© 2003 Clay Hill Stables
 No refunds of semester or
 lessons fees. Barn credit only.

Clay Hill Stables is a family business, owned and operated by Emmie Prettyman, who is certified by the British Horse Society as an instructor and who currently teaches a 6-credit internship for the University of Maryland in Horse Management and Instructor Training. Clay Hill specializes in creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to learn. Clay Hill is fully licensed by the State of Maryland, Prince George's County and COMAR of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and all instructors are certified both in the riding discipline and with First Aid and CPR. Instructors include Trisha Prettyman, Danny Prettyman and Lyndi Prettyman-Caruso. Son Jamey runs his own farm at Pickwick Stables in Sykesville, Maryland.

When you drive in to the farm, you will be astounded to see this island amidst the schools and houses that surround the facility making it convenient to PG County, Anne Arundel County, Virginia and D.C.

Location
9911 Old Ardwick-Ardmore Road
Springdale , Maryland 20774 

Instruction
All levels of English riding are taught for all ages of adults and children, beginning at age 6. Most instruction is on the horse with occasional lectures and horsemastership training.

 A special BEGINNER PACKAGE is offered through various programs including the YMCA of Arlington, Virginia and the City of Falls Church Recreation Department, teaching competent handling of the horse and his equipment, in a correct and safe manner, along with the fundamentals of English riding. The Clay Hill horses are well-trained at all levels and lessons are given daily and evenings. Instructors are highly capable and sensitive to each rider's individual needs. Clay Hill was under contract to MNPPC from 1975 through 2006, offering the same type classes and is the only stable of its kind offering these classes as a Community Service, making it an affordable program for all.

Student Rentals
Horses are available to enrolled students on a rental basis to practice skills between lessons or to go on escorted trail rides. Monthly leases of horses are also available with riding every day.

Shows
Clay Hill is very proud of the horse show record compiled in the past years, both locally and on the circuit. The horses are available to take to shows at a nominal fee and Clay Hill encourages its students to compete as another pleasant dimension to riding.

Student Competitions
Each spring and fall, Clay Hill has an in-house competition for students with certified judges officiating and giving constructive criticism.

 Working Student Program
A unique opportunity to learn and work more closely with horses and the various phases of barn management is offered to qualifying adults and youth in a non-resident program. Hours worked can be credited toward riding time, show expenses or lessons. A Certificate Program for ages 16 and over is also offered. For those interested in the Internship through the University of Maryland, applicants must have a minimum of 60 credits and be in the Animal Science Department.

Instructor Certificate Program

Offered for Instructors wishing to work in the state of Maryland in a riding school or camp.

IEA TEAM

We have competed now for 2 years in the Interscholastic Horse Show Association with other area schools with both our High School and Middle School teams, qualifying both our team and our riders for the National finals. 6th Grade through 12th grade riders compete on the horses at the other competing barns in a friendly, supportive and good sportsmanship atmosphere.

 Show Team
Clay Hill offers a show team to any students interested in showing locally in our area. Participation is on a first-come basis with practices once a week starting in April. Members receive free trailering to one show a month or reduced coaching fees or free horse rental fees. Members also get first choice of the 40 horses and ponies at the facility for their show experience.

Clinics
Clay Hill schedules riding clinics throughout the year for its students with guest instructors who are noted personalities in their particular field. Noted clinicians have been A-rated Master Judge, Matt Collins of Culpeper, Virginia, (Hunters and Equitation)Jaye Younkers of Potomac (Side Saddle),Judy Farnsworth- Newcomb of Mitchellville, MD (Dressage) Chris Hickey of New Jersey (Jumpers) and Pat DeFelice (Western)

Summer Adventure
The most fun place to be during the summer! Intensive training in all phases of horsemanship and horsemastership is of course the main area of study, with each child assigned his own personal horse to care for and love. There is also swimming each day and all sorts of contests and competitions. Extended day care is available from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Special activities each session include a Weiner Roast and Splash Party, Overnight Trail Ride and a Horse Show.

TEAMS 
Team Coaches and Rider/Schoolers Trisha, Lyndi, Danny and Emmie Prettyman, Monica Lilly and Omar Del Valle accompany the teams to all competitions and holds a full team practice before every show. Our Middle School team qualified for Nationals in 2008 and we had 3 riders, Alexa Prettyman, Lexi Markmann and Megan Novak-Winter who qualified for Nationals as individuals in 2009

Instructor Certificate Program
This program fulfills the guidelines for instructors at all levels from Ground Support Person, Beginner Instructors, Intermediate Instructors and Advanced Instructors for Specialty Camps offering horseback riding as outlined by COMAR of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Work sheets will be sent to you in addition to a study guide of basic knowledge that all must know. The certification requires about 5 hours of on-site testing plus independent study.

 Nothing contributes more to a successful learning experience than a happy environment in which to learn. You will find this at CLAY HILL.