State and federal organizations are conducting a major survey of the equine population in Kentucky in the hope of developing plans to move the industry forward.

The Kentucky Horse Council, one of four organizations involved in the survey (the University of Kentucky , University of Louisville, and the National Agriculture Statistics Service are the other three), said in order to be comprehensive, the survey must include individuals that keep horses for recreational purposes in addition to commercial farms. The survey will include all breeds and disciplines of horses, as well as ponies, mules, and donkeys, and will be the first such study in the commonwealth in 35 years, officials said.

University of Kentucky officials said the study results will accurately describe the economic impact of the equine industry; quantify the number of horses at the county level; provide information for businesses seeking to locate in the state; provide information to design and implement equine programs; establish a benchmark to allow the horse industry to adapt to market conditions; and allow for better assessment of disease incidence and surveillance.

"The results will be scientifically sound," a UK official said. "Not only will the study yield high-quality data with scientific merit, but because it will involve all breeds and types of horses in every county of the state, it will provide numerous benefits to a wide array of efforts, including economic development and planning