 
Home to more than 100,000 horses, Maryland ranks No. 1
in terms of horses per square mile
Baltimore, Md. (May 14, 2018) – The 2018
Economic Impact Study produced by the American Horse Council
confirms that Maryland’s horse industry adds
more than $1.3 billion to Maryland’s economy.
The report found that the horse industry total employment impact is more
than 21,000 jobs, including a more than $500 million impact from the horse
racing sector alone.
The report
quantified the economic benefits generated from three of the main sectors of
the horse industry; recreation, competition, and racing. It also enumerated the additional benefits
the horse industry offers to the State of Maryland including land preservation,
volunteerism, equine therapy and rehoming operations and educational
opportunities at academic institutions.
“Horses are a
part of Maryland’s history and heritage, but this study confirms the important
contributions that industry makes today to Maryland’s economy and way of life. As a part of the agriculture community horse
farms are productive partners in protecting the environment and educating young
people”, said Cricket Goodall, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse
Breeders Association.
Maryland is a
significant horse racing hub in the United States, emphasized every May by the
Preakness Stakes and Jim McKay Maryland Million Day in October, but Maryland’s
racing industry continues to thrive throughout the year. Between five racetracks
and more than 260 live racing days, the industry adds $365 million in value to
the state’s economy and supports 5,214 jobs resulting in a $572 million
economic impact.
“Maryland’s racing
industry has continued to grow and make major strides at our facilities. The
support from spectators and horsemen throughout the country has allowed us to
continue to grow and excel,” said Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of
the Maryland Jockey Club.
With more than 101,000
horses Maryland boasts more horses -- 10.5 horses per square mile – than any
other state in the nation. The quantity
of horses and variety of activities ensure the recreation and competition
sectors have significant impact. The
horse industry also plays a significant role in protecting the environment and
keeping Maryland green with 25 percent of Maryland’s agriculture land, around
750,000 acres, used for horse-related purposes.
“The study confirms the depth and breadth of the equine
industry. We have 35 different equestrian disciplines and 40 breeds of horses
with horse shows, rodeos and thousands of folks, particularly youngsters,
taking riding lessons and learning about and enjoying horses. Both the racing
and non-racing sectors complement each other in a very strong and productive
way," said Ross Peddicord, executive director of the Maryland Horse
Industry Board
The recreation
and competition sectors combine for a $396 million in added value to Maryland’s
economy and support more than 8,000 jobs, resulting in a $652 million economic
impact. There are also at least 36
therapy operation facilities, 13 rescue and rehoming operations, and more than
300 equine associations and several academic institutions that educate, promote
and contribute to Maryland’s economy.
CONTACT:
Ross Peddicord
Executive Director
Maryland Horse Industry Board
Maryland Department of Agriculture
O: 410-841-5798
E: ross.peddicord@maryland.gov
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