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Media Advisory: Third Maryland Horse Forum Set for August 7

ANNAPOLIS, MD  – More than 400 leaders of Maryland’s equine industry and nationally recognized experts will gather on Thursday for the 3rd Maryland Horse Forum to chart a course that will strengthen all elements of this agricultural sector as it moves into the future. The theme of this year’s Forum is “Celebrating Our Successes, Planning for the Future.” Topics include marketing and promoting the industry; business and regulatory issues; land, greenways and going green; and managing the Maryland horse population. The Forum is co-sponsored by the Maryland Horse Industry Board and the Maryland Horse Council.

According to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Equine Survey, there are more than 79,100 horses in Maryland worth $714 million on 16,040 horse farms. 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; 700 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.

Nearly 400 people are expected to attend the event. There is no admission charge and registration can be made online. The agenda and more details are available online here. For more information, contact Ross Peddicord, MHIB Executive Director at 410-841-5798 or ross.peddicord@maryland.gov.

WHAT: 3rd Maryland Horse Forum

WHEN: Thursday, August 7, 2014
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
• Keynote Speaker Stephen Day, President and CEO of Dover Saddlery

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
• Special Guest Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown

• Awards Presentation

• August “Touch of Class Award” to Hope Birsh of Cockeysville.
• Distinguished Service Awards to Dr. John Lee of Rising Sun, and Joanne Richart-Young of Earleville.
• Legislative Leadership Awards to Senators Joan Carter Conway, Baltimore City; and Roy P. Dyson, St. Mary’s County.

WHERE: The Show Place Arena and Prince George’s Equestrian Center, 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro

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Contact Information

If you have any questions, need additional information or would like to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jessica Hackett
Director of Communications
Telephone: 410-841-5888

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