“The future depends on what we do in the present.” – Mahatma Gandhi

The MHBA 2017 Strategic Plan and Overview determined that “the representation services MHBA provides are without a doubt central to its mission.”

The mission states that the MHBA exists to encourage, promote, protect and improve the horse breeding industry in Maryland. Serving that mission MHBA has become the leading advocate for the Thoroughbred industry in the state while providing informational resources, legislative representation and educational opportunities for its members.

MHBA has spent this year celebrating history and noting how much of that history was shaped by the people in Maryland who decided that the goals of promoting, protecting and improving the horse breeding industry were important enough to start an association in 1929 to do just that. Their foresight was impressive, and their love of the horse and horse sports was their guide star.

MHBA is standing tall on the tower of ideas that inspired those men and women to make the vitality of an industry their guide star. Everyone who participates today recognizes that education is more important now than ever. Now is the time to focus on the future. To be creative with solutions; not just prepare to meet challenges but have a vision.

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

MHBA members are horse people at heart and often successful in business and other endeavors. They breed, own and love horses and the sport and lifestyle that evolves around them. They value and love the land because it pays dividends in healthy horses. Success validates the hard work and heartache that are a part of any worthy venture.

For the future MHBA is embracing and focusing on education. Education of the next generation, education of lawmakers and education of the general public. Education is the most direct route adhering to our mission. Education will provide our future members and leaders with the tools and templates for continued growth. As in any business and every family the next generation is necessary to have a viable future. MHBA will guide and we will listen to those who are committed to a productive and prosperous future.

After 90 years it is time to officially add education to our mission statement. MHBA has been educating for most of those decades but it should now be stated as a core value and tenet. Our members know what you do and why it is important but MHBA must make sure others do as well.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

The new MHBA mission statement will read: Our mission is to educate and promote; encourage and improve the breeding, raising and racing of horses in Maryland.

• To Educate: to give training in or information on a field.
• To Promote: to further the progress of something; support or actively encourage.
• To Encourage: to help or stimulate; to develop.
• To Improve: to make or become better.

If the MHBA, our leaders and members can continue to be guided by these important principles the future looks bright.

“Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” – Kofi Annan