HORSE INDUSTRY

WORLD DISTRIBUTION OF HORSES, DONKEYS, AND MULES The majority of the world’s horses,

donkeys, and mules are not found in the United States.

Only 8% of the world’s horses and less than 1% of the donkeys and mules are located in the U.S.

DISTRIBUTION OF HORSES The world population of horses is about

60 million. More than half of the world’s horses are

found in Asia (27%) and South America (25%).

Mexico (10%) Africa (8%) United States (8%) Europe (7%) All other (15%)

DONKEYS Most (80%) of the donkeys in the world

are found in Africa (30%) and Asia (50%).

Worldwide donkey population – 43 million.

US donkey population – 54,000. Offspring of a male donkey and a female

horse – sterile.

MULES Most (84%) mules are located in Mexico

(21%), South America (23%), and Asia (40%).

Worldwide mule population – 15 million. US Mule population – 28,000.

THE HORSE INDUSTRY RISE AND DECLINE… 1915 – Highest number of horses ever

recorded – over 21 million. 1960 – Lowest number of horses ever

recorded – 3 million horses. Expansion of manufacturing, commerce, and farming lead to the decline.

After 1960 – until today. Increased to 5 -7 million horses.

TOP 10 HORSE-PRODUCING STATES Texas California Oklahoma Colorado New York Ohio Michigan Pennsylvania Washington Kentucky

TOP BREED REGISTRATIONS Quarter Horse Arabian Thoroughbred

STATUS OF THE HORSE INDUSTRY The horse industry directly produces

goods and services amounting to $25.3 billion.Sale of horses, breeding fees, races,

shows, rodeos, and entertainment. Total economic impact of $112.1

billion. Racing, showing, and recreation each

contribute more than 25% to the total value of goods and services produced by the horse industry.

338,500 jobs

POPULAR EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES Horse Shows Dressage Rodeos Polo Fox Hunting Driving Carts/Wagons Riding Draft Horse Demonstrations

RESEARCH IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY Unsoundness and Injury

Identification, prevention, and treatment of injuries

Breeding and ReproductionEmbryo transfer, genetic mapping

NutritionGrazing methods, nutrient requirements

Disease Prevention and ControlMore effective immunizations, control of

parasites