Letter from MHC’s Presidents, continued...
with some interesting individual ideas worth noting. (1) On general MHC performance, members would like: more net-
working opportunities, better communication between members and leadership, increased visibility of the MHC in the Maryland horse com- munity, a mix of both zoom and in-person meetings, more marketing to promote the horse community and, in addition to the valued state legis- lative work, some county and federal laws/regulations efforts. Diversity, including better representation of the range of different horse sports in the state, such as Western riding, was also raised as an issue to address in the future. (MHC works closely with the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB), whose mission is to market the horse industry, as well as the American Horse Council (AHC), which advocates for the horse industry at the federal level.) (2) Tere was significant interest in educational events, on topics such as horse welfare, farm management, regulations, land management and preservation, veterinary issues, rescue and aftercare, and the role of non- profits. Advocacy was valued, as a watch dog to represent the horse in- dustry in the state legislature. Advocacy for zoning, easements, and other ways to preserve equestrian lands was desired. More resources dedicated to advocacy and updates for members were suggested. (3) Of specific topics, the most highlighted was trail riding and related issues such as access and maintenance of trails and restricting hunting in trail riding areas. Support of trails for driving was noted as well. (4) Some new ideas emerged from the comments, such as hosting fun talks on equestrian vacations, holding the horse expo at the State Fair- ground again or at the Show Place Arena in Prince Georges County, and some way to assess the quality of care at boarding facilities.
Question 4: What is the MHC already doing that you value? Most respondents highly valued the legislative advocacy of the MHC
with the state legislature. Advocacy for horse welfare, including stopping horse abuse, was highlighted, as well as promoting good farm steward- ship. Providing updates and information through Te Equiery and other MHC communications was appreciated. Promoting the horse commu- nity in general in the state was also noted as an important role of the MHC.
Question 5: Has the MHC membership met your expectations? • 82.5% Yes • 13.4% Somewhat • 4.1% No
Overall, a very positive response, with the vast majority of respondents
feeling that the MHC has met their expectations. Te comments in this section called for more communication between leadership and mem- bers, a greater role for members in decision-making process, the need to keep all horse sports in mind when doing MHC work, more focus on horse welfare, the concerns of horse owners and trail riders, and more information on horse activities available in Maryland.
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8 | JANUARY 2023 | THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION
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