Horse Racing Project with China

It seems that United States horse racing and the horse industry is moving its boundaries, with twenty-nine horses being shipped out to China recently. Though horse racing is illegal in China, many are trying to get this sport established. Two of the horses that were shipped out were not thoroughbreds, but American Paint Horses. This has opened a new market for Maryland horse breeders, and it is hoped that it will be the boost the industry has been waiting for.

Tall Maples Farm, owned by Edward Hughes, supplied the American Paint Horses, Cody and Scooter, that were shipped with the thoroughbreds. They were bought by the Heilan Equestrian Group, which develops the sport of Western style riding near Shanghai. Cody and Scooter will be getting dressed up in western gear and pulling small coaches behind them, and the arena where they will be performing has been equipped with the best of everything, complete with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Sharon Clark, the owner of Rigbie Farm, was the sales agent on this deal and said that more exports to China were expected, but hopes that the U.S. Department of Agriculture could adjust some of their regulations to make the process less difficult. Clark went on to say that Russia and Korea are also interested in Maryland bred horses, which could be a wonderful boost for the horse industry in this area.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture confirmed that China has invested millions to try and bring back horse racing to their country, and the locals are supportive of this venture. Larry Murray of Glade Valley Horse Farms also expressed his excitement at the prospect of having a new market for his horses. The Maryland horse breeding industry has been struggling for years, but with the new arrangements being made with China, there is once again hope that they could have a thriving horse industry. If China is able to legalize horse racing, it will most certainly open new doors for Maryland. Edward Hughes did add that selling some of his horses is very difficult at times, but as a horse breeder it is part of the business. Thoroughbred breeders will most definitely prosper if China becomes a new horse racing market.