Many of you in Montgomery County has expressed alarm about the new stable licensing application that went out in the mail last week.

MHC began working this issue last Friday through our Montgomery County members, and we are pleased to report that as a result, Montgomery County will delay rollout of the new application pending further review. Mongtomery County stable license holders should have received this email last night:

 
Dear Montgomery County Equine Permit Holders and Stable Operators,

I am writing to acknowledge the concerns many of you have shared about the revised Equine Stable Operating Permit application and inspection requirements. I understand that the application is detailed and may feel overwhelming at first review. Your feedback matters, and I deeply appreciate the knowledge, dedication, and care that stable operators, horse owners, instructors, and other members of Montgomery County’s equine community bring to the stewardship of horses every day.

The revised form does not create a new set of permit or inspection requirements. Rather, it organizes and itemizes requirements that are already established in Montgomery County Code, County regulations, and applicable State requirements. Bringing this information together in one place will create a more complete and consistent record for each stable permit—information that was not consistently available through the prior process.

A complete permit record supports clearer communication, continuity, and fair administration over time. It can also help OAS coordinate with appropriate public-safety partners during an emergency or disaster. Information about stable locations, access routes, water sources, emergency contacts, and the number and location of horses can be important when supporting evacuation planning, fire-suppression efforts, or other time-sensitive response needs.

At the same time, we recognize that collecting this information through a detailed form can be demanding. The revised materials were not intended to create unnecessary burdens or to overlook the practical realities of operating a stable. We also recognize that this change should have been introduced more thoughtfully, with clearer communication, more opportunities for input, and a more measured implementation process.

In response, the Office of Animal Services has slowed the initial rollout to allow time for further review, discussion, and collaboration. OAS has also waived the Equine Stable Operating Permit fee for the current permit year while this work continues.

For the current renewal cycle, please complete the application and provide the information and supporting documents that are currently available to you. Please do not delay your submission because an item is unclear or not yet available. OAS will review each submission individually and will contact you directly if additional information, clarification, or documentation is needed. Our goal is to work with you—not to create avoidable barriers to participation or compliance.

OAS considers itself a partner to Montgomery County’s equine community. I am personally working with the Montgomery County Department of Agriculture, the County Council, and the County Executive’s Office to identify a constructive path forward. Our shared objective is to develop a permit and licensing process that aligns with applicable requirements, supports public safety and animal welfare, protects and strengthens Montgomery County’s horse industry, and helps stable operators continue to provide high-quality services and facilities without unnecessary financial hardship.

This effort has proven more complex than I initially anticipated, and I take the concerns and uncertainty created by the initial rollout seriously. The current application is not intended to be the final version of the process. We value your experience and invite you to continue the conversation with us as OAS works with stable operators, horse owners, and County partners to identify practical improvements. Please look for future opportunities to share feedback and participate in this ongoing discussion.

Thank you for your patience, candor, and continued dedication to the horses and people who make Montgomery County’s equine community so valuable. Together, we can build a fair, practical, and sustainable process that serves the community well.

If you have questions or would like to share feedback, please contact Arpie Parker, Permit and Licensing Liaison, at 240-773-5932, or email the Permit and Licensing Team at OAS.BPS@montgomerycountymd.gov. You may also contact me directly at caroline.hairfield@montgomerycountymd.gov or, if you prefer to speak by phone, at 240-773-5651.

Warmly,

Caroline Hairfield

Caroline Hairfield
Executive Director
Division of Animal Services
7315 Muncaster Mill Road