Growth and Decline of the Equine Industry

Objectives: Discuss the rise, decline and rise of the equine industry List in order the top three states for horse population Know the two most common breeds of modern horses in the U.S. Match the uses of modern horses to the number used List the economic status of the present day horse industry Discuss the direct and indirect revenue generated by the horse industry Discuss the use of horses in sporting events List reasons horse numbers continue to rise Discuss the viewpoint of animal rights activists related to the horse industry

Numbers:  High point: 1915  21 million Horses, Donkeys and Mules  Low Point: 1965  3 million  Currently  9 million + -  Donkeys and Mules  Remaining relatively steady since 1995  52,000 Donkeys  28,000 Mules

OOPS

 State Populations of Horses  Texas: 1,000,000  California: 700,000  Florida: 500,000

Most common breeds  Quarter Horses: 3.2 million  Thoroughbred: 1.2 million

Uses  Recreation: 3.9 million  Ranch horses 3.6 million  Showing: 2.7 million  Racing: 800,000+

Status of the U.S horse industry.  $38.8 million GDP  700,000+ people employed  Direct revenue:  Actual sale of horses  Stud fees  Races  Shows  Etc.  Indirect Revenue:  Feed sales  Training  Veterinary  Farrier  Transportation  Etc.

Sports  Horse racing  110 million fans  $13 billion in wagers  Estimated 114,000 racing days  Rodeo  800+ sanctioned rodeos  2200 performances  Horse shows

Future???  Horse ownership continues to rise  Popularity of riding and showing  More 4-H horse projects than beef cattle  Magazines and newsletters  Organizations  Downside  Animal rights activists  Primarily rodeo  U.K and Netherlands have banned rodeos