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Maryland Department of Agriculture

Stable Licensing & Certification

Who needs a stable license?

You are required by the State of Maryland to obtain and maintain licensing through the Maryland Horse Industry Board if you are a stable that:

  • Solicits the general public, and
  • Has one or more horses, and
  • Gives lessons, boards horses, has a rental service, or offers equine therapy or therapeutic riding OR are a rescue or sanctuary stable 

Exemptions

Exemptions include Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Steeplechase breeding and training farms.

 

Learn how to apply for a stable license

Inspection requirements

Licensing is conditioned on periodic inspections by the Maryland Horse Industry Board and failure to comply may result in civil fines and penalties. See the Inspection Report/Check List - PDF - 3.84 MB.

Why must public stables be licensed?

Marylanders care about their horses. The one common theme among all twenty-three counties as well as the state is the welfare of the horses. It is to help ensure the safety and care of the horses that the state and these counties require licenses. 

In 1968, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law requiring commercial stables to be licensed. Largely because of this law, and subsequent rulings and regulations, Maryland, which has a centuries-old reputation for high-quality horsemanship, became recognized as a national leader in horse and rider welfare. 

Read more about Maryland's licensed stable law.

Benefits of licensing your stable

  1. Establishes a level of trust with clients that the stable is fully licensed by the state, is subject to unannounced inspections, and abides by state laws. Some customers will NOT do business with an establishment unless it is licensed.
  2. Being licensed is a badge of honor, or if you will, a Good Housekeeping TM Seal of Approval. It shows the operator is interested in equine welfare and cares about the safety of its customers.
  3. Shows that the stable is a bonafide, professional operation and part of a larger statewide network that is considered a national leader.
  4. Licensed stables can participate in marketing programs that have been established by MHIB to help grow the industry and are linked to other national programs, such as the American Horse Council’s “Time to Ride” program. Licensed stables are also eligible for certain local, state and federal cost-sharing programs to improve their facilities, and for grants made by the MHIB.
  5. It’s the law. By being licensed, an operation avoids operating illegally and subjecting itself to possible fines and other penalties.

Learn how to apply for a stable license

Search licensed stables

Search our online directory of licensed horse stables. Licenses for horse stables expire June 30 of every year.

If you do not see your stable or a stable listed, that stable is not currently licensed. 

File a complaint

The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners investigates complaints alleging violations of the Maryland Veterinary Practice Act. If you have a concern about about a horse stable, learn how to file a complaint and what to expect.