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Maryland Horse Foundation Hosts Equine Sports Turfgrass Seminar in New Educational Series

(Reisterstown, MD – July 25, 2023) As the third installment of the newly-launched Howard & Sondra Bender Educational Series, a partnership with University of Maryland Extension, the Maryland Horse Foundation will be hosting a seminar on equine sports turfgrass management August 30th at the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center. The event will feature Equine Sports Turfgrass Alliance members Logan Freeman and Geoffrey Rinehart as speakers.

Geoffrey Rinehart (University of Maryland Turfgrass Management) will speak about the five primary cultural practices of turfgrass (mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, cultivation, and pest management) as they pertain to equestrian surfaces. Species and variety selection will also be covered. Logan Freeman, Senior Sports Turf Consultant for the Maryland Jockey Club, will speak about how he utilizes the five primary cultural practices within the turfgrass track maintenance programs at both Laurel Park and Pimlico and the new science-based tools being implemented to help in the process.

Following the presentations there will be open discussion about turfgrass management in equine sports.

The event will be held at 5:30pm on August 30th. A live video link is available upon request. Attendance is free. Visit www.MarylandHorse.com/Turfgrass to learn more and register.

For more information, contact Becky Remsberg at bremsberg@marylandthoroughbred.com or 410-252-2100.


About the Howard & Sondra Bender Educational Series

The Howard & Sondra Bender Educational Series is the newest addition to the slate of existing educational programs produced by the Maryland Horse Foundation. The series, hosted at the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center, utilizes the facility’s resources to offer an educational series of in-person gatherings covering a wide range of topics for people involved in and/or interested in learning more about the Maryland horse and/or agricultural industries. These sessions are recorded and available for public viewing as an on-demand resource. The Maryland Horse Foundation has partnered with University of Maryland Extension to deliver a set of 4 seminars over the course of 2023, following a general theme of sustainability.

About the Equine Sports Turfgrass Alliance

The Equine Sports Turfgrass Alliance, (ESTA) is a recently formed group of university and industry turfgrass experts. ESTA as an organization is dedicated to conducting research and providing education about turfgrass surfaces for racetrack, eventing, polo and other-use equine surfaces. ESTA looks to take advantage of any educational opportunities available to communicate with horse owners, trainers and equine facility managers in order to provide information on how to better manage turfgrass systems. It is the goal of ESTA to bring science-backed maintenance practices to the forefront of equine turfgrass management.

Jim McKay Maryland Million Day is set for October 14, 2023

Reisterstown, MD – (January 5, 2023) – Save the date! The 38th edition of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day will take place Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Laurel Park.

Jim McKay Maryland Million Day is designed to promote Maryland stallions, whose offspring compete in the races with purses and awards of over $1 million each year. Heading into the new year, Maryland stallion farms are gearing up for the 2023 breeding season and looking forward to the success of the resulting foals, the future stars of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day in 2026 and beyond.

“Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, now known as Maryland’s Day at the Races, is truly a fun day at the races,” says Cricket Goodall, executive director, “the races are competitive and there are great stories behind every winner.  And the on-track entertainment like pony racing and horses and hounds adds to the appeal for families and new fans to come out.”

The 2022 edition saw eleven Maryland-bred and twelve Maryland-sired winners, including Classic winner Ournationonparade (Cal Nation), who became the second horse in history to win both the Nursery and the Classic in their career. The day also saw Murmur Farm stallion Blofeld sweep both juvenile races, as Chickieness took the Lassie and Johnyz From Albany prevailed in the Nursery. Fille d’Esprit (Great Notion) added to an impressive 2022 resume with her win in the Distaff, one of five stakes wins on the year for the mare.

Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, modeled on Breeders’ Cup and designed to spotlight the stallions,  was first run in 1986 at Laurel Park.  The day of racing celebrates the Maryland breeding and racing industry which along with various equine activities in the State has an economic impact of nearly $2 Billion.

Contact Information:
Cricket Goodall, Executive Director
cricket@marylandthoroughbred.com
(410) 252.2100 ext. 111
www.MarylandMillion.com

Maryland Stallion Season Auction Coming January 2-6, 2023

(December, 15, 2022) — It’s that time of year again. Breeding season is coming soon, and the Maryland Horse Foundation will host the annual online stallion season auction from January 2-6, 2023.

