(Reisterstown, MD – June 20, 2022) The Maryland Horse Foundation (MHF) is proud to announce the launch of a newly designed MarylandHorse.com website. This redesign was completed in partnership with the Maryland Horse Industry Board and funded by a grant from the Rural Maryland Council. The refreshed MarylandHorse.com website features a sortable directory connecting users to a variety of resources in addition to an events calendar tracking Maryland Horse happenings. “MarylandHorse.com is an incredible resource that showcases the Maryland horse industry,” said Jordyn Egan, MHF director of development. “The Maryland Horse Foundation is proud to partner with the Maryland Horse Industry Board on this endeavor and we are committed to maintaining and promoting the website year-round.” In addition to the events calendar and robust directory, MarylandHorse.com will be the home for information about the Maryland Horse Park System and annual campaigns such as October - Maryland Horse Month and Horse Industry Day. Contact Becky Remsberg (bremsberg@marylandthoroughbred.com) if you have an event or resource you would like added to the website. -- 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 a number of 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.

Five college students will explore careers in the Thoroughbred industry June 6-10 The Maryland Horse Foundation (MHF) is pleased to announce the participants for the 5th edition of the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program. The competitive group of applicants ranged in age from high school seniors to college graduates and hailed from a diverse group of schools. The participants are: Ashlin Dohler - Port Deposit, MD Molly Hutchison - Silver Spring, MD Kendal Stokes - Horse Shoe, NC Liz Ridenour - Catonsville, MD Marina Rohbeck - Morgantown, WV View their full bios here. “The quality group of applicants from schools across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions is a testament to how unique and valuable the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program (MTCP) is,” said Jordyn Egan, Director of Development for the MHF. “What makes the MTCP different is the support from the entire Maryland horse industry and enthusiastic participation from its leaders. We are excited to welcome this new group to Maryland in June and watch their progress in the future.” Previous Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program participants have gone on to other educational opportunities such as the Kentucky Equine Management Internship, an internship with 1/ST Racing and the Ed Brown Society, and the Maryland Horse Foundation’s Work Experience Program. Others are working in a variety of industry positions including sales administration, farm and broodmare management, communications, and higher education. Graduates of the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program are eligible for Career Development Funds, a one-time scholarship to support their post-MTCP career pursuits. To date, the Maryland Horse Foundation has paid out nearly $30,000 in Career Development Funds to cover a variety of expenses. Follow along with the 2022 Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program participants June 6-10 on the Maryland Horse Foundation’s Facebook page. Contact: Jordyn Egan jordyn@marylandthoroughbred.com

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. # # # Follow the Maryland Department of Agriculture on Twitter @MdAgDept

The Maryland Horse Foundation is excited to announce that the 2022 Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program (MTCP) will run from June 6-10, 2022. The online application is now open and must be completed by April 22, 2022. Interviews will take place in the two weeks after the application deadline and selected participants will be notified in early May. “The MTCP is a gateway to the various career possibilities in the Thoroughbred industry,” said Jordyn Egan, MHF director of development. “We tailor the program to the participants interests so that everyone walks away with high-quality contacts that benefit them in the long run. The participants learn from industry professionals and one another throughout the week and enduring relationships are built. It is an incredibly rich and valuable experience for all involved.” Learn more about the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program HERE. Interested individuals are encouraged to email Jordyn Egan – jordyn@marylandthoroughbred.com – with questions. About the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program Launched in 2017, the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program is an educational program presented by the Maryland Horse Foundation (MHF) that aims to: • Increase awareness of the diverse career options in the Thoroughbred industry • Give participants access to leaders of the Maryland Thoroughbred community • Highlight various paths for pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry • Address a critical need to attract and retain experienced and devoted employees Over the course of a week, participants are encouraged to fully engage in the Maryland Thoroughbred industry and explore a multitude of career options. Graduates of the MTCP are eligible to apply for Career Development Funds, one-time funding that can be used to further career pursuits within two years after the program ends. About the Maryland Horse Foundation The Maryland Horse Foundation 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.

