News & Updates

Letter from the President

–first published in the February 2026 issue of The Equiery As President of the Maryland Horse Council, I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve you and the broader Maryland equestrian community. It is an honor to stand alongside horse owners, trainers, breeders, trail …

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MHIB Seeks Input for Horse Industry Strategic Planning Initiative

On November 6, we reported in The Equiery that Governor Wes Moore had established the Horse Industry Strategic Planning Initiative and directed it “to develop a strategic plan to ensure a coordinated and sustainable future for Maryland’s horse industry.” The Initiative is staffed, lead, and administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture …

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MHIB Announces 2026 Grant Winners

Today, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced the awardees for the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) 2026 grant cycle. ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 17, 2025) — The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB), a program within the Maryland Department of Agriculture, has announced the award of $20,680 in competitive grants to 35 organizations and …

State Vet Suspends EECVIs; Restricts Horse Transport Within Maryland

We reported this update on Equiery.com this morning. On November 24, MDA instituted the following actions: “Due to the current Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) multi-state outbreak, Maryland is instituting the following actions. Effective immediately: 1. The use of EECVI’s is suspended until further notice. 2. Interstate certificates of veterinary inspection (ICVIs) …

Governor Establishes the Horse Industry Strategic Planning Initiative

On Thursday, November 6, Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order establishing the Horse Industry Strategic Planning Initiative (“the Initiative”) and directed it “to develop a strategic plan to ensure a coordinated and sustainable future for Maryland’s horse industry.”  The Initiative will be staffed, lead, and administered by the Maryland Department of …

State Audits Thoroughbred Authority; Finds “Significant” Non-Compliance With Law

On October 10, the Maryland General Assembly’s Office of Legislative Audits released the results of its fiscal compliance audit of the now-defunct Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA). The auditors reported “significant instances of noncompliance with applicable laws, rules, or regulations” and “significant deficiencies” in MTROA’s internal controls.  Background The General Assembly …

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