Lessons

Horseback riding combines confidence, responsibility, athleticism and focus to make an enjoyable activity for all ages.  As riders advance in experience, you'll see the pride and confidence come out in the rider as they feel that sense of accomplishment.  Whether you want to take lessons for personal enjoyment, recreation or to focus on competitive riding, Merkel Farm offers experienced English riding instruction.  

Private and group lessons are offered for all ages and levels of ability including beginner, intermediate or experienced riders with the primary focus being the safety of the rider and horsemanship. Merkel Farm recommends private lessons until the rider has developed the skills to control their mount.  Group lessons are established based on student interest and similar rider abilities.  

Merkel Farm owns plenty of horses, which are available for riding during lessons, so owning your own horse is not required to take lessons.  Lesson fees are as follows:

  • Evaluation lesson  (REQUIRED FOR ALL NEW STUDENTS):  one time lesson- $80;
  • Private hour lessons (package of four) - $300
  • Group lesson (package of four) - $240
WE DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS ONLY CASH OR CHECK or Zelle
A release waiver can be printed, signed and brought to your first lesson using the button at the top of the page. 

Off Farm
​Competitions

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Merkel Farm annually participates in  schooling and rated competitions in the Maryland and surrounding areas.  Merkel Farm competes in shows ranging from beginner students first time to Rated competitions for intermediate and advanced students. 

​Our goal is to make sure every student has an enjoyable and constructive showing experience, no matter what level.  Along with schooling shows, Merkel Farm competes at the Black Eyed Susan rated and non-rated horse show in Upper Malboro, MD. This show offers the opportunity for students to grow in their riding, offering classes ranging from crossrails to the 3' Equitation Medals.

Riders compete individually in as many monthly competitions as they want during the series.  Points are accumulated for each competition, and the riding club holds an awards banquet at the end of the season.  

Merkel Farm riders may use our horses for the competition which are transported via trailer.  Please contact us for pricing, show fees, and services.


Team Competitions

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Merkel Farm competes with the National Capital Equitation League (NCEL) and their affiliate NCSSEL (National Capital Short Stirrup Equitation League) and JEL (Junior Equitation League).  This competition series consists of four competitions from October through March in the greater Washington D.C. area.  The rider is required to be in a weekly lesson program, and an additional team lesson per week is required. 

Riders compete as a team and use horses provided at the competitions.  NCSSEL Teams are comprised of 6 point riders and up to 3 alternates who also compete at each team competition. JEL Teams are comprised of 10 riders in a variety of different divisions. Horses are selected by random draw and points are accumulated as a team with an awards banquet held at the end of the season.  
Riding team is a fun environment, and team members become close and build lasting friendships. NCEL provides an environment for students to show in which they do not have to trailer horses in or pay entry show fees.
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For more information on NCEL and their affiliates, visit their website at:  NCSSEL