This year’s auction will feature no-guarantee seasons for 17 Maryland-based stallions:

Divining Rod
Friesan Fire
Mosler
Bourbon Courage
Holy Boss
Long River
Fortune Ticket
Alliance
Kobe’s Back
Hoppertunity
Galawi
Irish War Cry
Madefromlucky
Uncle Lino
Blofeld
Rainbow Heir
Barbados

“This is a good opportunity to support the Maryland Horse Foundation and get a great deal on a season or two to some of Maryland’s top stallions,” said Cricket Goodall, executive director of the Maryland Horse Foundation, “and you will also produce a Maryland Million eligible horse for your stable!”

All proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s educational programs and the brand-new Maryland Horse Library & Education Center, located at 321 Main St. in Reisterstown.

For more information, contact Becky Remsberg at bremsberg@marylandthoroughbred.com or 410-252-2100 x 110.

The Maryland Horse Foundation (MHF) is a charitable organization that was chartered in 1988 by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association to serve various educational and charitable needs of the Maryland horse industry. The MHF has developed and supports several educational programs and is responsible for the maintenance and expansion of the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center. In addition to our programs and projects, we are proud to work directly with several industry partners to promote the entire Maryland Horse industry.

2022 Maryland-Ireland Equine Trade Mission Recap

In June 2022, Maryland State Governor Larry Hogan and a delegation of representatives from the Maryland Horse Industry Board and other Maryland equine organizations visited Ireland on a Maryland Dept. of Agriculture Equestrian Trade Mission. The trip included visits to some of Ireland’s top equestrian destinations, including Irish National Stud & Gardens, Punchestown Racecourse, the Royal Dublin Society, and more. 

Watch the recap video here→

Interested in learning more? Check out these links:

Schedule & Contact Booklet

Memorandum of Understanding

Maryland Horse Foundation Silent Auction is now live!

(October 19, 2022) — The Maryland Horse Foundation’s third annual Silent Auction is now open. The auction will run until Monday, October 24 at 8:00 p.m.

All proceeds from the auction benefit the Maryland Horse Foundation and will help support its educational work. This includes programs such as the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program and the Work Experience Program, which are designed to educate aspiring racing professionals about the opportunities available in the Maryland horse industry.

Thanks to numerous generous donations, more than 160 items are available. They range from experiences such as a meet-and-greet with two-time Maryland Million Turf champion Talk Show Man and tours of Maryland horse destinations such as the Maryland Hunt Cup course, Sagamore Farm, and Fair Hill, to items such as custom-made silks from Stitches by Chloe, a sterling silver horse cuff bracelet from In House Jewelers, and a gift basket from Spa in the Valley.

The auction is available here. Best of luck to all bidders!

Washington International Horse Show Tickets Now Available!

Buy Your Tickets Now for the Washington International Horse Show

Seven days and three nights of top equestrian sport and entertainment

Upper Marlboro, Md. – Tickets are now on sale for the 64th Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™. Join us for one of the most competitive, exciting, and entertaining equestrian events in North America, October 24-30, 2022, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Experience the beauty and athleticism of the finest horses and riders in the world, including Olympic veterans, as they come together for seven days and three nights of world-class international show jumping, top hunter, pony, and equitation competition plus entertaining exhibitions, boutique shopping, VIP hospitality, and special events.

Tickets: What You Need To Know

  • Opening Day Special: On Monday, October 24, all tickets will be free
  • Daytime Tickets (all general admission): Monday, October 24 through Sunday, October 30, prices vary from $2-$10 (plus applicable service charge)
  • Children 12 and under admitted free to all daytime events
  • Evening Tickets: Tickets start as low as $15 for selected night
  • NEW option for Grab & Go buffet tickets that include a meal and beverage:
    • Paddock Room Parties: Grab & Go buffet, beer/wine open bar (adult ticket only) for consumption at unreserved table seat in the Paddock Room at The Show Place Arena
    • Premium: Grab & Go buffet, two beer/wine drinks (adult ticket only) for consumption in reserved arena seat

Visit the WIHS Ticket page for more details and links to purchase on Ticketmaster. Tickets can also be purchased in person at The Show Place Arena Box Office.

