ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Wes Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2025.23 on November 6, 2025, creating the Maryland Horse Industry Strategic Planning Initiative to coordinate growth and sustainability for the state’s $2.9 billion equine sector. The order directs a steering committee to develop a unified plan across racing, recreation and therapeutic programs, addressing economic, environmental and workforce needs in a community that boasts more horses per square mile than any other state.
The initiative responds to fragmented efforts within Maryland’s diverse horse operations, which span 94,248 equines across farms, tracks and trails. It aims to integrate input from stakeholders to produce a report with recommendations and measurable goals for submission to the governor and Maryland General Assembly by late 2026. “Maryland’s horse industry is a powerful symbol of the state’s heritage, agriculture, and economic vitality,” Moore said. “This strategic plan will bring together all facets of the equine community to ensure the industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks emphasized the plan’s inclusivity. “From racing to recreational riding, from therapeutic programs to trail systems, Maryland’s equine ecosystem touches every corner of our state,” Atticks said. “This effort ensures that all sectors have a seat at the table to build a unified vision for the future.” Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu highlighted regulatory ties. “This executive order moves Maryland forward, bringing together leaders from Maryland’s horse racing, competition, recreation, and wellness sectors under a shared vision,” Wu said. “Our Maryland Racing Commission has provided oversight for safety and integrity in Maryland horseracing for more than a century, and we are excited to plan for a vibrant future.”
The steering committee, to convene within 60 days, includes representatives from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Horse Industry Board, departments of Labor, Commerce and Natural Resources, Office of the Secretary of State and Maryland Racing Commission. Additional members draw from thoroughbred and standardbred racing groups, sport horse organizations, trail rider associations, jousting clubs and therapeutic riding centers, reflecting the sector’s breadth. The group will prioritize seven focus areas: strategic planning and policy guidance to align regulations; collaboration and communication for stakeholder networks; economic development to expand markets; advocacy, public awareness and promotion to boost tourism; education and workforce development for training programs; sustainability and land use to preserve farmland; and health and welfare for animal care standards.
This structure builds on a 2023 economic impact study by the American Horse Council, which calculated the industry’s $2.9 billion annual contribution, including $1.05 billion in direct gross domestic product and $713 million in indirect effects from supply chains. The sector sustains 28,134 jobs statewide, generating $1.24 billion in wages, with direct employment in breeding, training, veterinary services and event management. In Southern Maryland’s Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, these figures translate to rural economic anchors, where horse farms maintain open spaces amid suburban growth and support agritourism. Local operations, such as boarding facilities in Hughesville and trail systems in Nanjemoy, contribute to the region’s 12 percent share of statewide equine activities, per Maryland Department of Agriculture estimates. Events like the annual Southern Maryland Horse Show in Waldorf draw 500 participants and spectators, injecting $150,000 into host communities through vendor sales and lodging.
The plan’s emphasis on land use addresses pressures in Southern Maryland, where development threatens 40,000 acres of preserved farmland used for grazing and training. Initiatives could expand easements under the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, which has protected 2,800 farms since 1977, including 150 in the tri-county area. Workforce development targets skill gaps, with programs like those at the Southern Maryland Equine Center offering certifications in farriery and equine massage, preparing 200 trainees yearly for roles paying $45,000 on average. Sustainability efforts may incorporate climate-resilient practices, such as drought-tolerant pastures, vital for Calvert County’s waterfront properties vulnerable to rising sea levels.
Maryland’s equine legacy dates to the 1600s, when colonists imported thoroughbreds for racing, evolving into the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in 1873. The industry peaked post-World War II with 100,000 horses, but faced declines from urban sprawl and competition from neighboring states. Recent rebounds, fueled by $400 million in state racing subsidies since 2020, have stabilized operations, with therapeutic programs serving 5,000 riders annually, including veterans through facilities like HorseWorld in Upper Marlboro. The executive order formalizes coordination absent since the 1998 expansion of the Maryland Horse Industry Board, which now oversees promotion alongside agriculture.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture will administer the initiative, with quarterly progress reports to ensure accountability. Stakeholder engagement begins with virtual forums in December 2025, open to farm owners and riders statewide. This framework positions Maryland to lead in equine policy, potentially influencing federal grants for rural preservation. As the report shapes implementation, it underscores the sector’s role in balancing economic drivers with cultural preservation across diverse landscapes, from Cecil County’s Fair Hill training center to Southern Maryland’s riverfront stables.
