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