MFB Horse Council

“The purpose of a state horse council is to promote the interests of the entire industry through political action, public information and the development of a close working relationship among individuals and organizations who recognize the importance of the horse industry to the economic, social and cultural well-being of the state.”
– The American Horse Council

The Maine Farm Bureau Horse Council (MFBHC) was formed in 1995. MFBHC is a state horse council affiliated with the American Horse Council. Locally, our council is a branch of the Maine Farm Bureau Association. Both organizations are statewide, private, non-profit, grassroots organizations funded through membership dues.

Our mission is to preserve, promote and protect horses, horse-related activities and the equine industry in the state of Maine. Membership in MFBHC offers many benefits to the horse owner and the horse-related business owner. By joining, you will be working to protect your rights as a horse owner and business owners will have valuable marketing and networking opportunities. Our motto is “Strength in Numbers.” Only if we pull together as a united front can we be effective in protecting and promoting our interests in Maine.

What has the Horse Council done for you?

  • Drafted, sponsored and enacted an Equine Limit to Liability Law, which will help to protect all Maine horse owners from frivolous lawsuits.
  • Abolished the “hay tax” on hay sold for equine consumption. Maine horse owners no longer have to pay state sales tax on products used in agricultural production.
  • Stopped efforts to impose stable licensing laws.
  • Sponsored repeal of “Damage by Animals” law, which held horse owners liable for damage and/or personal injury caused by their horses, regardless of fault.
  • Sponsored amendment of “Landowner Liability” law to include horse-related activities, making private landowners more likely to allow you use of their land.
  • Helped stop efforts to allow Sunday hunting.
  • Worked to clarify existing horse trailer laws and regulations.

If you care about horses in Maine – do not wait….join today!

2013 Horse Council Updates

April 23, 2013

Click here to see blog post about Ever Changing Equine Travel Restrictions - https://www.mainefarmbureau.com/media/post/ever-changing-equine-travel-restrictions

The Maine Farm Bureau Horse Council welcomes Robert Morin, of Waldoboro as the new Committee Chair, effective 2013.  Robert is the Owner and Trainer at Barrel Mill Farm Equine Training and has many great ideas and a wealth of knowledge to invigorate this committee!

 Other current Horse Council Board Members are:

Stephen & Stacey Scotia, Buckfield

Amy Beem, Palmyra

Meg Black, Deer Isle

Cynthia Hodak, Biddeford

Don Marean, Hollis

June Phillips, BoothbayHarbor

Pete Stratton, Sidney

 The newest Horse Directories are available in the office.  This is a comprehensive listing of Farm Bureau members offering services applicable to those in the equine industry – whether recreationally or professionally – offering resources for hay, lessons, boarding, and more.

 We are now taking submissions for the Equine Photo Contest – deadline September 30th.  If you are a Maine Farm Bureau member and would like to participate, please send jpegs to jjennings@mainefarmbureau.com

 Another ongoing program, with a deadline of September 15th is the Horse Farm of Merit Program.  Call 1-800-639-2126 or email jjennings@mainefarmbureau.com to request an application!

 Program Description

 The Maine Farm Bureau’s “Horse Farm of Merit” program is established to:

    ●      recognize Maine horse farms who meet high standards for overall horse health, farm management, and compliance with public safety.

 The intent of the program is to recognize and promote those farms who meet or exceed the established standards.

 Qualified equine professionals will evaluate horse farms.

 The program will:

    ●      provide the public with a list of farms meeting the standards.

   ●      provide beneficial information to the farms.

 The program has been developed and is overseen by the Maine Farm Bureau.

  Program Overview

 Certificates of Merit are based on criteria of horse health, farm management, and public standards compliance. A Certificate of Merit may used for promotion of the farm for the duration of the year. The suitability of the farm for the breed or type of activity conducted will be considered when scoring each farm. Farms are judged annually. Judging visits will be scheduled with the farms. Recipients will receive a distinctive sign that can be used at their discretion.

 Program Rules

 1.   A Certificate of Merit and sign will be presented at the Maine Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. The certificate will be valid for the succeeding calendar year.

 2.   Applicants must have at least two years of involvement in the horse industry.

 3.   Horse Farm of Merit signs are the property of the Maine Farm Bureau and may be reclaimed if the farm fails to maintain the standards of the program.

 4.   There shall be a non-refundable annual application fee of $25 for Maine Farm Bureau members and $125 for non-members. Fees cover the cost of administering the program. No farm will be judged unless fees are paid.

 5.   The sign shall not be displayed at or moved to other premises.

 Judging Criteria

 Each Farm will be judged upon the following criteria with the perfect score being 100%.

Any farm scoring at 85% or higher will be considered a “Horse Farm of Merit” and recipient of the certificate. Two judges evaluate new applicants and one judge for renewal.

 Horse Health Management

(possible 40 points)

 • General Appearance of Horses

• Evidence of Equine Health

 Farm Management

(possible 50 points)

 • Overall Condition of Farm and Facilities

• Control of Pests and Vermin

• Condition of Stalls and aisle ways

• Condition of Turnouts, Pastures, Riding Surfaces and Fencing

• Condition of Tack and Equipment

• Emergency Removal/Evacuation Procedure

• Equine and Human First Aid

• Fire Protection/Prevention

• Manure Management Program

 Business Practices

(possible 10 points)

 

• Documents

• Liability Insurance

• Waivers

• Equine Limit to Liability signage

 

 

 

 
Sandi Read - Wild Iris Farm in Bar Harbor's 2012 Winning Entry!