Troutman runs the Maryland Equestrian Foundation, a Prince George’s County fundraising group that has fought to open access for Maryland horse riders since the 1980s. Among its most recent victories was the formation of the Prince George’s County Equine Industry Task Force, which was set up to facilitate the economic development of the county’s equine industry. Prince George’s is home to 7,500 horses.
Are you excited about the task force?
Yes, it will show how important the horse industry is in Prince George’s. You don’t usually think of horses when you think about Prince George’s, but there’s a lot of them here. You also don’t usually think of it as an industry, but there’s veterinarians, you need feed, horse trailers, trucks. And everyone who keeps horses has to have a manure spreader, it’s indispensable.
How did you start working with horses?
We have a horse farm here in Upper Marlboro, but I don’t even ride. I got involved from my children who wanted to ride when they turned about 11 years old.
Why did you found the Maryland Equestrian Foundation?
We founded it in the 1980s, first to purchase a racetrack for riding purposes in Prince George’s County. We later widened it to include all of Maryland and have since helped to obtain land in state reserves where riding is permitted.
Do you think people are surprised when they hear about horses in Prince George’s County?
Yes. They should know, though, that there’s not just crime in Prince George’s; not just problems. It’s as if somebody has tried to keep a secret. But this is Marlboro country, it’s horse country. It’s surprising how many parents and children want to take part in that. We need to embrace it.
– Freeman Klopott
