New Mexico is home to a diverse group of people associated with different aspects of the horse industry including those involved with ranch horses, show horses, race horses, trail riding, rodeo, driving horses, draft horses, equine rescues, breeding, youth programs, and even Miniature horses. The first New Mexico Equine Industry Summit will be held March 26 at the Curry County fairgrounds in Clovis, N.M., and is coordinated by New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service and the New Mexico Horse Council.

Jason Turner, MS, PhD, associate professor and horse specialist at NMSU, has invited equine associations from across the state to attend the conference and is hoping to gather together a representative group.

"The whole purpose of this summit is to provide an opportunity for all aspects of the horse industry in the state to come together," Turner said. He hopes this will give those who attend an opportunity to "represent their organization, express their concerns, and also have a dialogue as to … what we can do to benefit the horse industry in New Mexico."

The summit has scheduled speakers from NMSU, the American Quarter Horse Association, and the New Mexico Horse Council among others. Topics such as industry supported incentive programs and equine transportation issues will be addressed. There will also be scheduled small group discussions and a question and answers session where those participating can voice the concerns facing their aspect of the horse industry