Kentucky Department of Agriculture

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Officials have mailed 15,000 surveys to horse owners throughout the Commonwealth as the first step in the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey.

The purpose of the study is to get an accurate inventory of all horses in the state by breed and use, and their economic impact of both direct farm impact and local community impact from shows, races and trail rides. Information relating to capital investments in the farm and farm equipment are also requested so that the full economic impact of the horse industry can be assessed.

"We are anxious to see the results of this study," said Anna Zinkhon, president of the Kentucky Horse Council. "This will establish our equine population, including how and where they are owned and used. The results will allow us to take the next step to identify market opportunities, promote strengths, and address industry needs. These follow-on steps will benefit all counties in Kentucky."

“The survey team has been working diligently to set the necessary foundation for a successful launch of the Kentucky Equine Survey,” said Jill Stowe, assistant professor in agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and project lead. “We are excited that the time has arrived, and we look forward to a strong response by Kentucky’s horse operation owners.”

Equine being inventoried include those on farms owned by the horse owner and those boarded at equine boarding and breeding facilities.

Details are being collected about the breeds of horses owned, their uses, and their estimated value. Other economic questions such as the number and value of horses sold or purchased in 2011 are included. Approximate expenses for caring for the horses are also requested, including feed, bedding, health, supplies, farrier, insurance, boarding and training fees, etc.

The University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Horse Council have partnered on the study, which is partially funded by a grant to KHC from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. UK and KHC are soliciting matching funds from the industry, which are required for a portion of the KADF grant funds. The study is being conducted in conjunction with the University of Louisville's Equine Business Program and the Kentucky field office of the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The last comprehensive study of this type was conducted in 1977.

All farm names and individual names are confidential to NASS and will not be available to any state or federal agency, nor to UK or KHC.

Results from the inventory survey are expected in December, 2012, and full economic impact results will be available during the first quarter of 2013.

For more information, contact either Ginny Grulke, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Council, or Dr. Jill Stowe, University of Kentucky Agricultural Economics.