Maryland Horse Industry Leaders Present Strategic Plan to Governor Martin O’Malley

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Dec. 1, 2009) The Maryland Horse Industry Board has officially released its strategic plan for the Maryland horse industry. The report was developed at the request of Governor Martin O’Malley and with the guidance of more than 300 leaders of the industry at the 2009 Maryland Horse Forum held in August.  The 2009 Maryland Horse Forum Final Report was presented to representatives of Governor O’Malley and Agriculture Secretary Earl F. Hance at a joint meeting of the Maryland Horse Industry Board and the Maryland Horse Council.  The report details steps that can be taken to grow and improve the Maryland Horse Industry.

“The Maryland horse industry makes up a large and important part of the State’s agricultural industry,” said Governor O’Malley.  “We recognize the importance of the horse sector and thank the Maryland Horse Industry Board, the Maryland Horse Council and all of the Forum participants their hard work in creating this report.  I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and working with the sponsors and related state agencies to determine what is feasible to do in these tight budget times to advance the industry and our smart, green and growing future.”

“This report will inform policy discussions and decisions for the benefit of the equine industry and help maintain Maryland’s rightful place as a world-renowned home for the horse industry,” said Secretary Hance. “A vibrant horse sector has a ripple effect, supporting open space and the overall farming community that provides feed, hay, and veterinary services among many other products and services.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Equine Census, there are more than 87,000 horses in Maryland worth $680 million on 20,200 horse farms.  Assets held by the horse industry are valued at $5.2 billion. Sixty percent of the horses in Maryland are used for recreational purposes while 40 percent are for racing. There are five racetracks, not including training facilities like Bowie and Fair Hill, 600 licensed stables offering boarding and/or lessons to the public, and eight steeplechase race courses. In 2005, the American Horse Council calculated that the Maryland horse industry has an annual economic impact of $1.6 billion.

The 2009 Maryland Horse Forum and the Final Report were sponsored by the Maryland Horse Industry Board, The Equiery publication, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association/Maryland Million, Ltd., Farm Credit, Southern States Cooperative, Maryland Farm Bureau, University of Maryland – Equine Studies, and the Retired Racehorse Training Symposium.  For a copy of the report, visit www.mdhorseforum.com.