How many horses are there in Michigan? The answer to this question is just a survey away, thanks to researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) and funding from the Animal Industry Initiative, Michigan’s animal agriculture research, teaching and Extension initiative at MSU.

MSU researchers will soon be conducting the state’s first equine survey in almost 10 years. Mary Rossano, MSU epidemiologist, says the survey will be used to estimate the number of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules in Michigan, where they are located, their ages, and representative breeds. The survey will also help identify what purposes people use horses for and how horse properties are zoned.

Information collected from the survey will be useful in determining the equine industry’s contribution to the state’s economy. This information can then be presented to local and state government officials who make decisions and policies on zoning and land use, trail access, tax laws, and other issues affecting horse owners.

“This will benefit horse owners by giving them a chance to demonstrate the economic importance of the industry,” Rossano says. “It will also provide researchers and Extension workers with the information they need to develop projects designed to address problems identified by the survey