Harrison named president of Maryland Horse Breeders Association
From a Maryland Horse Breeders Association release
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) elected three new officers to its board of directors, the organization announced today.
Dr. Michael J. Harrison, DVM, was elected president; David H. Wade, vice president; and Kent Allen Murray, secretary/treasurer.
Harrison, of Butler in Baltimore County, owns Willowdale Farm. He has been a practicing veterinarian for more than 35 years. In addition, he breeds, races and owns Thoroughbreds. His most notable horses include Just Jack, Sassy Love and Talk Show Man.
He served on the MHBA board of directors from 2009-16 and was elected to rejoin the board this year. He has also served as chairman of the association’s Legislative Committee.
Harrison is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Society for Theriogenology, Maryland Agricultural Resource Council and Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. He is also a supporter of the Water Hay Oats Alliance.
Harrison holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree from Washington College.
Wade, of Chesapeake City in Cecil County, is the general manager of Northview Stallion Station and Northview PA. In addition, he is also the manager of Sycamore Hall Farm and a Thoroughbred sales agent. Wade was the former yearling manager at Ryehill Farm and was an adjunct faculty member at Cecil College.
He has served as a member of the MHBA board of directors since 2016 and is a member of the association’s Sales Committee, Stallion Committee and Events Committee. He has also been part of the Yearling Show Committee and was on the Steering Committee of the Farm Managers Club.
His best horses include Sparkling Number, 2001 Maryland-bred champion 3-year-old filly, and Celestial Legend, the 2005 Maryland-bred champion 2-year-old filly.
Wade holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and is a member of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.
Murray, of Aberdeen in Harford County, owns Twin Oaks Farm, a horse boarding facility, and is a consultant and program manager for Murmur Farm. In addition, he is program manager for Northrop Grumman Corporation.
His best horses include Saudi Brass, Big Ego, Celtic Innis and Blofeld.
He has served on the board of directors of the MHBA since 2015. Murray is also a member of the board of directors for the Maryland Million and is a member of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.
Murray holds an MBA from Loyola University Maryland and a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the University of Delaware.
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association has been the leading horse industry advocate in Maryland since 1929. The organization provides industry information, educational opportunities and legislative representation to its members who include Thoroughbred breeders, owners of racehorses, steeplechase and hunt enthusiasts and others involved in horse sports.
