“What is more fun than to explore and learn about horses, especially now that spring is here?”
The Maryland Horse Chase, a statewide horse scavenger hunt opened to all residents and sponsored by the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB), a program within the Maryland Department of Agriculture, begins April 6 and runs through April 26. The Horse Chase features visits to many of the state’s new Horse Discovery Centers as well as to some of its most renowned Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing tracks and farms.
Scavenger hunt participants will earn points as they explore the state, visiting and completing simple horse-related challenges at more than 30 equine locations in 15 counties. Participants earning the most points will have a chance at winning more than 100 prizes collectively worth over $10,000. There are four regional as well as one overall statewide hunt.
"We thought the Maryland Horse Chase would be an excellent way to launch the Discovery Center network and also showcase some of our long established racing barns and tracks,” said MHIB Chairman Jim Steele.
All prizes are horse-related and include overnight stays combined with equine activities at vacation spots around the state; tickets to major horse events like rodeos, races, Medieval Times, polo and steeplechasing; equine clothing; complimentary riding lessons and trail rides; and a chance to meet many of the state’s most accomplished horsemen and women.
Participants will be able to enter by registering at marylandhorsechase.com in early April. They will be given a pass code and a list of locations and challenges to complete at each facility. Challenges will include:
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Photo Challenges: Participants go to a designated area at a chase location and take a photo of a specified object or area;
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Action Challenges: Participants will complete an activity at a chase location, with the help of staff. Successful completion will earn them an input code; and
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Text Challenges: Participants will explore a location or the internet to determine the correct answer to a question
Tara Guevara, co-founder of the Big Purple Barn in Bowie and a Horse Discovery Center operator, is the scavenger hunt coordinator.
“The Discovery Centers are licensed horse stables where folks of all ages and experience levels can learn about horses in a welcoming and knowledgeable environment,” Guevara said. “We feel this is a great way to introduce this new statewide network of awesome horse education centers. They really showcase the diversity of our horse industry, coupled with exciting visits to racing farms and tracks.”
(maryland.gov)