Shawan Downs – Land and the Horse 

Pictured above is Shawan Downs as cornfields and farmland in 1997 when it was for sale to be developed. Today’s Shawan Downs would look very different without the passion and vision of Pedie Killebrew, Charlie Fenwick, and Andre Brewster. 

A little over 100 years ago prior to the First World War, Edith and Wilbur Miller’s Shawan Farm was filled with horses and cattle, their dairy herd numbering over 200, and property extending over 2500 acres. Local equine enthusiasts enjoyed frequent cross-country races and the annual Worthington Valley Horse Show, which benefited the Women’s Hospital in Baltimore and was held near Tufton Avenue on Miller land. While the expansive estate has long since been divided, several of the Miller descendants live on nearby farms, all a part of the original acreage.

Shawan Downs was created beginning in 1997 when local residents Pedie Killebrew and Charlie Fenwick foresaw the possibility that the core of the Miller cattle farm could be saved from development and conserved as open space for farming and as an equine facility to support local equine traditions. Joining forces with Andre Brewster and the LPT, the three shored up support from 19 neighbors to purchase the land, with an additional 175 neighbors donating at least $10,000 each to share in creating an equestrian venue, notably the current Steeplechase course and its amenities. Today, over 250 acres are preserved as open space while hosting equine events including The Legacy Chase, The Green Spring Valley and Shawan Point to Points, Steeplechase Schoolings, The MCTA Three Day horse Trials, The Junior Hunt Cup, and for many years, The Pony Club tetrathlon – with the addition of farming over 150 acres for hay.

The future is open for Shawan Downs. While the number of events was reduced this year, COVID brought new life to Shawan Downs in the form of families on a walk, joggers, and birders all drawn to the beautiful meadows and forest. The Shawan Downs race committee was miraculously able to support horsemen with a three-day Spring Schooling and the recent Shawan Fall Point to Point races in lieu of The Legacy Chase. In Shawan Downs, significant aspects of conservation converge. It is a place for nature, for farming, for a variety of horsemen, and for our community. Please join us in thanking and celebrating the founders’ vision and many years of inspirational work.

Enjoy the photos below from Pedie Killebrew’s Collection!

Life Founding Members – Shawan Downs
Charlie Fenwick Jr., Bill Ward, Debbie Ward, Susie McDonald, Shockey Gillet, Glennie Martin, Bob Killebrew, Wendy Griswold, Pedie Killebrew, Tom Whedbee, Minnie Watriss, Gail Riepe, Sibby Hebb, Betty and Cuppy Fenwick.

To learn how you can be a part of this legacy email danielleoster@gmail.com 

Support Shawan today for tomorrow