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 Twitter, Instagram, 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

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 1, 2021) —Governor Larry Hogan has proclaimed October as Maryland Horse Month, recognizing the abundant historic, recreational, therapeutic, and economic contributions made by the state’s horse industry. “Maryland has a rich history as a leader in the horse industry, and is one of only two states to host both a Triple Crown Race in the Preakness Stakes and an international 5-Star Event, coming this year to Fair Hill,” said Governor Hogan. “With more horses per square mile than any other state, the equine community is a critical part of our state's heritage and economy. I encourage all Marylanders to join in celebrating Maryland Horse Month.” In celebration of Maryland Horse Month, the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) and its industry partners are leading a targeted marketing strategy to highlight the many statewide attractions, events, activities, trails, exhibits, and experiences with an equestrian connection. 2021 marks the inaugural Maryland 5-Star Event at Fair Hill, a major new international equestrian event at a newly-refurbished state facility that will draw competitors from across the U.S. and abroad. The Maryland 5-Star Event takes place Oct. 14-17 at Fair Hill International in Elkton. Other major Maryland horse events include the Capital Challenge Horse Show, one of the largest horse shows in the country with nearly 1,400 entries, at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro from Oct. 1-10; and the Jim McKay Maryland Million horse race at Laurel Park Racetrack in Laurel on Oct. 23. In between these major events are championship finals in jousting, rodeo and hunter/jumper disciplines, as well as All Breed exhibitions, carriage driving displays and numerous events hosted by the state’s 40 Horse Discovery Centers, individual farm owners and equine organizations. “We are fortunate that during the pandemic many folks discovered the benefits of riding horses, being outdoors, getting fresh air and exercise with these magnificent animals,” said Ross Peddicord, executive director of MHIB. “We hope this interest carries over into increased attendance and enjoyment at our equestrian events. Maryland Horse Month is a good way to underscore all that we have to offer.” A new video titled, “Why Horses,” will be available on the MHIB YouTube channel and MarylandHorse.com, which beautifully depicts the many compelling benefits of involvement with horses. The board is also encouraging participation in the national Mustang Discovery Ride in which two young women will start a 5,000-mile, year-long cross country trek in Maryland during October on their Mustang mounts. Marylanders are encouraged to ride along in the state during October and support this effort to adopt and then turn these wild animals into useful and enjoyable riding horses. The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism has joined the Horse Industry Board and the Board’s many private-sector equestrian organizations to promote Maryland Horse Month.  “Major equestrian events typically bring in thousands of visitors, as do our world-class destinations such as Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park, home to storied herds of wild horses,” said Liz Fitzsimmons, Managing Director of the Maryland Office of Tourism and Film. “Driving the Scenic Horse and Hounds Byways, travelers will journey through an impressive landscape and perhaps will venture into one of the riding stables to saddle up to really horse around in Maryland.” Maryland leads the nation in the number of horses per square mile, according to the American Horse Council. In addition to tourism attractions, there are 40 friendly and knowledgeable Maryland Horse Discovery Centers located in 18 counties that include licensed stables, therapeutic riding program providers, and state-of-the-art equestrian centers. All provide the perfect introduction to various segments of the industry. Follow Maryland Horse Month on social media and use #MDHorse, #MDHorseMonth, #VisitMaryland, and #MDinFocus when posting about your tour of Maryland’s Equestrian Travel Collection. For the individual events, add #Maryland5Star, #Makeit5Star, #CapitalChallenge, and #MDMillion. For additional travel information, please visit visitmaryland.org. To view a copy of the Maryland Horse Month proclamation, please click here.

(Reisterstown, MD – September 28, 2021) The Maryland Horse Foundation has received a grant from the Thoroughbred Education & Research Foundation, a fund of the Chester County Community Foundation for educational programs. “We are thrilled to receive this funding and grateful to the TERF Trustees for considering our application” said Jordyn Egan, MHF director of development. “TERF has been a great partner in the past and this support allows us to work creatively with people that are committed to a career in the Maryland Thoroughbred industry.” Details on the 2022 Maryland Horse Foundation education programs will be available in the coming months. To learn more about the Maryland Horse Foundation, visit MarylandHorse.com. --- 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. The mission of the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation is to support Thoroughbred health and welfare by funding scholarships, educational programs, and equine research with a priority to make racing safer.

