{"id":29323,"date":"2025-09-30T11:15:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T15:15:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=29323"},"modified":"2025-09-30T11:15:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T15:15:50","slug":"governor-wes-moore-proclaims-october-2025-as-maryland-horse-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2025\/09\/30\/governor-wes-moore-proclaims-october-2025-as-maryland-horse-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Governor Wes Moore Proclaims October 2025 as \u2018Maryland Horse Month\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Maryland-Horse-Month-October-2023-2.png\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"29324\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2025\/09\/30\/governor-wes-moore-proclaims-october-2025-as-maryland-horse-month\/attachment\/maryland-horse-month-october-2023-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Maryland-Horse-Month-October-2023-2.png?fit=2048%2C1362&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1362\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maryland Horse Month October 2023 (2)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Maryland-Horse-Month-October-2023-2.png?fit=760%2C505&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-29324\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Maryland-Horse-Month-October-2023-2.png?resize=300%2C200\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Maryland-Horse-Month-October-2023-2.png?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Maryland-Horse-Month-October-2023-2.png?resize=1024%2C681&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Maryland-Horse-Month-October-2023-2.png?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Maryland-Horse-Month-October-2023-2.png?resize=1536%2C1022&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Maryland-Horse-Month-October-2023-2.png?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left\"><em><strong><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 14pt\">Launch of MarylandHorsePark.org Showcases Statewide Horse Park System<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\"><strong>ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 30, 2025)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<strong>Governor Wes Moore<\/strong>\u00a0has\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/mda.maryland.gov\/Documents\/MARYLAND%20HORSE%20MONTH.pdf\">proclaimed<\/a>\u00a0<strong>October 2025<\/strong>\u00a0as the\u00a0<strong>Fifth Annual Maryland Horse Month<\/strong>, honoring Maryland\u2019s horse industry and its far-reaching contributions to the state\u2019s economy, culture, and open space preservation<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">In celebration, the\u00a0<strong>Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB)<\/strong>, the\u00a0<strong>Maryland Office of Tourism<\/strong>, and equestrian partners across the state will spotlight more than 60 horse-related events showcasing over 5,000 horses, ponies, and donkeys. Together, these events are expected to generate more than 100,000 spectator visits and millions of online views.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">\u201cMaryland\u2019s thriving horse industry is a crucial part of Maryland agriculture,\u201d said\u00a0<strong>Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks<\/strong>. \u201cFrom world-class competitions to local farm tours, I encourage all Marylanders to experience at least one horse-related event during October Horse Month.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">Major highlights include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalchallengehorseshow.org\/\"><strong>The Capital Challenge Horse Show<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(September 25\u2013October 5, Prince George\u2019s Equestrian Center, Upper Marlboro).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/marylandmillion.com\/\"><strong>Jim McKay Maryland Million Day<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(October 11, Laurel Park Racetrack).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryland5star.us\/\">The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(October 16\u201319, Elkton) \u2014 one of only seven Five Star three-day events in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wihs.org\/\"><strong>The Washington International Horse Show<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(October 20\u201326, Prince George\u2019s Equestrian Center, Upper Marlboro).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\"><strong>Loch Moy Farm\u2019s USEA Championships, Celebration of the Horse<\/strong>\u00a0(October 11, Tuckahoe ED), Jousting Championship Finals (October 4 and 11), rodeos, trail rides, farm tours, Steeplechase races, Thoroughbred Racing, Standardbred Racing, therapeutic riding exhibitions, driving clubs, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">This 5th year for Maryland Horse Month is celebrated with the official launch of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marylandhorsepark.org\/\">\u00a0MarylandHorsePark.org,<\/a>\u00a0a new digital hub developed with support from the Maryland Office of Tourism. The site highlights the Maryland Horse Park System, a statewide network of equestrian destinations including Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, Prince George\u2019s Equestrian Center, the Maryland Horse Library &amp; Education Center, the soon-to-be-renovated Pimlico Race Course, Horse Discovery Centers and more. Visitors will find trail guides, farm tours, event calendars, educational resources, and equestrian tourism itineraries to explore Maryland\u2019s horse country from the Assateague Ponies on the Eastern Shore to trail riding in Garrett County.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">\u201cMarylanders have always loved horses, and October is the perfect month to celebrate that connection,\u201d said\u00a0<strong>Anne Litz, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board<\/strong>. \u201cWhether it\u2019s watching world-class competitions, exploring our scenic trails, or visiting a local farm, there are countless opportunities for everyone to spend time with horses and experience the joy they bring to our state and souls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">The Maryland Department of Commerce\u2019s Office of Tourism has joined the Horse Industry Board and the Board\u2019s many private-sector equestrian organizations to promote Maryland Horse Month.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center\">###<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">Follow Maryland Horse Month on social media and use hashtags #MDHorse, #MDHorseMonth, #VisitMaryland, #MDinFocus when posting about your tour of Maryland\u2019s Equestrian Travel Collection. For individual events, add #Maryland5Star, #CapitalChallenge, #MDMillion, #WIHS2025, #FEIWorldCup,<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">For additional travel information, visit<a href=\"https:\/\/marylandhorsepark.org\">\u00a0MarylandHorsePark.org<\/a>\u00a0and<a href=\"https:\/\/visitmaryland.org\">\u00a0VisitMaryland.org<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">About the Maryland Horse Industry Board<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) is a program within the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Established in 1998, MHIB helps develop and promote the state\u2019s horse industry, advises the Secretary of Agriculture on matters affecting the industry, and licenses Maryland stables and horse facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;font-size: 12pt\">About Maryland Tourism<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif\">The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency within the Maryland Department of Commerce. Visitors to the state spent $11.6 billion on travel-related expenses in 2020. The Maryland tourism industry generated $1.7 billion in state and local taxes\u2014saving each Maryland household an average of $775 annually\u2014and directly supported more than 104,000 Maryland jobs. For more information, visit VisitMaryland.org.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Launch of MarylandHorsePark.org Showcases Statewide Horse Park System ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 30, 2025)\u00a0\u2014\u00a0Governor Wes Moore\u00a0has\u00a0proclaimed\u00a0October 2025\u00a0as the\u00a0Fifth Annual Maryland Horse Month, honoring Maryland\u2019s horse industry and its far-reaching contributions to the state\u2019s economy, culture, and open space preservation In celebration, the\u00a0Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB), the\u00a0Maryland Office of Tourism, and equestrian partners across the state<a href=\"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2025\/09\/30\/governor-wes-moore-proclaims-october-2025-as-maryland-horse-month\/\">&nbsp;&nbsp;Read the Rest&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":222,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29323","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-press-release"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29323","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/222"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29323"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29323\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29325,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29323\/revisions\/29325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29323"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29323"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}