1. World and US Distribution of Horses

2. Main Idea
How many horses, donkeys and mules are found in the United State and around the world?

3. Horse population rises and falls
Higher demand 1800s and early 1900s
Increased manufacturing, commerce, and agriculture
As high as 21 million horses in 1915
Numbers dropped with gasoline and electric power
1960 – about 3 million horses in the U.S.
Now – about 4-7 million horses in the U.S.
Most horses, donkeys and mules outside the U.S.
Only 8% of world’s horses in the U.S.
Less than 1% of world’s donkeys and mules in the U.S.

4. Horse Numbers World horse population about 55.3
52% in Asia and South America
Significant numbers in Mexico, Africa, Europe, and the United States
U.S. numbers are hard to track
Some state track numbers for their states

5. Donkey and Mule Numbers
Donkey world total: about 40.4 million
80% found in Africa and Asia
Only 52,000 in the U.S. (FAO estimate)
Mexico has over 3 million
Many still used for work and transportation
Mule world total: about 12.6 million
84% in Mexico, South America and Asia
Only 28,000 in the U.S. (FAO estimate)
Actual numbers are difficult to find

6. Distribution in the United States
Top 10 States
Texas
Oklahoma
Kentucky
Tennessee
Missouri
Ohio
California
Pennsylvania
Colorado
Michigan
More facts
Texas – twice as many as any other state
Includes registered breeds and unregistered horses
Annual breed registries
Quarter horse: 100,000
Thoroughbred: 36,000
Arabian: 10,000

7. Economic Impact in the U.S.
Based on 1996 study by the American Horse Council
Horses contribute $112 billion per year
Related goods and services = $25 billion per year
7 million Americans involved in the horse industry
1.4 million full-time jobs

8. How horses are used Racing: 725,000 Showing: 1,974,000
Recreation: 2,970,000
Other (including farming): 1,262,000