Beginning June 25, horse owners across Kentucky might be one of 15,000 "horseholds" selected by the USDA National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) to contribute critically important information about Kentucky’s horse industry. Those receiving a survey in the mail are urged to complete and return the information as promptly as possible.

The University of Kentucky’s (UK) Ag Equine Programs and the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) have partnered on the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey, a statewide comprehensive survey of all horse breeds. The study has been undertaken in conjunction with the University of Louisville’s (UofL) Equine Business Program and the NASS Kentucky field office. The last comprehensive study of this type was conducted in 1977.

"The survey team has been working diligently to set the necessary foundation for a successful launch of the Kentucky Equine Survey," said Jill Stowe, PhD, assistant professor in agricultural economics at UK 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."

The purpose of the study is to acquire an accurate inventory of all horses in the state by breed and use and to describe their economic impact at the farm and community levels through races, shows, trail rides, and other events. Information relating to capital investments on the farm and through farm equipment is also requested to better assess the Kentucky horse industry’s full economic value. Horses being inventoried include those on farms owned by the horse owner as well as those boarded at equine boarding and breeding facilities