The Maryland Horse Library and Education Center was designated by the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) as the Educational and Cultural Center of the Maryland Horse Park System. The new, multi-faceted facility will honor the history and importance of Maryland’s horse industry.  “Maryland is home to over 100,000 horses, more horses per square mile than any other state,” said Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “With over 40 equine disciplines practiced right here in Maryland and premiere horse events held year-round, our state’s equestrian industry is world-renowned. This center will teach Marylanders and visitors from around the world about the remarkable contributions of our horse industry.” Construction of the 4,500-square-foot center is expected to begin in September and will be open to the public by spring 2022. The center will be located in the Maryland Horse Breeders Association’s (MHBA’s) building in historic Reisterstown, centrally located close to Pimlico Race Course, Sagamore Farm, and other popular equine destinations. Once completed, the facility will house over 1,000 equestrian books, a memorabilia area, versatile meeting rooms, a media center, interactive kiosks and rotating exhibits. “This one-of-a-kind facility in Maryland will serve as a central learning and research hub for horse sports in the state,” said MHIB Chair Jim Steele. “It is our intention for the center to educate the public about the breadth of Maryland’s horse industry and to motivate them to get involved. I want to thank all of the individuals who have been involved in making the center a reality, it is your hardwork and dedication that has made this all possible.”  As part of the state’s efforts to enhance and increase interest in the Maryland horse industry, the MHIB established the Maryland Horse Park System. The Maryland Horse Park System is made up of three venues: an outdoor and field equestrian competition facility; an indoor competition and exhibition arena; and an educational and cultural center. To identify these three locations, the MHIB and the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) commissioned the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) to perform a study in 2011.  Upon the conclusion of the study and improvements made to each facility, the Fair Hill Special Events Zone in Elkton was designated the outdoor and field equestrian competition venue and the Prince George’s Equestrian Center was named the indoor competition and exhibition arena.  Additionally, the study found a need for an educational and cultural center. To fill this need, the Maryland Horse Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the MHBA, started planning and fundraising for the construction of the center. The foundation is responsible for the center’s development and maintenance.  “The goals of the center align perfectly with the Maryland Horse Park System’s overall mission to promote and increase interest in the state’s horse industry,” said MHBA Executive Director Cricket Goodall. “We are thrilled to be designated as part of the Maryland Horse Park System and are excited to showcase the legacy of Maryland’s iconic equine sector.”  For more information about the Maryland Horse Park System, please contact MHIB’s Executive Director Ross Peddicord at (240) 344-0000 or ross.peddicord@maryland.gov. For additional details about the Maryland Horse Library and Education Center, please contact MHBA’s Executive Director Crickett Goodall at (410) 252-2100 or cricket@marylandthoroughbred.com.

The Maryland Horse Foundation (MHF) is honored to be named a 2021 Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) Grant Recipient. This grant will be used to support the foundation’s existing educational programs such as the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program in the coming year. “After a decidedly quiet 2020, the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program was back in June 2021 and we can’t wait to engage another group of participants next summer," said Jordyn Egan, the Maryland Horse Foundation’s development director. "Grant funds are essential for us to be able to maintain quality programming that will help the state of Maryland attract and retain high quality employees in the Thoroughbred industry." In addition to the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program, the MHF is responsible for the Work Experience Program, which allows qualified applicants to design a custom internship experience that will benefit their long-term career goals. The MHF covers the participants wages throughout their internship in addition to expenses such as housing and worker’s compensation.  “There is an endless pool of talent in Maryland’s horse industry; so many horse enthusiasts that have not considered their passion as a career path. It is our mission to engage those people early on and keep providing them with opportunities to grow until they get started in the workforce, “ said Egan. “There are so many careers in the Thoroughbred industry, it’s just a matter of channeling somebody’s strengths, giving them opportunities and watching them flourish.” To learn more about the Maryland Horse Foundation, visit MarylandHorse.com. -- 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 a number of 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. Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) is a charitable organization that provides grants to approved non-profit organizations that work toward improving the lives of Thoroughbred racehorses and the people who care for them. TCA offers the Thoroughbred industry and its supporters a way to give to one organization while helping many.

