The Maryland Horse Industry Board announced on July 19 that 13 groups will receive more than $20,000 in MHIB grants this year, among them therapeutic riding programs, youth clubs, public riding facilities, educational
programs and research programs. These grants help build awareness of and involvement in the horse industry through research, education, and promotional activities.

“The equine industry is important to the state’s economy and to the lives of many Marylanders,” said state Agriculture Secretary Lewis R. Riley. “The scope and worth of the projects the board evaluated illustrates the demand for these grants. The ‘feed fund’ continues to make it possible to support many of those requests.”

The latter fund, established during the 2002 legislative session, provides an ongoing source of money to promote the horse industry. The refundable $2 per ton assessment on equine feed costs about $1 per horse per year to the horse owner and supports this grant program as well as other promotional, research, and outreach activities undertaken by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

This year, the board received 27 grant applications totaling more than $100,000, with individual requests ranging from $750-$10,000. Projects were evaluated for value to the industry, degree of industry promotion, size and scope of the activity, financial need, and quality of the written presentation. To date, the MHIB has awarded 136 grants totaling more than $150,000.

The Maryland Horse Industry Board was established in 1998 to promote and develop the horse industry. For further information, contact MHIB Executive Director Rob Burk at 410-841-5861.