Maryland Horse Industry Board Announces $20,680 in Grants for 2026 Programs
Maryland’s equine industry will receive a significant boost in 2026 thanks to $20,680 in competitive grants awarded by the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) to 35 organizations and equine operations across the state. The funding, announced on December 17, 2025, will support a diverse range of programs focused on workforce development, youth education, and community engagement.
Strengthening Maryland’s Equine Ecosystem
The MHIB, a program within the Maryland Department of Agriculture, selected the 35 recipients from a highly competitive pool of 56 applications. This investment underscores the state’s commitment to bolstering its equine industry, which contributes significantly to the agricultural economy. The grants are made possible by the Maryland Feed Fund, a unique program that collects $6 on every ton of horse feed sold within the state.
Since its inception in 2002, the Feed Fund has distributed nearly $700,000 to over 500 projects, demonstrating its long-term impact on the industry. “As the horse industry continues to work together as a unified horse ecosystem, we are better able to see both the breadth of the industry and where opportunities for growth exist,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “These grants highlight the innovation, collaboration, and commitment that make Maryland’s horse industry such an important part of our agricultural economy.”
Diverse Programs Receive Funding
This year’s grant recipients represent programs in 14 of Maryland’s 23 counties. A key focus of the funding is on preparing the next generation of equine professionals. Supported initiatives include expanded youth and young adult equine education programs, such as the Maryland Horse Career Program, and statewide outreach efforts like those offered by Horseland.
Beyond education, the grants will also support critical services for communities and first responders. Funding will be allocated to advanced training for law enforcement and emergency responders, as well as a variety of equine-assisted therapy and wellness programs. These programs leverage the unique therapeutic benefits that horses provide, impacting mental health, public safety, and overall community well-being.
“What stands out in the horse industry is the diversity and impact of the programs being supported,” explained Anne Litz, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board. “From career pathways and youth horsemanship to mental health, public safety, and community engagement, these grants reflect a modern, inclusive horse industry that reaches far beyond one sector. The Board is proud to invest in programs that strengthen Maryland’s horse ecosystem while delivering tangible benefits to people across the state.”
Grant Evaluation and Requirements
Grant projects were rigorously evaluated based on several criteria, including their value to the industry, potential for promotion, scope, financial need, and overall benefit. To maximize reach, individual grants are capped at $2,000. All recipients are required to complete their projects by June 30, 2026, and submit a comprehensive report detailing how the funds were utilized and the resulting outcomes.
A complete list of grant recipients and detailed project descriptions is available on the Maryland Horse Industry Board’s website: https://mda.maryland.gov/horseboard/Pages/grants.aspx.
Established in 1998, the MHIB continues to play a vital role in the development of Maryland’s equine industry through strategic investment, education, and outreach. For further information or inquiries, contact MHIB Executive Director Anne Litz at 667-408-0407 or [email protected].