Originally published online by America's Best Racing on Monday, March 22, 2021 The Maryland Horse Breeders Association’s Sara Gordon sat down with Cricket Goodall, Josh Pons, and Richard F. Blue Jr. to discuss the history of the Maryland Horse Foundation, the MHBA’s charitable arm; the MHBA’s history of working to bring the various aspects of Maryland’s horse industry together; and the recent launch of the capital campaign for the MHF’s Maryland Horse Library & Education Center. Cricket Goodall is the executive director of the MHBA, Josh Pons is a co-chair of the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center Capital Campaign and president of the MHF, and Richard F. Blue, Jr. is a co-chair of the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center Capital Campaign and vice president of the MHBA.   Cricket Goodall Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association Why was the Maryland Horse Foundation created? Rich Wilcke, when he was executive director, started the foundation in 1988. He realized then that the Maryland Horse Breeders Association needed a 501(c)3, it needed a charitable arm, and it was at that point geared more towards education, to a certain extent, by helping industry issues, addressing them, and collecting donations that would help with that. It was probably then, in the 1980s, that Rich started thinking about a vehicle for people to donate books and memorabilia [to the library]. We’d had people donate stuff before, but back in the 1980s there wasn’t a focus on the incentive of a charitable donation — it was more because they had been on the board here and they’d leave us something — but then it became a focus with the foundation. However, the foundation sort of took time to find its way and really appeal to people, so I don’t think people really knew about it to donate stuff and I don’t think we got as much stuff as I had hoped. I really hoped people would do that, and there were some big breeders and industry people who died and we don’t know what happened to their stuff, and that’s a shame. But at the time, we just weren’t focused on or ready to say, ‘give us your trophies or your artwork.’ Now, I think the foundation’s ready to do that. When did the MHF get more involved with educating the next generation? About six years ago, I talked to Jordyn [Egan] and we decided to focus on the education part of the foundation. There were already rescues, aftercare, groups addressing substance abuse, so I thought we ought to work on education and encouraging people to look for careers in this business so that we could repopulate the business with good, smart people, so that’s when the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program came to be. That led to where we are today, because if the MHBA or groups like us don’t educate, you know we advocate, but you need to educate as well, it’s probably just as important. Educating and advocating in Annapolis are virtually the same thing. Educating in other ways is trying to encourage new people, younger people, to get involved and love what we do and want to get in in some way, whether it’s racehorses or any kind of horses, so I think that’s definitely paid off. The MTCP has been just what we hoped, Jordyn’s experience really helped that come to fruition, she had enough experience to pull something like that together, and when she first started, I sort of really gave her the foundation to think about because it hadn’t been doing enough and we hadn’t had enough support. We were focused on the magazine and other things we do, but now the foundation is front and center. How long has the idea of the Maryland Horse library been passed around? We did have a library and we did have people come in and research — that was in the late 1980s, early 1990s, when people would actually go to a library and sit down with books — but it was before a lot of the stats were online, so we had chart books and we had Cindy [Deubler] to answer questions. We didn’t have a fancy place for it, in fact it was in the boardroom at the Padonia Road [location] where we had the library around the boardroom table. Once the foundation started, the library had always fallen under that, to take donations and encourage funding. So, not that we didn’t have a library before 1988, but after that any expenses sort of were funneled through the foundation for books and other support materials. So, there’s always been a sense that we wanted to grow and, you know, have a good resource for people in Maryland, whether they were looking to write something or just look up horse records, so that was part of what our mission was, to help people get information. Then, over time, when we were at the second Padonia [road] office, where the library and the boardroom were the same thing, we found it was sometimes a conflict because people would want to be in the library and we’d be having meetings, so we always had in our mind to have a special area for a library or a building. The building part of it, Rich Wilcke was the executive director when we started realizing that we needed a better home. Being in an office building on Padonia Road was not ideal, though it was convenient, but it had no character. So again, it probably wasn’t until the mid-1990s that there was a real sense of looking and trying to do something permanent. Instead, we moved a couple times. We knew we wanted to do the library, so then we did have conversations with Middleburg, Va., the National Sporting Library & Museum down there, and sort of picked their brain, picked the head librarian’s brain, and looked at their site because it’s a really nice building. Understanding their financing and how they raised the money sort of got me more enthused, because they were happy to be partners with us on a lot of things. We discussed digitizing files, how