The Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) is pleased to announce the new Maryland Broodmare Incentive Program for 2026. This program is designed to encourage broodmare buyers this year to bring new mares to Maryland to foal in 2026 and be bred back to a Maryland stallion. The program will offer a total of $50,000 for 2026 incentives to buyers/owners of broodmares that are new to Maryland. If the mare that is purchased meets the requirements, has an application filed and qualifies, the mare owner will get back 20% of the purchase price of the mare.
"We are excited about this new broodmare purchase program because we want more mares and foals in Maryland," said Lisa Hofstetter, MHBA Board member and owner of Northview Stallion Station, "We believe this program will be a valuable asset to the stallion farms and also be very helpful to small and large breeders alike who want to add mares to their broodmare band."
To qualify for this new Maryland Broodmare Incentive Program, mares must be purchased from a recognized public auction and be in foal at the time of purchase. She must drop her 2026 foal in Maryland and be bred to a Maryland stallion in the 2026 breeding season. The mare must not have foaled in Maryland in the previous two years.
The incentive for the mare buyer/owner is a 20% reimbursement of purchase price (a minimum qualifying purchase of $5,000 and a maximum of $30,000). The reimbursement per one individual or entity is limited to $10,000.
Applications will be due after the mare has been confirmed to be 45 days in foal in 2026. The program runs through the end of the 2026 breeding season. The funds from the $50,000 incentive fund will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to the qualified applicants.
For more information, please contact the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. Go to the MarylandThoroughbred.com.MdBreds/Awards/About or call 410-252-2100.
