The American Horse Council is seeking people involved with horses and the horse industry to participate in its 2023 national economic impact survey.
The purpose of the census is to demonstrate the value of the equine industry in the national and state economies by analyzing the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of horse ownership, recreation and equine-related services.
AHC notes that the last three years have been a time of great change throughout the country for homes, businesses and industries.
“Rising costs of living, shrinking of assistance and changes in demographics have affected so much of our world, and that includes the equine industry.”
Not all of the changes are easy to identify, which is why AHC has begun what could be one of the biggest studies in its more than 50 years. Major economic changes have occurred during the past five years. Not only have business closures and resulting federal stimulus programs related to the pandemic made a major impact, but the horse industry has adapted to historic changes made to the tax code since 2017.
Click on this link to take part in the survey as an individual. Click here to take part in the survey if you are a horse industry supplier and do not own a horse. The survey remains open through Sept. .29.
An economic impact study examines the effect an event or industry has on the economy and usually measures changes in business revenue, business profits, personal wages, and/or jobs. As a large, economically diverse entity, the U.S. horse industry contributes significantly to the American economy.
In the past half-century, the AHC has conducted numerous national economic impact studie for the U.S. horse industry, which has included such pivotal years as 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017.
“The challenges of the last few years with the pandemic and its economic impacts on all aspects of our industry make the 2023 study all that more important and necessary,” states Dr. Rick Mitchell, chairman of the AHC Board.
Data collected in the survey which runs through Sept. 30 will inform public and private investments in a number of areas, including equine-related businesses, equine health care, education, land use decisions, tax policy, tourism and employment incentives.
New this year are sponsored incentives for individuals and groups who participate in the survey, including a John Deere Z545R ZTrak Mower valued at $7,500, one year of Nutrena feed for one horse (a $2,000 value); one year of Purina feed for one horse (a $500 value/horse); gift certificates from Trafalgar Square Books (total value $180); enrollment in Texas A&M’s AgriLife Equine Reproductive Management Online Course valued at $300/enrollment; plus more.
“The Economic Impact Study is the most effective tool in our advocacy quiver,” said AHC President Julie Broadway.
“When the industry needs to take aim at an issue, this data is invaluable in helping us paint the picture of the contributions the industry makes and the breath and depth of its composition.”
The AHC and the AHC Foundation are not government-subsidized, nor do AHC or AHCF receive any funding through check-off programs like some livestock groups. AHC relies on contributions, sponsorships and advertising to fund the study. Details about these opportunities can be found at https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study-fundraising/