A University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture-led study aims to accurately assess the number of horses in Kentucky and their economic impact–fundamental pieces of information currently unavailable to those who need it.

UK’s Equine Initiative, in conjunction with the University of Louisville’s (UofL) Equine Business Program and the Kentucky field office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and in partnership with the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC), will conduct a statewide comprehensive survey of all horse breeds in 2012. The last comprehensive study of this kind was conducted in 1977.

"Making good policy for the horse industry requires good facts," said project leader Jill Stowe, PhD, assistant professor in agricultural economics at UK. "This statewide, all-breed survey will gather information we currently do not have, including accurate estimates of the number of horses in Kentucky at the county level and the economic impact of the equine industry–including revenue and expenses, the value of land and buildings, and the state, federal and local taxes paid by equine operations. It will also build a framework for future research and equine health monitoring purposes.

"In addition, this study will allow us to establish a sample frame to conduct follow-up studies roughly every five years to track changes in the industry," she added. "Knowing this information will establish a benchmark enabling the industry to nimbly adapt to changing market conditions