Two horses from one small Maryland farm once pulled the White House Christmas tree. They did it on a wagon more than 100 years old that belongs to the National Park Service.
Those horses were Clydesdales named Ben and Winston. They live in a barn with a crew of fellow giants, plus a couple of dalmatians and a tortoise named Clyde.
I love that families can stand right beside these horses. Kids tilt their heads back, then tilt them back some more.
A Clydesdale’s neck alone seems taller than most second graders.
I can’t imagine a better way to show a child what real farm life looks like. The animals are huge, the people are warm, and the stories run deep.
So how does a quiet farm end up delivering a tree to the President?
A Southern Maryland Barn Full Of Gentle Giants
Out on a country road in St. Mary’s County sits Suttler Post Farm, home to a team of real Clydesdales. Owner Wayne Suttler and his family care for the horses, and the farm welcomes curious visitors.
The barn has housed eight of these feathered-hoof giants in recent years. Each horse has a name, a backstory, and a personality the family is happy to explain.
For kids, the size is the first lesson. Clydesdales are famous draft horses, bred for pulling heavy loads, and they tower over most adults.
Standing next to one makes a grown-up feel small, so imagine how a seven-year-old reacts.
Suttler Post Farm is not an amusement park with rides and snack stands. It’s a working farm in Maryland where animals come first.
That honest feel is part of the charm, and it gives families something real to see together.
The farm also shows up all over the community. Its horses pull wagons at local events, carry brides to weddings, and appear at fairs.
They even made national news when two of them delivered a famous tree to Washington.
Not bad for a farm most people only discover by word of mouth.
How One Horse Named Doc Started The Whole Story
Every great farm story needs a first horse, and here that horse was Doc. Tour guides share how Doc shaped the farm and set everything else in motion.
Families learn about Doc early in a visit. The farm’s history comes up often, and it’s clearly a point of pride for the people who run it.
Kids tend to love origin stories. Hearing that one horse grew into a whole team of Clydesdales makes the barn feel like a living storybook.
It also gives children someone to ask about, which makes the tour feel personal.
Wayne Suttler, the owner, often shares history and facts himself. His wife Cathy is known for guiding tours with plenty of enthusiasm and deep knowledge of each horse.
Beyond Doc, the stories keep coming. The horses have worked weddings, fairs, and community celebrations across Southern Maryland.
Each event adds another chapter, and the family seems to remember every one.
That mix of past and present is what makes the visit stick. Your kids won’t just see big horses.
They’ll leave knowing why these particular horses matter to the people who raised them, and that’s a lesson worth the drive.
Ben And Winston Took A Tree To The White House
Ben and Winston have a résumé most horses can only dream about. The pair delivered the official Christmas tree to the White House for the 2023 season.
They pulled it on a wagon over 100 years old, owned by the National Park Service. That’s a big job for any team, and an even bigger honor for a family farm.
Kids usually get wide-eyed when they hear this. The horses they’re petting have actually worked at the President’s house.
That’s a fun fact worth bringing back to the classroom.
The farm is proud of the moment, and you can feel it. Tour guides explain how much training goes into preparing horses for events like this.
Strength and patience exercises help them stay calm around crowds, cameras, and noise.
That training shows up at every public appearance. These horses have to behave at weddings, fairs, and parades, not just once in Washington.
A skittish Clydesdale would be a very large problem.
So when your child reaches up to scratch a neck, they’re greeting a polished professional. Ben and Winston just happen to be professionals with fuzzy feet and very big appetites.
Brushes, Harnesses, And Even A Little Stall Mucking
Grooming a horse whose back sits higher than your head is a workout. Families who book the farm’s Clydesdale experience get to try it firsthand.
The day can begin with feeding the horses breakfast. Visitors then meet each Clydesdale and hear a bit of history about every one.
Next comes the brushing. It’s hands-on, a little messy, and a great way for kids to connect with an animal this size.
A patient horse leaning into a good scratch is hard to forget.
Guests also help prepare the horses with their harnesses. That’s when the scale really hits, because the gear alone is impressive.
Then comes a carriage ride around the farm behind the very horses you just brushed.
And yes, there’s stall mucking. It’s an honest look at farm chores, and older kids might even think it’s funny.
