We are a “horse heritage” state, with our roots in equine activities dating back to 1650 when Robert Brooke imported the first foxhounds and eventually horses to St. Mary’s County.

MHIB has two main functions. We serve as a commodities board affiliated with the Maryland Department of Agriculture to help grow and promote the Maryland horse industry. We are also a regulatory body that provides oversight and advocacy to help protect horses and consumers at the state’s commercial riding, lesson, boarding, rental and rescue stables.

We are proud that Maryland is home to over 200 equine organizations, representing all kinds of breeds and disciplines. There are nearly 80,000 horses residing in our state at 16,000 places where horses are kept, from small one or two-horse stables to international-level events and facilities.

We welcome your input and hope you ride, enjoy and love Maryland’s horses and horse people as much as we do.