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Therapeutic programs, conservationists, youth clubs, educational and research programs are among the 15 organizations receiving more than $21,000 in grants from the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB). The grants help to strengthen the industry by building awareness of and involvement in the horse industry through research, education and promotional activities. MHIB will formally present the checks at Horse World Expo on January 21.

“The equine industry is an integral part of Maryland’s cultural and economic heritage,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “The scope and value of projects that the board evaluated illustrates the demand for these grants, and the ‘feed fund’ continues to make it possible to support more of those requests.”

The Maryland Feed Fund, established during the 2002 legislative session, provides an ongoing source of money to promote the horse industry. The refundable $6 per ton assessment on equine feed costs about $3 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.

The board received 52 grant applications totaling more than $260,000 demonstrating the need for this funding. 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.  Since 2001, the board has awarded 189 grants totaling more than $218,000. Visit www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/mhib11.pdf or a summary of the most recent grants awarded.

The Maryland Horse Industry Board was established in 1998 to promote and develop the equine industry in Maryland. For more information about MHIB or the Feed Fund, visit www.mda.state.md.us/horseboard or call Ross Peddicord, executive director, at 410-841-5798 or email peddicrd@mda.state.md.us.