The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), in partnership with Equine Studies at the University of Maryland and Maryland Horse Industry Board, is hosting the Southern Maryland Horse Summit on Sunday, March 8th, 2020 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Annapolis.
The one-day event is designed to inform and inspire horse owners, riders, and equine businesses from around the region. The Summit offers three simultaneous seminar tracks with topics that are broadly applicable to all riding disciplines, from beginner to advanced youth and adult riders, as well as to barn owners, equine-related businesses, and horse enthusiasts.
“We are grateful for our valued partners and sponsors that have helped us to develop this first ever Southern Maryland Horse Summit, and bring together credentialed speakers with expert knowledge, tips and lots of enthusiasm to engage and support our equine community,” commented Susan McQuilkin, SMADC’s Marketing Executive. Karyn Owens, SMADC’s Program Specialist, followed with, “The Summit program has something for everyone. It’s a meeting about horses and the people who ride them, own them, support them, and love them!” Owens and McQuilkin have co-created the Summit for SMADC, and are both keen riders.
The Summit will kick off with ‘opening remarks’ by Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Executive. An accomplished horse trainer and equine industry advocate, Pittman is well known as the founder of the ‘Retired Racehorse Project’, an award-winning national nonprofit that transitions off-the-track racehorses to new owners and useful careers.
The Summit Keynote presenter will be Lynn Symansky, one of the top Three-Day Event riders in the world, with nearly 30 years of competitive equestrian experience, including representing the United States on seven teams at the international level. In addition to her competition career, Lynn has extensive teaching experience and is a graduate ‘A’ from Pony Club. Her skills are valuable to all levels from coaching advanced-level competitors, talented young riders and ambitious amateurs.
Other event highlights include Montie Eagle, well known clinician and teacher of both traditional and western dressage, plus presentations on weight loss strategies, understanding the what’s and why’s of feed, farm stewardship practices, managing disease outbreak, saddle and bit fitting, shopping for a horse, contract and liability issues and more.
Tickets are available now, with Early Bird Admission until February 14th ($35 per person). After February 14th, General Admission will increase to $45 per person. Student/Youth Admission is offered at $30 per person. Tickets include light breakfast and catered lunch. For speaker bios and topics, vendors and agenda, visit SOMD-HORSE-SUMMIT.EVENTBRITE.COM or the News and Events page at www.smadc.com.
Summit sponsors and partners include the Maryland Horse Council, the Equiery, Maryland Horse Industry Board, Maryland Saddlery, Colonial Farm Credit, Rural Maryland Council, Equine Studies at the University of Maryland, Maryland Horse Breeders Association, The Laura Jones Team, Triple Crown Nutrition, Two Dark Bays Custom Tack, and Arundel Ag.