Welcome to the Maryland Horse Industry Board!
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Governor Moore Signs Executive Order Establishing the Maryland Horse Industry Strategic Plan
ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 6, 2025) — Governor Wes Moore today signed an executive order today formally establishing the Maryland Horse Industry Strategic Plan to guide the future of Maryland’s $2.9 billion equine sector. The initiative marks a historic step toward unifying the state’s diverse horse community under a single, coordinated vision for growth, sustainability, and collaboration.
“Maryland’s horse industry is a powerful symbol of the state’s heritage, agriculture, and economic vitality,” said Gov. Moore. “This strategic plan will bring together all facets of the equine community to ensure the industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”
With more horses per square mile than any other state, Maryland’s equine ecosystem supports thousands of jobs, maintains open space, and attracts visitors from across the nation and world through premier events. Maryland’s horse industry also supports more than 28,000 jobs and $1.24 billion in wages statewide.
“From racing to recreational riding, from therapeutic programs to trail systems, Maryland’s equine ecosystem touches every corner of our state,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “This effort ensures that all sectors have a seat at the table to build a unified vision for the future.”
The steering committee leading this work will include state agencies as well as representatives from across Maryland’s horse ecosystem. These representatives reflect the breadth and diversity of the state’s horse community, from thoroughbred and standardbred racing and sport horses to trail riders, jousters, and therapeutic programs.
“This executive order moves Maryland forward, bringing together leaders from Maryland’s horse racing, competition, recreation, and wellness sectors under a shared vision,” said Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “Our Maryland Racing Commission has provided oversight for safety and integrity in Maryland horseracing for more than a century, and we are excited to plan for a vibrant future.”
The committee will lead the development of a comprehensive strategic plan designed to strengthen Maryland’s horse ecosystem across seven key focus areas:
- Strategic Planning and Policy Guidance
- Collaboration and Communication
- Economic Development
- Advocacy, Public Awareness, and Promotion
- Education and Workforce Development
- Sustainability and Land Use
- Health and Welfare
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Horse Industry Board will partner with the Maryland Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Natural Resources; the Office of the Secretary of State; the Maryland Racing Commission and others to coordinate planning and stakeholder engagement. They will produce a report, including recommendations and measurable goals, to present to the governor and the Maryland General Assembly.
Through this executive order, Maryland affirms its leadership in equine excellence, preserving a proud, three-century tradition while shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for the horse ecosystem.
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The purpose of the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB), as enumerated in Article 2-708.1 of the Annotated Code of Maryland is, taken broadly, to promote equestrian activities and the use of horses for recreation through promotional activities that create awareness and visibility for the equine industry, educational and research projects to benefit the equine industry, and developmental efforts, such as job training programs, facilities planning and export marketing to stimulate the growth of the local horse economy. Moreover, the board serves in an advisory capacity to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding matters affecting the industry and as the licensing body for Maryland stables. To this end, the Board has a mission that includes regulatory, advisory, promotional, and educational roles.
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Economic Impact Study 2024 by the American Horse Council
A new economic impact study released by the American Horse Council shows that Maryland’s horse industry grew 38% between 2017 and 2022, from $2.1 billion to $2.9 billion. Equine leaders welcomed the news saying that the uptick, despite a global pandemic and other fiscal challenges, is what they have been experiencing in various industry sectors.
- Economic Impact Study 2024 by the American Horse Council - Full Maryland breakout State Report
- Economic Impact Study 2024 Infographic - PDF
- Press Release for 2024 Economic Impact Study - Link
- Economic Impact Study 2024 by the American Horse Coucil - Entire Country
The findings of the highly-anticipated 2023 Equine Economic Impact Survey have been officially released by the American Horse Council (AHC). The results shed light on the significant and robust contributions of the equine industry to the U.S. economy. The survey offers a comprehensive overview of the economic impact and trends within the equine sector and highlights how it reaches far beyond the pastures and ranch land across the country.
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