Record $40,000 Awarded to 36 Equestrian Organizations

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 11, 2022) —The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) has announced the awarding of a record $40,000 in grants to 36 organizations and equestrian operations representing a variety of equine groups and disciplines across the state. This year’s recipients included funds for equine education and welfare projects, trail riding activities, youth programs, therapeutic riding centers and other equestrian activities.

“We are delighted that we were able to increase the amount of grant funding this year; it’s a record amount and reflects how well our programs have held up even during the pandemic,” said MHIB board chair Jim Steele.

Funding for these grants and the MHIB is provided by the Maryland Feed Fund, which collects $6 on every ton of horse feed sold in the state. Since the fund was established in 2002, the MHIB has awarded over $600,000 in grants to more than 400 projects. A full list of recipients, including a synopsis of each project, is available on the MHIB’s website mda.maryland.gov/horseboard.

“Horses are a critical component of Maryland’s agricultural industry. MHIB and the Feed Fund help stimulate growth and opportunity in Maryland’s equestrian community without utilizing state funding,” Steele said. “This self-funded commodity marketing entity is a model of how industry groups can help themselves.”

Projects are evaluated based on their value to the industry, degree of industry promotion, size and scope of activity, financial need, potential for matching funds, benefits and overall quality of the written presentation. To award funds to as many groups as possible, grants are capped at $3,000. Eligible projects should have a completion date no later than June 30, 2022. All grant recipients will be required to file a project report with the MHIB detailing how the money was used.

The MHIB was established in 1998 to promote and develop the equine industry in Maryland. For more information about the grants program and the MHIB, please visit our website or contact Executive Director Ross Peddicord at (240) 344-0000 or ross.peddicord@maryland.gov.

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