The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) will be accepting grant applications for non-profit research, educational and promotional equine activities, beginning August 1. The board intends to award up to $25,000 in grants that support or develop new opportunities for Maryland’s horse industry. Applications must be received by October 1, 2012.  

“The horse industry is a critical component of Maryland’s economy. There are more than 79,000 horses in Maryland, and more than 28,000 citizens are employed in the equine industry,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “The Maryland Horse Industry Board works very hard to stimulate growth and opportunity in Maryland’s equestrian community. This grant program is one way it helps spur needed innovation and encourage those most committed to the industry.”

Funding for the MHIB and its grants come from The Maryland Feed Fund, which collects $6 on every ton of horse feed sold in Maryland. It is an effective model for how industry groups can help themselves, without relying on taxpayer dollars. Since the Fund was established in 2002, MHIB has awarded more than $200,000 in grants to nearly 200 projects throughout Maryland.

Organizations eligible for MHIB grants include non-profit organizations, clubs and associations, businesses, farms and stables, government entities, schools and educational institutions. Projects will be evaluated for their value to the industry, degree of industry promotion, size and scope of activity, financial need, potential for matching funds, benefits and quality of the written presentation. The Board recommends that grant requests not exceed $3,000, which was the size of the largest grant awarded last year. The average grant amount is about $1,200.

Grant recipients will be announced on or before December 1. Funding will be available after January 1, 2013. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2013. Click here for an application and complete grant guidelines.

The Maryland Horse Industry Board, a program of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, was established in 1998 to promote and develop the state’s equine industry. For more information about MHIB or the Feed Fund, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/horseboard or call Ross Peddicord, executive director, at 410-841-5798 or email ross.peddicord@maryland.gov.