Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley appointed two new members and reappointed three current members to the Maryland Industry Horse Board, which represents equine activities and organizations throughout the state.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture made the announcement May 7. In addition, three current members were reappointed.
Members of the MHIB serve four-year terms and are responsible for the marketing and promotion of Maryland's equine industry as well as the oversight and licensing of more than 600 lesson, boarding, rental, and rescue operations.
The current board consists of 11 members representing Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, the academic equine community, trade and support industries, licensed stables, licensed veterinarians, organized competitions and horse shows, trails and recreational riding, the Maryland Horse Council, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and the general public. A 12th seat on the board, representing humane societies, is currently vacant.
The newly appointed members are:
Jack Symington Griswold Jr., owner and operator of Wit's End Farm in Baltimore County who has been appointed to represent the general public. He replaces Dorothy Troutman, who has been reappointed to a different seat.
Karin Marie DeFrancis, consultant for the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and other Maryland Jockey Club events such as the All Thoroughbred Horse Show in Baltimore. She represent organized competitions and shows. She replaces outgoing member Patricia Gilbert.
The reappointed members are:
Ron MacNab, who will represent trails and recreational riding interests; Eli Solomon, the representative for the Standardbred sector; and Troutman, who will now speak for the Maryland Horse Council.
The remaining MHIB members are Jim Steele, chairman and representative for the Thoroughbred sector; Erin Pittman, vice chairman, who also represents the academic equine community; Kathleen J.P. Tabor, who represents trade and support industries; Karen Fulton, who represents licensed stables; Dr. John Lee, representative for licensed veterinarians; and Patrick McMillan, the Maryland Department of Agriculture representative.