best to coordinate as a reference library long term, so that gave us even more possibilities for our library. Why did the MHBA decide to purchase the building in historic Reisterstown? What makes it such a great fit? The boards, we visited the idea, we had been looking at buildings, but they seemed hesitant to make that final commitment. But it had to be the right building, too. We looked and looked and we were just not coming up with the right situation. The building we’re in now, I ended up finding because it’s in an area that I frequent and it had character, and the board embraced it, so it would allow us to really showcase the library; I mean, that’s sort of always been the plan. It’s now morphed into — because it’s a good idea — an education center, meeting area, memorabilia [area], even more so than a museum. I mean it’s not going to be everybody’s idea of a museum, we’re not going to have art collections and that sort of thing, just because we’re not big enough, but also I don’t know that we want to go to a museum yet, that’s just a whole other level. Let’s focus on a library and a meeting space and educating people. Meeting spaces are really important. I learned that with the Baltimore County Ag Center, actually, because when the county built their building there, they didn’t know how many people would use it for meetings and, until COVID-19 hit, it was in use all the time. I think that this is appealing to people and people are going to say, in this day and age, since people can do a lot of research online, maybe they don’t need to go to a library, but if you have that and have a meeting room and you have seminars, or offer a reason for people to come to the building, it’s worth it. Plus, this Reisterstown building actually is in a good location for just the general public driving by. It’s easily accessible, and that’s a huge appeal, because the other sites we’ve looked at would have taken more of an effort to get to. They were still accessible, on the campus of Goucher College or on the [Baltimore County] Ag Center, but I think this area, this situation we’re in now, is better because we’ll get people just driving by that say, ‘Hey, I saw that Maryland Horse sign,” and I don’t know if we would have gotten that before. As the MHF proceeds with this project, what’s your vision? I want this facility to host 4-H meetings, it could be any horse clubs, or the Maryland Horse Industry Board, the Maryland Horse Council, and it doesn’t have to be just horse-related – [it can be for] anybody that needs a place to meet, as far as I’m concerned. The AV that we’re putting in here will allow people to show a film if they have it, and with the media room I’m hoping that turns into a place where people can digitize what they have or sit down and leave audio memories of their time growing up. I’d always wished we’d had a place to record oral history because it’s really important, and then we’ll have something where people could push a button and hear about some famous Marylanders we’ve got on the record. We’ve lost a lot of old-time trainers. I’ve heard stories, but I can’t tell them like they did, and I can’t tell them in the voice that they had, and now they’re gone. Like the King Leatherburys and the Bill Bonifaces, you need to hear them tell the stories. I think part of the plan is to capture that, so you’ve got history that now may be in these photo files or our archives in mini storage in our building, and you can hear it, see it, anybody can. So, the library is basically, at this point, a collection of whatever we have had and anything that people would like to give us. Why is the development of the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center so important to Maryland’s horse industry and the state in general? There’s nothing else like this in Maryland, which is a shame, and shame on Maryland. They had a little sort of room at Pimlico, and if you went up in the press box, I don’t know what’s at Pimlico now, but they had a lot of really interesting stuff that was stacked on tables and in file cabinets, all the old photos and negatives. I don’t know what’s left up there but it’s a shame — there was just nobody at the time that was willing to take that on and say, ‘we’ve got to save this.’ There’s been talk, but there’s been nothing, and Maryland, I believe, has the strongest historic record of the horse industry, I mean it’s got an older history than Kentucky and Florida and everywhere else, and to have no place to acknowledge that is disturbing to say the least. And we can’t be that, we’re not going to be a Preakness museum, but we’ll be a little something, acknowledging what we have done, what the MHBA has done, and hopefully that’s going to spur whoever does the Preakness museum or does a bigger national-focus museum. Going back to the focus of the foundation, it’s all about education and getting more people more interested in loving horses and the horse industry. Josh Pons Co-Chair of the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center Capital Campaign and President of the Maryland Horse Foundation What is so worthwhile about providing a combined library and education center? We’ve been the beneficiaries of some remarkable donations that need to be open to the public. We have the Selima Room, the best of the books of William Woodward Sr., who had Bel Air Stud, and those books primarily, well most of them, are in the public storage warehouse in Timonium and they need to be shown and available to people as a resource. But the most important thing this effort will do will be to give us a place to teach young people about a way to live, with animals, on farms, that go to racetracks in cities. Without some feeder program, without a JV program for an athlete to get started in, which is similar to what we’re doing here, there’s no