Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted: Oct. 25, 2016
The American Horse Council Foundation has retained The Innovation Group to update the National Economic Impact Study of the Horse Industry in the United States.
Data collection will begin in March 2017, with a completion date of October 2017. The study was last updated in 2005.
“We are very pleased to have The Innovation Group undertake this study,” AHC president Julie Broadway said Oct. 25. “They have done numerous economic studies in the gaming, recreation and leisure segments of the U.S. economy and have extensive experience in the horse industry. Their proposal suggested several avenues to approach the industry to get as much information and as broad a sampling as possible. We hope that the industry participates and responds, as we are confident the study results will be extremely valuable.”
Broadway said the endeavor will involve “a complete re-study of the entire industry and its impact, especially since we will now be including demographic information of 18 years and under as well as expanding to include equine welfare and therapeutic organizations.”
The 2005 National Economic Study established that the horse industry in all its segments, including racing, showing, and recreation, had a $102 billion effect on the U.S. economy, involved 9.2 million horses, and supported 1.4 million full-time jobs. The study has been extremely helpful to the industry’s efforts in Congress and state legislatures and in documenting its size and diversity to the public and media.
The 1996 and 2005 studies were accomplished with the economic support and participation of many organizations and individuals in the horse industry.
“Many organizations, including the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, and the U.S. Equestrian Federation have already pledged their support,” Broadway said. “We hope other organizations and individuals will pledge to support the study again now that they have seen its value on many levels.”
The AHC is currently seeking pledges to begin work on the study. Tax-deductible contributions can be made through the American Horse Council Foundation; more information is available at info@horsecouncil.org or by calling 202-296-4031.