Complimentary Tickets for Military, Seniors, Students, and Teachers

Complimentary tickets are available for members of the U.S. military, first responders, seniors, students, and teachers.

  • Daytime only (Monday-Sunday)
  • Affiliation badge or ID required
  • Up to four tickets per badge/ID

Show Location

The Show Place Arena, Prince George’s Equestrian Center

14900 Pennsylvania Avenue
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772

Parking is free.

Highlights

  • World Cup Night (Saturday, October 29): Thrilling World Cup Jumping including the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup
  • Military Night (Friday, October 28): $75,000 Speed Final, $25,000 Puissance (high jump), and the Jump For TAPS supporting Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
  • Barn Night (Thursday, October 27): Fun for all, especially youngsters, including the $75,000 International Jumper Welcome and the $37,000 Accumulator Costume Class
BUY TICKETS

For more information about WIHS, visit www.wihs.org, join WIHS on Facebook, follow on Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube. Tag using #WIHS2022, #FEIWorldCup, #TimeToBeat and #Longines.

Contact: Kara Pinato Scro | kara@jumpmediallc.com


About Washington International Horse Show

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious, competitive, and entertaining equestrian events with competition for international, professional, amateur, junior, and child riders. Highlights include the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington for the President’s Cup, and the WIHS Equitation Finals and Children’s and Adult Hunter and Jumper Championships, plus popular community and charity events, like Kids’ Day and Barn Night. WIHS, an official USEF Heritage Competition, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. For more information, visit www.wihs.org.

The Mill’s Grass Forage Plot Walk

(White Hall, MD— June 28, 2022) The Mill invites you to an educational forage field walk on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 5:00 pm.  The rain date will be Thursday, June 30th. The event will be held at Clear Meadow Farm, 3116 Troyer Rd, White Hall, MD 21161. There are 15 varieties of forages including 4 varieties of orchardgrass, 3 of timothy, 3 pasture blends, Grasshancer 300 (emergency forage extender), 2 types of fescue, Fojtan festulolium, and Kentucky Bluegrass plots.  The plot was established in 2018.  The first harvest of 2022 was the 2nd week of May.  There is adequate regrowth to see differences in recovery and persistency between the varieties.

There are no short-term forecasts of feed or fuel price easing and supply chain issues remain a concern.  The best strategy to keep purchased feed costs in check is to maximize nutritional quality and yields from forage stands. Now is the time to plan for pasture renovations.  Fall is the best time to seed since soil temperatures are ideal for rapid germination and cool evenings help retain soil moisture for shallow-root seedlings.  Additionally, there is less competition from annual weeds which allows for a thicker stand compared to spring seeding. September to mid-October is an ideal time to overseed pasture or hay fields. Soil sampling should be performed now to balance soil pH and know what nutrients will be needed for a new seeding or to boost fall forages and prepare stands to overwinter.

Join The Mill to hear agronomists’ observations and management strategies for the 15 forage varieties at the plot and see first-hand, the differences between stands.  There is no cost to attend.  To RSVP – email info@themillstores.com or call 410-692-2200.  Visit www.themillstores.com/pages/2022-forage-plot-walk to see more information about the varieties at the forage trials.

The Mill is a family-owned agriculture service and supply retailer with 7 locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania that offer delivery to farms and homes, agronomic consulting, application services, and precision ag data management services through Decision Ag Solutions.

Washington International Horse Show Plans Return to the D.C. Area as a Five Star in 2022

Local Maryland Officials Support Move with Major Investment in Prince George’s Equestrian Center 


WASHINGTON, December 9, 2021 – The board of directors of the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS EquestrianTM is pleased to announce the storied and prestigious equestrian event has officially applied to the USEF and FEI for a change of venue to return home to the greater Washington, D.C. area and to upgrade the show to the FEI 5* level, continuing as a member of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM North American League in 2022.  

This announcement follows two highly unusual but successful years when the show was temporarily relocated outdoors to the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The WIHS team expresses sincere appreciation to the WIHS sponsors and exhibitors as well as the TIEC team who were flexible and supportive of WIHS during this time of transition.

