Equitation as a foundation

National Capitol Equitation League

The National Capitol Equitation League (NCEL) is comprised of riding schools throughout Maryland and Virginia, giving riders an option to stay competitive during  winter season.  Our league affiliates include the National Capitol Short Stirrup Equitation League (NCSSEL) and the National Capitol Junior Equitation League (JEL), which provide a natural progression of learning and competitive riding.

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In the Media

NCEL Team Competition – Horse Times Magazine

Since its inception in 1979 the National Capitol Equitation League (NCEL) and its affiliates, the National Capitol Short Stirrup Equitation League (NCSSEL), and Junior Equitation League (JEL), have been teaching young men and women the values of good horsemanship and good sportsmanship…

United States Hunter Jumper Association

The National Capitol Equitation League (NCEL) is an affiliate of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) which gives us access to additional awards, grants, and opportunities for our members.

You can learn more about the USHJA Affiliate Program at the links below, and sign up for USHJA Affiliate Membership at the United States Hunter Jumper Association website.

About NCEL

A COACHING LEAGUE

“Excellent coaches…excellent horses, well organized league…”

Teams compete at member riding facilities from October through March in a series of round-robin meets patterned after the intercollegiate leagues. Each barn has an indoor riding ring, schooling horses, and recognized judges.  The NCEL league has two affliates, National Capitol Short Stirrup (NCSSEL) and the Junior Equitation League (JEL).  Each league is a stepping stone to the next, but can be joined independently.  League level is based on riding level, and not age.

Our Affiliates 

The National Capitol Equitation League (NCEL) bylaws allow any group that has as its primary purpose the development, promotion, and governance of a series of competitive round-robin meets for the benefit of equestrians to become an affiliate of NCEL.  NCEL’s affiliates are the National Capitol Junior Equitation League (JEL) and National Capitol Short Stirrup Equitation League (NCSSEL).

National Capitol Short Stirrup Equitation League

The National Capitol Short Stirrup Equestrian League (NCSSEL) provides an opportunity for novice junior riders to enhance their existing riding skills and prepare themselves for growth in the equine competitive sports.

Junior Equitation League
The National Capitol Junior Equestrian League (JEL) provides an opportunity for beginner riders to be a viable part of a team, promote the art of equitation, establish horsemanship skills and a solid foundation to hunter jumper equitation.  Where good sportsmanship and a no stress competition atmosphere is emphasized.

Our Participating Barns

We Provide the Best Experience

Full Moon Farm

Located in beautiful Carroll County, Maryland Full Moon Farm is a family owned and operated full service equine facility convenient to Reisterstown, Westminster, and Ellicott City.

Merkel Farm Equestrian Center

Merkel Farm, a family owned and operated equestrian center run by Stephanie Serenati-Merkel. Merkel Farm is nestled between Bowie State University and the Patuxent Wildlife Preserve in Bowie, MD and is within easy reach from the Washington D.C., Annapolis and Baltimore metro areas.

Red Gate Farm

Located in beautiful Bluemont, Virginia, Red Gate Farm provides a friendly and family-oriented atmosphere for you and your horse. We’re just 18.5 miles from Leesburg, 9.5 miles from Purcellville

Tamarack Stables

Tamarack Stables nestled in the rolling hills of Virginia’s historic Mason Neck area. Family-owned, managed by Tim and Cheryl Majewski, located 22 miles south of downtown Washington.

Tranquillity Manor Farm

Tranquillity Manor Farms is a family-established equestrian program in Monkton, Maryland, that was started in 1972. We offer a weekly lesson program, boarding, leasing, showing, summer clinics and training year round for both horse and rider.