Younger ones may prefer to supervise from a safe distance.
Lunch has been part of past experiences, shared right at the farm. Details can vary, so ask what’s included when you book.
Either way, this is the kind of day that turns horse-crazy kids into lifelong fans.
Dalmatians, A Tortoise, And Very Friendly Faces
Clyde the tortoise doesn’t pull wagons, but he does make appearances. He’s been known to wander out and greet visitors in the barn.
The farm also has playful dalmatians, a classic pairing with draft horses. Kids who came for Clydesdales often leave talking about the dogs too.
The people get just as much attention. Wayne, Cathy, and their team are frequently described as warm, patient, and generous with their time.
Family members, including granddaughters, have pitched in during visits.
Friendly staff comes up again and again when families describe the farm. Some visitors stopped by off hours and were still invited to pet the horses.
Others mention there was no pressure at all, just good conversation.
The horses seem to enjoy company as well. Several guests say the Clydesdales love neck scratches, and some even hand out nuzzles.
That relaxed vibe suits nervous kids nicely. Nobody’s rushing anybody, and questions are welcome.
A shy child can watch first, then slowly work up the courage to reach out a hand.
Honestly, a tortoise named Clyde in a Clydesdale barn might be the best joke on the whole property.
Open House Weekends That Give Back To Hospice
Want a crowd, food, and horses all on one weekend? The farm’s open house benefiting hospice delivers exactly that.
Families have enjoyed a variety of food, friendly vendors, and items to bid on. Of course, the Clydesdales are the stars, ready for scratches and photos.
The farm also gets decorated for the holidays. Christmas trees and festive touches have made seasonal visits especially cheerful.
Kids who love both horses and holiday lights get a double treat.
Community support runs deep here. Suttler Post Farm has hosted Southern Maryland Vacations for Vets along with residents from the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
That day included food, games, activities, and wagon rides pulled by Clydesdales.
Moments like that show what the farm values. It isn’t only about showing off horses.
It’s about bringing neighbors together across generations.
Event dates change each year, so check the farm’s social pages before planning. Open houses can be a great first visit for families who want a lively feel.
Quieter days suit kids who prefer more one-on-one time with the animals.
Either way, your visit can help a good cause while your kids meet some very large new friends.
Planning The Drive Down Chaptico Road
Mechanicsville sits in Southern Maryland, an easy weekend drive from the Washington suburbs. The farm’s address is 38750 Chaptico Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.
Call ahead before you go. Visits often depend on the farm’s schedule, since the horses travel to events and the family runs a busy operation.
Some guests have dropped by casually and found nobody on site. They still saw the horses up close, but the tour is where the stories come alive.
Booking ahead gives you the full picture.
Cost can vary by visit type. Some casual visitors were not charged to see the horses and chose to leave a donation.
The full Clydesdale experience is a bigger, planned outing, so ask about current pricing.
Leave room for the gift shop. It carries unique farm memorabilia and has offered ice cream, which kids will notice immediately.
The farm has even welcomed overnight RV guests through Harvest Hosts. That’s a fun option for camping families exploring Maryland.
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can handle a little dust. Barns are barns, after all, and Clydesdale hooves are not something small toes should test.
Why Your Kids Will Talk About These Horses For Weeks
A perfect 5-star rating says plenty about a small farm. Families, seniors, couples, and veterans all seem to leave Suttler Post Farm smiling.
I believe the secret is how personal it feels. You aren’t watching horses from behind a rope.
You’re meeting them, learning their names, and hearing why they matter.
For kids, that’s huge, literally. Standing beside a Clydesdale changes how they think about animals, strength, and hard work.
Few lessons come wrapped in that much fuzz.
The farm suits nearly every age. Toddlers can gaze from a parent’s arms.
Older kids can brush, ask questions, and maybe even help with chores.
Grandparents enjoy it too, judging by the senior groups who have visited and loved it. That makes it a smart pick for multi-generation weekend outings around Maryland.
Bring patience, curiosity, and maybe a camera with a wide lens. You’ll need it to fit a whole Clydesdale in one frame.
So which horse will your family fall for first? Maybe Ben or Winston.
Maybe a new favorite entirely. Either way, it’s a Maryland farm worth bragging about to every horse-loving friend you know.
