Governor Wes Moore Proclaims October as ‘Maryland Horse Month’

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 4, 2024)—Governor Wes Moore has once again proclaimed October as Maryland Horse Month in celebration of the Maryland horse industry. The month-long celebration will showcase the many ways the State is enriched by it, from the economic benefits to the recreational and therapeutic benefits. 

In celebration of Maryland Horse Month, the Maryland Horse Industry Board and its industry partners are highlighting the many statewide attractions, events, activities, trails, exhibits, and experiences that have an equestrian connection. These events include the Maryland 5-Star at Fair Hill, a major international equestrian event that will draw competitors from across the U.S. and abroad, which takes place October 17 through 20 in Elkton.

Other major Maryland horse events include the Capital Challenge Horse Show, which is one of the largest horse shows in the country, at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro now running through October 6; the Jim McKay Maryland Million horse race at Laurel Park Racetrack on October 12; and the Washington International Horse Show, also at Prince George’s Equestrian Center, October 21-27. 

In between these major events are championship finals in jousting – the official state sport since 1962 – on October 5 and October 12, as well as the Tuckahoe Equestrian Center’s Celebration of the Horse on October 5. The state’s 42 Horse Discovery Centers, individual farm owners and equine organizations will also host All Breed exhibitions, rodeos, and numerous other events.

“Maryland’s thriving industry is a crucial part of Maryland agriculture,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “I encourage all Marylanders to experience one horse related event during the month of October!” 

Horse enthusiasts can also visit the new Maryland Horse Library and Education Center on Historic Main Street in Reisterstown. This month marks the second anniversary of the center, which serves as an information hub for the industry and includes a fine collection of sporting books, a memorabilia area, meeting space, interactive kiosks and rotating exhibits.

“This is our fourth October Horse Month celebration, it seems to grow every year,” said Ross Peddicord, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board. “This year we’ve published a guide and map of 22 trail riding stables from the mountains to the ocean where the general public can rent a horse and go on a guided trail ride. There are also self-guided driving tours of over 150 equestrian-themed sites on the visitmaryland.org website where folks can visit and interact with horses.”

The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism has joined the Horse Industry Board and the Board’s many private-sector equestrian organizations to promote Maryland Horse Month. 

“Maryland is home to world-class destinations such as Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park among major equestrian events that draw thousands of visitors to the state,” said Liz Fitzsimmons, Managing Director of the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism and Film. “Drive along the Horses & Hounds Scenic Byway to explore our beautiful countryside also famous for producing Thoroughbreds that have raced on major tracks across America.”

Follow Maryland Horse Month on social media and use #MDHorse, #MDHorseMonth, #VisitMaryland, and #MDinFocus when posting about your tour of Maryland’s Equestrian Travel Collection. For the individual events, add #Maryland5Star, #Makeit5Star, #CapitalChallenge, #MDMillion and #WIHS2023 #FEIWorldCup #TimeTo Beat.

For additional travel information, please visit marylandhorse.com/maryland-horse-month and visitmaryland.org.

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About the Maryland Horse Industry Board

The Maryland Horse industry Board (MHIB) is a program within the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Established in 1998, the MHIB helps develop and promote the state’s horse industry. The MHIB also advises the Secretary of Agriculture on matters affecting the industry and serves as the licensing body for Maryland stables and horse facilities.

About Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism

The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency within the Maryland Department of Commerce.
Visitors to the state spent $20.5 billion on travel-related expenses in 2023. The Maryland
tourism industry also generated $2.4 billion in state and local taxes, essentially saving each
Maryland household $1,027 in state and local taxes, and providing 190,660 jobs. For more
information, go to www.visitmaryland.org.