U.S. Equine Industry

Main Idea How has the equine industry evolved in the United States?

The golden age of horses From the 1890s to 1915, before the mechanization of agriculture began Demand and use was driven by an expanding country and a growing economy Many associated industries like harness makers, saddle makers, carriage makers, wagon factories, wheel wrights, farriers and blacksmiths

Motorized vehicles brought changes In 1908 Henry Ford started producing a car that more people could afford Trucks, tractors and improved roads followed As automobile, truck and tractor numbers increased horse number declined By 1954 there were more tractors on farms than horses for the first time

The role of horses today Recreation and organized competition Many breeds Selective breeding to improve quality Major industry combining business, sport and recreation

Using horses and mules in the United States Spanish conquistadors in the early 1500s, used horses in exploration Colonists brought more horses Cities and towns has hitching posts, mounting blocks, water troughs, stables and carriage houses In the 1800s the horse was central to city and rural life

Versatile horse power Draft horses powered mass transit systems By 1886, over 100,000 horses and mules on 500 street railways in 300 cities Draft horses hauled cargo Businesses used brightly painted delivery wagons Horses pulled fire pumpers and ladder trucks

Fire Truck Horses

Horses for transportation In the 1800s, travel by horseback or horse-drawn vehicles Better roads meant lighter wagons, carriages and shays Stage coaches with 4-6 horses on regular routes Pony express carried mail for 18 months Draft horse crosses and mules for railroad construction Horses plowed fields and pulled wagons and carriages in rural America

Shay

Horses in agriculture 1700s and early 1800s – oxen were preferred draft animal Cheaper, less feed, and could be eaten Oxen were slow No longer suitable with better designs in farm equipment 1830: 250-300 hours of labor to produce 100 bushels of wheat on 5 acres using a walking plow and brush harrow with oxen, hand broadcasting of the seed, and harvesting with a sickle and flail

Harvesting with a sickle

Horses in agriculture Draft horses became principal work animal Better technology Western expansion Growth of cities 1890: 40-50 hours of labor to produce 100 bushels of wheat on 5 acres using a gang plow, seeder, harrow, binder, thresher, wagons and horses Begin period 1

Mccormick reaper

More early uses for animals Ponies (Shetlands) and mules used in mines Cowboys in cattle drives, utilized railheads Rodeos and wild west shows Organized racing and betting Horses in military cavalry units Mules for transportation in U.S. army

Horses in entertainment Motion pictures Television Circuses Parades

Draft horse decline Late 1830s – draft horses imported from Europe After WWI, registered draft horses declines from 95,000 in 1920 to under 2,000 in 1945 Draft horses now used for parades, show hitches, living history demonstrations

The horse industry today U.S. horse industry contributes about $16 billion annually to the economy Direct revenue: horse sales, breeding, races, shows, rodeos and entertainment Indirect revenue: feed, training, veterinary and farrier services, transportation, labor and equipment

Sport are big businesses Horses sports: 110 million spectators/year Race track attendance: exceeds 70 million/year Races at small tracks, county fairs and more Three most famous races: Kentucky derby Preakness Belmont stakes

American Pharoah

More horse facts U.S. annually has 800+ rodeos with over 2,000 performances Horse shows have increased in size and number in the last 20-30 years More than 27 million people ride horses each year Horseback riding is the third most popular activity in national forests Horse project are popular in 4-H and FFA Horses are the 4th most popular family pet behind the dog, cat and bird

Some jobs suited for horses Forest service Packing and travel in remote areas Mounted patrols in crowds and riots

Looking ahead Horses are becoming more important in recreation and sports National Horse Show began in 1883 and is held annually in Madison Square Garden in New York City Many horse shows and equine events around the U.S. each year Great variety of equestrian activities Horse riding a popular sport growing among all ages

National Horse Show in 1937

Evidence of horse popularity Growing membership in equine organizations Breed magazines and newsletters Organizations for many equestrian activities Books, videos and web pages about horses Catalogs and stores selling tack, equipment and apparel Horses primarily used for recreation Promising future for horses in the U.S.