dulany's Friday Finds

The latest finds from library volunteer Dulany Noble!

Upcoming Library & Maryland Horse Foundation Events

Dec 15

Maryland Horse Library Christmas Open House

Season's Greetings! Join us for the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center's annual Christmas open house. Enjoy a festive day with ponies and a visit from Santa! RSVP by December 8 to bremsberg@marylandthoroughbred.com.
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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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Building

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.

Previous Author Talks & Panel Discussions

Retired Racehorse Project Panel

Kirsten Green, Jazz Napravnik, Lindy Gutman, Clare Mansmann, and Tom Mansmann visited the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center on May 22, 2023 to discuss the Retired Racehorse Project. To learn more about the RRP, visit therrp.org. https://youtu.be/_SK8oU_E2xo
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Author Talk with Patricia McQueen

On Thursday, May 18, the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center welcomed photographer Patricia McQueen, author of Secretariat's Legacy, to discuss her work ahead of the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's Preakness Stakes win. View the talk below: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GRUjodG0CE[/embed]
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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 3-4 (Independence Day)

September 4 (Labor Day)

November 23-24 (Thanksgiving)

December 23-25

December 29

 


Questions? Contact us!