Maryland Department of Agriculture

PURPOSE
A Horse Stable License is needed by a person who is in the business of operating or maintaining a horse stable where five or more horses are boarded, or a single horse is trail rides, or used to give riding lessons. A Horse Stable License is also needed if a person sells five or more horses in one year, and does not have a Livestock Dealer License from the Department of Agriculture. Additionally, equine rescues, sanctuaries, and rehabilitation centers which transfer, through sale or adoption, 5 or more horse a year must obtain a license from the Maryland Horse Industry Board. Licensing helps ensure that animals in commercial stables are cared for in a safe, sanitary manner and that horses used in riding stables are fit for that purpose. In fiscal year 2009, there were 583 licensed Horse Stables.

AUTHORITY
STATE: Agriculture Article 2-710; COMAR 15.16.01

REQUIREMENTS
PRE-APPROVAL:
The Department of Agriculture inspects the stable annually. The applicant must give the inspector two weeks notice prior to opening the business.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete the application provided by the Department of Agriculture and pay the appropriate fee.

PROCESSING TIME
AVERAGE: 21 days

FEE
$125 - Renewed annually by July 1st.

APPEAL
Anyone dissatisfied with a decision, action or failure to act regarding a permit or license may write to the Secretary of Agriculture, who will issue a written decision within 30 days of the filing of the complaint. A complainant dissatisfied with the Secretary’s decision may appeal to a Board of Review within 30 days of receiving the Secretary’s decision. Requests should be sent to: Chairman, Board of Review, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis MD 21401. At the hearing, each side has 30 minutes to present arguments. The board then affirms, reverses or modifies the decision of the Secretary of Agriculture.

DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION
Tonya Jones
(410) 841-5861

J. Robert Burk, Executive Director
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-5861
FAX (410) 841-5780
burkjr@mda.state.md.us