Maryland Horse Industry

Even though I am temporarily stuck in Austin while my son recuperates, I am still a resident of Maryland and part of the equestrian community in that state. The Governor met recently with close to 300 leaders in the Maryland horse community to discuss the state of the industry. Below are a few interesting facts, as stated by Governor Martin O'Malley, that give an idea of how influential horses are on the state. The full article can be read at http://www.equiery.com/.

DID YOU KNOW?

o There are more than 20,000 stables in Maryland with over 87,000 horses, worth a total of over $680 million.

o Horsemen and women own $3.9 billion in Maryland land, fencing and facilities. And the entire value of all horse-related assets is $5.2 billion.

o This industry supports nearly 29,000 full time jobs in Maryland and it produces goods and services valued at $614 million.

o And all in all, our State’s horse industry makes an annual economic impact of $1.6 billion. That’s a very, very important part of our economy.

We know also that horses have more than just an economic impact in Maryland, they’re also helping us to preserve our farm land and our open space and are, therefore, very important to the environment that all of us share, regardless of what our daily profession might be.

Food for thought.

And because it is that time of year again, I want to repeat an earlier post regarding the best way to find a riding school for yourself or your children. Click here to be directed to the post: http://theequineexpert.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-find-riding-school.html