Study Identifies Potential Enhancements to Maryland Equestrian Sites, Activities; Modernizing aging facilities can increase the economic impact of horse-related events for the State - BALTIMORE, MD (Aug. 31, 2015) – The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) today released a study commissioned by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) that calls for enhancements to horse competition and recreational horseback riding facilities at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area (Cecil County) and the Prince George’s Equestrian Center. 

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2012: The project would act as a marketplace for the Maryland horse Industry enabling breeders, trainers, and horse enthusiasts to trail ride, drive, compete and sell their animals in a centralized location. While at the same time it will enable the general public to experience the role of the horse in Maryland's past, present, and future in a family-friendly atmosphere. When surveyed in 2007 industry members indicated that the Maryland Horse Park (MHP) was one of the most important MDA projects for the horse industry. When surveyed in 2005, industry members indicated that 97% of the industry is in favor of the project. 

(Annapolis - Nov. 29, 2012) -- Phase One of a new study conducted by The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) and the Maryland Stadium Authority finds that the concept of developing a Maryland Horse Park continues to be vital to the growth of the state’s horse industry but offers some new approaches to an initial study conducted in 2005. The original study recommended building a large central facility similar to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky for about $120 million. The new study finds that Maryland already has many of the essential components for such a park at existing facilities. The new study suggests that a new horse park can be made up of a system of existing and perhaps upgraded equine facilities across the state that can be linked together and operate cooperatively rather than as strictly individual venues. While suggesting that a linked system would likely work for Maryland, the study makes no conclusive recommendation on actual implementation and leaves the door open to other possibilities. Phase Two of the study will investigate exactly what needs to be done to maximize the use of the state’s current equine facilities and study the potential these facilities have for attracting national and international events, competitions, and visitors to Maryland. Phase Two is scheduled to begin early in 2013 and be completed by the fall. The study is funded jointly by the MHIB and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. To read the study.  For more information, contact MHIB Executive Director Ross Peddicord at: 410-841-5798 or ross.peddicord@maryland.gov