Thoroughbreds at Hampton

Some of the finest Thoroughbred horses in the country lived in Hampton’s stables, including horses such as Grey Medeley, Post Boy, and Tuckahoe, whose success enhanced the reputation and purses of their owners. As founding members of the Baltimore Jockey Club and longstanding horse breeders, the Ridgely family and other prominent families helped establish the equestrian tradition that still exists in Maryland today. Prized racehorses were treasured, and the impressive stable was originally stuccoed to resemble the mansion, highlighting the affinity between the master and his horse. In the mid-19th century, John Ridgely, who was particularly interested in swift carriage horses, added a second adjacent stable and a carriage house that is now gone. The Ridgelys traveled frequently, whether into town or on lengthy journeys, using carriages like some that survive today. The left stable was constructed in 1805, the right stable in 1857, and in the autumn of 1912 John Ridgely Jr., the sixth master of Hampton, and his first wife, Louise Humrichouse, were seen with their horses and two grooms.

Hampton, Maryland · United States