The state of Maryland boasts a rich equine history dating back over 250 years, when the Maryland Jockey Club, the oldest sporting organization in North America, was chartered in 1743. The state has since been a key player in the national horse industry, hosting the Preakness Stakes– the second race in the iconic Triple Crown series, the Maryland Hunt Cup- considered to be one of the most difficult steeplechase races in the world- and now the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, one of only seven CCI5* events in the world.
These iconic events may have put Maryland on the map in the world of equine sports, but they aren’t the only equine events flourishing in the state. More than 50 years ago, in 1962, the state designated jousting as the state’s official sport. Whether you are interested in thoroughbred racing, steeplechases, foxhunting, horse shows, polo or even wild horses, there is a place for you in Maryland!
Maryland is home to nearly 100,000 horses, which equates to the highest density of horses per square mile in any state in the country. The state’s horse industry has an economic impact of more than $2.9 billion dollars, with $982 million dollars spent by participants. The Maryland horse industry also accounts for 25% of the State’s agricultural land and 10% of overall land.
The state has a number of nicknames including “America in Miniature”. This nickname refers to the vast array of landscapes that can be found throughout the state- including mountains, beaches, forests, rivers and more. It is also a state with a large and culturally diverse population, with people from ethnic groups of every origin calling it home.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that Maryland State Parks welcomed a record number of visitors in 2020—more than 20 million—far surpassing the previous record of 14.9 million total visitors in 2019.
