The Maryland Horse Foundation, in partnership with the Maryland Horse Industry Board and University of Maryland Equine Studies, is proud to announce the six participants selected for the 2026 Maryland Horse Career Program (MHCP), which will take place June 1--5, 2026.

Launched in 2017 as the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program, the newly expanded Maryland Horse Career Program is part of the Howard & Sondra Bender Educational Series and was created to introduce emerging young professionals to the wide range of career opportunities available throughout Maryland's horse industry. Formerly focused on the Thoroughbred sector, the expanded MHCP now reflects the full breadth of Maryland's horse ecosystem, including racing, breeding, sport and competition, recreation, veterinary and farrier services, event management, aftercare, and equine-assisted services. The highly competitive program brings together motivated individuals from diverse backgrounds for an immersive week of education, networking, and hands-on industry experiences.

Over the course of the week, participants will visit equine operations and businesses across Maryland while engaging in group discussions, professional interactions, and networking opportunities with leaders from throughout the horse industry. The program is designed to increase awareness of equine career pathways, provide workforce education, and help address the industry's ongoing need to attract and retain dedicated professionals. 

"The Maryland Horse Career Program continues to provide an incredible opportunity for emerging leaders to experience firsthand the depth and diversity of Maryland's horse industry," said Cricket Goodall, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Foundation. "From veterinary medicine and breeding to racing, recreation, education, welfare, and business operations, participants gain valuable insight into the many pathways to a career available within this important agricultural and economic sector."

The 2026 participants were selected through a competitive application and interview process lead by the University of Maryland. This process demonstrated exceptional passion, professionalism, and commitment to pursuing careers connected to the horse industry. Their interests represent the wide diversity of Maryland's equine community and include agricultural management, equine studies and minors, breeding, farrier work, riding instruction, sports communications and broadcasting, equine events, equine welfare, equine business management, animal behavior and welfare, and horse health.

"The level of curiosity, passion, and professionalism shown by this year's applicants was truly impressive," said Anne Litz, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board. "These participants represent the future of the horse industry, and we want them to see first-hand why Maryland is the place for them. Horses are an huge part of Maryland agriculture, and partnership programs like this help build the next generation of industry leaders."

Throughout the week, participants will travel together as a cohort while learning about the interconnected sectors that make up Maryland's nationally recognized horse industry. Experiences will include exposure to racing, veterinary medicine, breeding and training operations, equine education, agribusiness, equestrian sport, event management, communications, and equine welfare. Graduates of the program remain eligible to apply for the Maryland Horse Foundation's Work Experience Program, a one-time financial award supporting further training, certifications, education, and career advancement opportunities. 

The Maryland horse industry contributes approximately $2.9 billion annually to the state's economy, supports more than 28,000 jobs, and plays a significant role in agriculture, tourism, education, recreation, and land preservation across the state.

For more information about the Maryland Horse Career Program, contact Cricket Goodall This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Foundation or Anne Litz, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.