There are approximately 320,000 horses in Kentucky. Or, are there?

Horses generate approximately $3.5 billion to Kentucky’s economy each year. We think.

Horses are one of the very cornerstones of our culture. But our industry faces many challenges, and we must have better tools for making decisions.

Horses are considered Kentucky’s signature industry, yet the fundamental pieces of information to answer our most pressing questions are currently unavailable. The last rigorous study with this type of information was conducted in 1977.

The University of Kentucky’s Equine Initiative, in conjunction with the University of Louisville’s Equine Business Program and the National Agricultural Statistics Service, is setting out to conduct a comprehensive study of all breeds of horses, across the entire state of Kentucky.

From this study, we will be able to:

• Accurately describe the economic impact of the equine industry in the state
• Quantify the number of horses in the state at the county level
• Provide information for new businesses locating in Kentucky
• Provide better information to help design and implement equine programs
• Establish a benchmark that will enable the industry to nimbly adapt to the changing market conditions
• Provide better assessment of disease incidence and surveillance

The results will be scientifically sound. 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.

The preparations for the survey are underway – the questionnaire is being developed now and will be mailed in July 2012. Preliminary results of the survey will be available in early 2013.

 We need your help!

The study was inspired by many Kentucky equine organizations, most notably the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club, whose leadership envisioned this project as helpful to inform policymakers on behalf of all horses in Kentucky, and in partnership with the Kentucky Horse Council, whose hard work helped the project acquire funding and statewide support. Industry supporters who supported the project from implementation also include Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Owners and Breeders, Inc., Kentucky Quarter Horse Association and Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP).

For more information about the project, please contact Audrey Jarrett at 859-257-7272, ext. 271 or equineinitiative@uky.edu.

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