–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 …
The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) told the Maryland Horse Council (MHC) today that it could not meet its statutory obligation to respond to MHC’s Public Information Act (MPIA) request. MHC submitted its MPIA request on December 29 and by law, the State had 30 days to produce the material. MHC …
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 …
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 …
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) …
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 …