Exciting New Chapter Honoring WIHS History and Tradition

Pending FEI and USEF final approval, the 64th edition of the historic competition will be held October 25-30 at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Md. The Show Place Arena will be transformed with the support of Prince George’s County, The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, and the State of Maryland to provide the outstanding exhibitor and unique spectator experience WIHS has always provided, including world-class footing, hospitality, entertainment, food, and shopping. WIHS will partner with the popular National Harbor waterfront complex in nearby Oxon Hill, Md., to create a WIHS Hotel and Hospitality Campus offering exhibitors, spectators, and sponsors special access to top lodging, entertainment, and community events, including the popular WIHS Kids’ Day.  

“We embarked on an extensive, multi-year search for a new venue when we learned our special downtown home for nearly 20 years, Capital One Arena, would no longer be able to accommodate the show,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell. “We looked at every possible scenario in the D.C. area inside and outside of the city.

“We’re committed to creating a special, one-of-a-kind, exhibitor- and horse-friendly indoor experience at The Show Place Arena that honors the history and tradition of WIHS with significantly increased prize money and a major commitment to delivering a world-class venue inside and out.  

“The Washington, D.C. area is our heritage and our home,” continued Lowell. “We have moved several times in the past from our original home in D.C. at The Armory, to Landover, Md., to the Capital One Arena downtown. We believe Prince George’s Equestrian Center is the right destination for us at this time.”

Lowell added, “The enthusiastic and generous support of the Maryland Horse Industry Board and Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive, provides a wonderful foundation to build on for the future. Anticipated public investment in the facility coupled with community outreach and engagement will ensure the special elements of WIHS thrive in our new location.” 

The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center will be transformed with the support of Prince George’s County, The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, and the State of Maryland to provide an outstanding exhibitor and unique spectator experience including world-class footing, hospitality, entertainment, food, and shopping. Photo by Impact Media

Continuing as a member of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League, not only will WIHS offer increased prize money and ranking points throughout the international division, but also the 2022 edition of WIHS will see the return of the popular Exhibitors’ Lounge and VIP Dining Platform, in addition to new hospitality opportunities and special events at National Harbor. 

Strong Support From Local Government

The return of WIHS to the D.C. metro area signaled the commitment of Prince George’s County and Maryland state officials as well as The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission to announce a significant investment toward improving The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center to accommodate the world-class horses and riders the show attracts. Among the expected upgrades are improved footing, updated and matted stabling, a covered schooling area, and overall enhancements to improve the fan experience. 

“WIHS has a long and revered history in the Washington, D.C., area, and we’re pleased it’s found a home with us in Maryland,” said Ross Peddicord, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board. “Maryland’s successful investment and staging of the inaugural Maryland 5 Star eventing competition at Fair Hill, which drew more than 20,000 fans, is a prime example of local officials’ dedication to horse sport. 

“In that endeavor, we worked with county government and various state agencies and private donors to secure significant funding for infrastructure improvements and event operations,” continued Peddicord.

“It is part of the Maryland Horse Park System plan, as outlined by the Maryland Stadium Authority. That’s the game plan we are following here. We are extremely gratified that Prince George’s County government has already stepped up to get the ball rolling and to bring this world-class competition to their county. It will have an enormous economic and cultural impact.”

WIHS is partnering with the popular National Harbor waterfront complex to create a WIHS Hotel and Hospitality Campus offering exhibitors, spectators, and sponsors special access to top lodging, entertainment, and community events, including the popular WIHS Kids’ Day. Photo courtesy of the National Harbor

Maryland Horse Month

WIHS will become a major attraction during the month of October as Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has designated October “Maryland Horse Month.” WIHS will be a highlight along with the Maryland 5 Star eventing competition taking place October 13-16, 2022, at the Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Md., and the Maryland Million horse race in Laurel, Md. WIHS will also bring back its popular Kids’ Day and continue to evolve its mission of educating and entertaining the community through equestrian sport within Prince George’s County and the greater Washington, D.C. area.

“For more than 60 years, WIHS has been known for its unique ability to bring the joy of horses and jumping to spectators and fans in the D.C. region who otherwise may not have a chance to experience these wonderful animals,” said Lowell. “The partnership with Maryland and National Harbor coupled with exciting competition at the nearby Show Place Arena indoor complex will provide the best of both worlds for athletes, horses, and spectators alike.”