cultivating for the future of horse racing or breeding, which is really where we’re in peril, in a state that doesn’t have a lot of land in it and it doesn’t have a lot of people that want to take the trouble to raise Thoroughbred horses. It’s hard work. But if you could tap into the rich history of it and the rewarding lives it’s provided for a lot of breeders, just growing up and living on a farm in itself is a privilege. I’m hoping that we focus on the educational aspects of it, since there’s a great history of Marylanders doing that. If you were to look back in the late 1930s, I think Chester Hockley and Humphrey Finney, they produced a movie called “Maryland Horse,” and Finney went around and he had an educational film that he took to classrooms around the state. So, it’s kind of like a legacy thing that people have paid attention to, and we have this opportunity with the new building. You couldn’t do this without a building. You could talk about it, which is what we’ve done for the entire existence of the MHBA, but it has never had its own building. It has always rented or lived in somebody’s house, like 1 Dixie Dr., where Finney kept his offices. But Cricket and the board, right before COVID-19 hit, made a very brave and long-lasting decision to put together a plan to buy a building, and the building is perfect. How will this benefit Maryland and its residents? If you’re interested in the horse business in Virginia, you go to Middleburg, you go to the National Sporting Library & Museum. If you’re interested in the horse business in Kentucky, you go to the Keeneland Library. If you’re interested in New York, you go to the Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Saratoga, but if you’re interested in Maryland, you can’t go to a 12-foot room that’s closed off on the second floor of Pimlico and come away with much. I mean, I worked at the BloodHorse off and on for seven years, and it had a great library and access to the Keeneland Library, and I mean people sat in there at the big conference table in the library all the time, famous people, like John Gaines would come in there and study how Federico Tesio did stuff. I mean, you have to have a place where you can learn, that’s really important. That’s the goal, I think, of this blended library and education center push, and I think it’s going to strike a very popular chord with a lot of Marylanders. I expect that most people will think hard and give what they can and then take advantage of it once it’s locked in place and filled out. It’s important for the state to have an agriculture center that focuses just on the importance of horses, and it’s a really rich history. All you have to do is look back through Maryland Horse [magazines] and look at what we’re doing today. Farms are hanging on despite the shrinking foal crop and the national fear over whether trainers are playing by the rules — the whole WHOA (Water, Hay, Oats Alliance) movement — all that stuff is negative publicity for the most part and this is a positive story for the horse business, and the MHBA has taken the lead. It’s a great opportunity to maintain a position of leadership in the industry and have people say, ‘look what they’re doing in Maryland.’ We’re well-respected in the country in a different way than everybody else is. Why is the MHBA owning its own building, providing a rightful home for the library and now education center, so momentous? When I was president, we looked and looked and looked and we looked at farmhouses, and we thought Goucher College might work, then they changed presidents and the new guy didn’t have the emphasis on the equine stuff. We would have been a partner with somebody else, but with this building we’re our own boss, and that allows us to make the changes we think we can make without a whole bunch of bureaucracy or temporariness to it. Without a building, there’s no learning center. It’s a blank slate. It’s a building that feels chapel-like. It has the presence of a place that is conducive to contemplation and reflection, that then helps you look forward, and the building being an [old church], right on the street with beautiful columns, I mean it looks like an educational building. If it could talk, it would tell you about all of the horse-drawn carriages that went in front of it for 50 years until the cars came, and then it’d tell you about who drove past on their way to the Maryland Hunt Cup, you know, on the way to the Preakness. And it’s located 15 minutes from a lot of farmland, so you could leave the building and go for a drive and really get a flavor for Maryland’s horse industry. Richard F. Blue Jr. Co-Chair of the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center Capital Campaign and Vice President of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association What does this project mean to you, as someone who has been a longtime member of Maryland’s horse industry? The horse business, and racing business, it basically saved my life. I was not headed in the right direction and I got involved in the horse business through my grandparents, they lived on a horse farm. Well, maybe not saved my life, but got me headed in the right direction because I’m dyslexic and I also have ADD, and school work sucked. So, I went and worked on the horse farm and went to college and that’s how I got into it. I realized at that point, I said, ‘I’m not going to be a trainer, I want to be an owner,’ so I went out and started making money so I could own horses. So, this project, to me, is a way of showing the youth and kids who may have learning differences, that this is a way they can vent in a different direction. It’s really something they’d have fun with. And also, it’s a way of honoring my grandparents, because they had a horse farm, bred their own horses, and they even had their own stallion.