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 …
A class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on Friday, October 24, 2025, alleging collusion and a scheme to defraud bettors. Named in the suit are the Stronach Group, the current and former owner of racetracks in Maryland, and AmTote International, …
On October 23, County Executive Calvin Ball proclaimed October 2025 to be Maryland Horse Month in Howard County. The Proclamation reads: WHEREAS October 2025 is the 5th anniversary of Maryland Horse Month where we celebrate our vibrant and thriving equine industry. Maryland consistently boasts more horses per square mile than …
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 …
— first published in the October 2025 Equiery There are about 100,000 horses in Maryland, and every one of them needs a good farrier. Farriers protect, support, and balance hooves; they correct foot abnormalities, prevent lameness, and keep the horse moving properly. Even barefoot horses need a good farrier. Rachann Mayer, …
On Monday, October 6, the Maryland Department of Agriculture confirmed the 21st case of strangles so far this year. This latest case is a 7-year-old Thoroughbred gelding used for pleasure riding at a private facility in Anne Arundel County. The horse had already been vaccinated and is now quarantined. No …
(an excerpt of this story first appeared in October 2025 issue) The 2025 MPB Yearling Futurity was held on a foggy Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Harford County Equestrian Center in Bel Air, Maryland. Judge Molly Rinedollor of Parker, Colorado awarded the Grand Champion rosette to Maryland-bred Lady’s First, a stunning …
(first published in the October issue of The Equiery) Farm stewardship is a year-round job. Here is a guide from the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Horse Outreach Workgroup to help you stay on top of about what horse farmers should try to do every month. January 1. Protect Your Pastures Keep horses …
There’s a little something for everyone in the September issue of The Equiery, which is now available at a distributor near you. Our cover celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue and we have a Q&A with the founder Christine Hajek to go along with it. Just …