Butler Equestrian Program is located on Butler Montessori’s campus in Darnestown, Maryland. Butler is just minutes from Gaithersburg and Germantown off of Route 118 just north of Route 28. Butler Equestrian Program offers multiple riding disciplines that include vaulting, hunter jumper and equitation lessons and flat lessons. Interested students often compete in local off-site horse shows.

Our Philosophy

We aspire to develop complete equestrians according to each rider’s individual goals. The goal is to develop a close relationship between horse and rider in a fun and safe environment. Butler Equestrian Program will develop horsemanship, encourage responsibility, and teach the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Our students learn to understand equine behavior and basic horse care as we encourage the bond between horse and rider.

Our Facilities

Butler Equestrian Program has multiple barns, tack rooms, indoor and outdoor riding rings on our 22-beautiful open and wooded acres, as well as miles of riding trails in Seneca Creek State Park.Our HorsesButler’s horses are available to current students for lessons, partial on-property leases, and are fortunate to spend their “free time” grazing with their herd mates on 20 lush acres of green pastures. Our horses are happy, healthy and loved, leading to happy, successful students!

Our Year-Round Lesson Program

Our riding program, which is open to the public, provides a year-round lesson program for all riding levels, ages 6 and up. Classes have a maximum of 6 riders, and each rider is expertly partnered with a horse matching their capabilities. Whether your interest lies in beginner riding, vaulting, or the competitive show circuits, we have the right horse waiting for you. Over the summer months, Butler Camp offers three equestrian camps, providing young riders with the opportunity to participate in an intensive daily equestrian program with a wide variety of activities.

Our Vaulting Program

Vaulting at Butler Equestrian Program provides a unique way to develop coordination, balance, strength and creativity, as well as horsemanship skills. Movements are first learned and practiced on a stationary barrel. The horse is on a lunge line controlled by a trainer from the ground, adding an extra measure of safety to this fun sport. For more information on equestrian vaulting, please visit the American Vaulting Association.