MDA’s Maryland Horse Industry Board Sponsors Free Screening of Misty

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 1, 2012) – The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB), a program of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, is sponsoring a free screening of the feature movie “Misty” to kick off the “Horses in Cinema—A Celebration of the Preakness” film series at the American Film Institute (AFI) Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring on Saturday, May 12, at 11 a.m. The movie is part of a new eight horse-powered film series, which runs at AFI from May 12-17 and leads up to the Preakness Stakes on May 19. Such classics as “National Velvet,” “The Black Stallion” and ‘The Red Pony” will be shown as well as the popular movie, “Secretariat.”

“The movie is dedicated to anyone who ever wanted a pony,” said MHIB Chair Jim Steele. “We hope that many families will come and see ‘Misty.’ The Horse Board is proud to be part of this new series that honors film, horses, and the Preakness. We are also very pleased to be involved with such a great national organization as the American Film Institute.”

“Misty,” filmed in 1961 and based on the children’s novel by Marguerite Henry, was filmed in Maryland and Virginia and tells the story of two children who save their money to purchase the pony “Misty” at the Chincoteague Pony Penning Days. Horses from the Maryland-National Capitol Park Police unit will be stationed outside the theatre before the showing for movie fans to visit and pet.

The idea for the film series emanated from the MHIB’s Marketing Committee and is the brainchild of MHIB marketing committee member Jane Thery, who together with fellow MHIB marketing committee member, Karin DeFrancis, on behalf of the Maryland Jockey Club, and Ross Peddicord, executive director of the MHIB, turned the concept into reality, and are delighted and honored by the support of the AFI organization.

President and COO of the Maryland Jockey Club Tom Chuckas, host to the Preakness Stakes, generously agreed to serve as the series’ main sponsor.

“We are honored and delighted that the AFI is hosting this classic series of films that truly captures our love affair with this magnificent animal,” Chuckas said. “Maryland’s fascination with horses touches four centuries, beginning with the establishment of the Maryland Jockey Club in 1743.”

The Preakness celebrates its 137th running on May 19 www.preakness.com.