“We are Prince George’s Proud to welcome the Washington International Horse Show to Prince George’s County, the Crown Jewel of Maryland,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks.

“We want to thank the WIHS Board of Directors for allowing our County and the State of Maryland the opportunity to host this world-class event right here at our very own Show Place Arena. Prince George’s County has so many attractions, amenities, and entertainment options, so we are excited to welcome visitors from across the globe to experience all that our County has to offer.”

Join Us for the WIHS 2022 Experience

Everyone at WIHS is excited about this new chapter in the history of the show and hopes that riders, trainers, owners, and equestrian fans will come experience WIHS at The Show Place Arena and at National Harbor in October 2022. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

For updates about WIHS 2022 and for more information about WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org, join us on Facebook, and follow us on TwitterInstagram, and YouTube.

About the Maryland Horse Industry Board

The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) is a program in the Maryland Department of Agriculture that serves as a commodities board promoting all aspects of the state’s $2.1 billion equine industry. MHIB develops projects to help spur economic development and particularly to initiate marketing efforts to help grow the recreational riding sector. The board also licenses and inspects nearly 800 commercial boarding, lesson, rental and rescue stables. For more information, visit mda.maryland.gov/horseboard.

About Washington International Horse Show

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events with competition for professionals, amateurs, juniors, and children. Highlights include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington for the President’s Cup and the WIHS Equitation Finals plus community and charity events. WIHS, an official USEF Heritage Competition, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. For more information, visit wihs.org.

 

VISIT WIHS.ORG

Maryland Horse Industry Day 2021

Though we could not be in-person in Annapolis for Maryland Horse Industry Day this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud that Marylanders are able to benefit from the diverse community that horses provide. Horses offer access to a healthy lifestyle, with lots of fresh air and exercise, and for many much needed emotional and therapeutic support.

Thanks to your ongoing support, significant horse industry projects are well underway such as:

  • Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill
  • New MD Horse Library & Education Center
  • Rebirth of Laurel/Pimlico racetracks
  • Notable increase in licensed riding facilities 

Please enjoy these photos from the Maryland Horse Industry!

THANK YOU!
Maryland Horse Breeders Association – Maryland Horse Council Maryland Horse Industry Board – Maryland Jockey Club – Maryland Million Ltd. – Maryland Standardbred Breeders Association – Maryland State Fair – Maryland 5 Star – Maryland Association for Wildlife Conservation – Maryland Equine Transition Service – Fair Hill Foundation – Maryland Steeplechase Association – Ocean Downs Racetrack – Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association – Rosecroft Raceway – Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners’ Association – Fasig-Tipton Co.

*Maryland Horse Industry Day 2021 photo credit and descriptions:
Identified from left to right, row by row

2020 Maryland Horse Industry Day – Annapolis

AL Summerwind Mares 023

Presented by the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association, Fair Hill Foundation, Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Maryland Association for Wildlife Conservation, Maryland Equine Transition Services (METS), Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Maryland Horse Council, Maryland Horse Industry Board, Maryland Jockey Club, Maryland Million Ltd., Maryland State Fair, Maryland Standardbred Breeders, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Ocean Downs, Rosecroft Raceway and The Equiery.

All equine-interested individuals are invited to attend. No advocacy experience required! We’ll convene in the morning to prep for legislative meetings, then meet in small groups with legislators. When legislators are in session, we’ll hear presentations and engage in discussions and Q&A with industry members, legislative staffers and special guests. We’ll then enjoy boxed lunches with legislators.

LOCATION

MILLER SENATE OFFICE
11 BLADEN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401

Tentative Schedule
  • 7:30-8am: Registration, coffee & snacks
  • 8-10am: Meetings with legislators (pre-scheduled, and drop-ins)
  • 10-11: 30 am: Advocacy 101; panel discussions and award presentations
  • 11:30-1pm: Lunch with legislators & salutations

We will help you know how to navigate Annapolis and you will make an impact!

Once you RSVP you’ll be invited to a preview calls TBA

Please note: you can register even if you can’t be there for the entire schedule, but please indicate your availability as we will be booking legislator meetings around RSVPs.

Please RSVP Here!