PROPOSAL for the development of a NEW YORK HORSE PARK A Conceptual Use Satisfying Open Space Requirements And Developing Revenue-generating Economic Activity This presentation is protected by international copyright laws and may not be reproduced or altered, in whole or in part, via any media without the express written consent of the author. For information, contact Marsha Himler or Cheryl Keyrouze via

The time is right to build a quality EQUINE AND AGRICULTURAL FACILITY which is capable of being OPERATIONALLY SELF-FUNDING, which will generate SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, and which will still provide for OPEN SPACE. The place is New York!

What is a Horse Park?

A Destination An Economic Catalyst A Facility Protecting, Enhancing and Preserving Open Green Space A Dramatic New York Horse Country Gateway Another Positive Image for New York State A horse park is:

A place where horse enthusiasts may participate in: Exhibitions, Sales, Shows, Rodeos, Team Penning, Cross Country Eventing, Dressage, Polo, Breed Shows, Carriage Driving Shows, Combined Driving Shows, 4-H Competitions, US Pony Club Events, Steeplechase and a host of other agriculturally-related activities. A horse park is:

Why have a horse park? The equine economic numbers are eye opening. In December, 2005, the inventory value of New York State equines was $1.83 BILLION, an 8% increase from Source: NY Agricultural Statistics Service

Why have a horse park? The number of horses used for pleasure and competition is more then 6 times greater than the number involved in racing. Source: American Horse Council Study 2005

Why have a horse park? The number of farms in New York decreased by 600 between 2005 and The amount of land in farms decreased by 5 million acres between 2005 and Source: NY Agricultural Statistics Service

Why have a horse park? The equine industry supports pasture, hay and feed production businesses. It also provides direct local investment in equipment such as trailers and fencing and services such as veterinarians and blacksmiths. (Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan)

Economic Impact of a Horse Park

Economic impact of a horse park In Saratoga County alone, the value of the equine industrys impact is estimated to be more than $317 Million. (American Horse Council statistics, 2005)

Economic impact of a horse park Attracts environmentally friendly $$$ into the community A direct and positive impact on area tourism –Hotels/motels –Restaurants –Retail establishments –Museums and other tourist attractions –Gasoline and automobile/truck repairs

Economic impact of a horse park The current cost of maintaining one horse is closer to $140 per month in Saratoga County so the economic impact is closer to $18.4 MILLION!!!

Economic impact of a horse park As farmland and open space are converted to residential development, local public per capita spending increases. Increased taxation always follows growth. Source: American Farmland Trust

Economic impact of a horse park The Economic Impact of a 3-Day Horse Show: # of horses200 multiplied by # of show days 3 ________________________________ # of people per horse 2.5 $$$ spent per day high $500/day per person low $240/day _________________________________ Direct $$$ to the surrounding community = $363,000 to $750,000 for 3 days. Total economic impact = $1,452,000 to $3,000,000!!! (Based upon a study done by the American Quarter Horse Association and figures from the NASS and the American Horse Council. Many shows can well exceed these figures as some shows run a full week or longer and can involve 500 or more horses.)

Economic impact of a horse park Approximately 46% of all horse- owning families have an annual income between $25,000 and $75,000. Of these, approximately 38% are households earning under $50,000. Source: American Horse Council

Economic impact of a horse park The largest and fastest growing segment of the horse industry in terms of participation is the recreational segment. The positive impact of recreational trail riding is present in all 50 states. Source: American Horse Council

Economic impact of a horse park According to the 2004 Virginia Horse Center Economic Impact Study study, the return on investment was $5 in tax revenues for every dollar invested by the state. Source: 2004 Virginia Economic Impact Study – update of 2001 study

Preserve Open Space

Preserving Open Space for future generations To set aside land for enjoyment by future generations. To maintain openness of the space for recreational use. To develop open space for the self-funded recreational operations. A horse park is a golden opportunity:

Preserving Open Space for future generations According to land conservation studies, we are losing 313 acres of land every minute in the United States, or over 164 MILLION acres per year lost to development. Source: Equestrian Land Conservation Resource

Horse Country Gateway A Green Infrastructure Gateway is a major cultural and historical destination/entrance to Saratoga Countys green infrastructure and should be celebrated and integrated with economic and tourism efforts Source: Green Infrastructure plan for Saratoga County

Horse Country Gateway A Horse Park is one of the recommended Green Infrastructure Gateways for Saratoga County Source: Green Infrastructure plan for Saratoga County

An opportunity to build another New York State destination A Horse Park/Horse Country gateway would become a well known destination throughout… –New York –New England –the Northeast –Canada –And beyond

An opportunity to build another New York State destination A Destination that will reinforce New York States IMAGE. A Destination that will attract TOURISM. A Destination that will create NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES.

Examples of Successful Horse Parks Around the Country

The Horse Park of New Jersey at Stone Tavern A 147 acre park surrounded by 5000 forever wild acres. Purchased with Green Acres funds. Occupied most every weekend. Host to some high-profile national competitions. Community involvement and support. Governmental and public cooperation. Easy access from main highways.

-1400 acres - Site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Equestrian games - Covered arena - Stable complex - Polo fields - Grand Prix stadium Georgia International Horse Park Conyers, GA

Kentucky Horse Park Lexington, KY Situated on 1600 acres, KHP was originally built as a tourist attraction with an interactive Museum of the Horse, a Breeds Barn and demonstration ring. The addition of various show arenas, permanent stabling and polo fields came later, making KHP a premier equine competition venue. KHP is also home to various national organizations, including the United State Equestrian Federation. KHP annually hosts the ROLEX 3-day event that brings in 50,000+ spectators to the area every year. KHP has been selected to host the 2010 World Equestrian Games, expected to bring in excess of 500,000 spectators to the area.

A successful horse park requires a large amount of acreage. An eventing course, for example, requires a minimum of 80 acres; combined driving marathon courses require even more. Space must also be provided for campers, trailers and parking for competitors as well as spectators.

A horse park derives its synergy from having ALL the necessary equine show amenities in ONE place, to serve the needs of a variety of equine competitors. Our vision of a 300 to 500 acre horse park is based on the models of successful horse parks around the country, including the ones seen in this presentation.

A Horse Park in New York State: Is consistent with the Green Infrastructure Plans Satisfies Open Space requirements Demonstrates proven revenue generating economic activity

The time is now ; The place is New York State

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