What’s the future of the horse industry in New Jersey?
Whether you’re a breeder, involved in racing or showing, or have pleasure horses, we all have our concerns, as development continues making inroads into the state’s remaining open land, while costs of feed, hay and everything else connected with our horses continue to rise.
The Rutgers Equine Science Center will address the situation at the New Jersey Equine Industry Summit on March 16, with the University of Kentucky’s Jill Stowe, offering the keynote presentation on the “Economic Analysis Of Equine Operations: Reducing Costs For Horse and Horse Farm Owners.”
The Summit is open to equine leaders, professionals, veterinarians, educators, owners, and enthusiasts throughout the tri-state area. Hosted by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, the event will be held at the Cook Student Center, New Brunswick. There is no charge, but you must register here.
Breakout sessions will focus on horse health, the future of racing, land use policy, environmental stewardship, the integrity of equestrian sport and industry sustainability by engaging youth in equine activities and leadership roles. A just-completed needs assessment survey of industry participants will be a special feature of the program.
“This is only the second time in 20 years that the Equine Science Center has organized such a high-level conference focusing on the horse industry’s future,” said Rutgers Professor Karyn Malinowski, founding director of the Equine Science Center.
“Our first Summit, held in March 2003, examined the challenges and opportunities facing the horse industry, resulting in many innovations and new programs for the field.
“Needless to say, the landscape has changed in the past 20 years and there are new opportunities – and challenges – for the industry,” she added. “The Center is here to help the industry create a roadmap for years to come.”
The formal program begins at 10 a.m. preceded by coffee service at the student center. Lunch will be served before the breakout sessions in the afternoon, with a wrap-up session prior to the conference’s conclusion at 3 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required at this link.
There are more horses per square mile in New Jersey than in any other state. An economic impact study of the industry showed that there were 7,100 facilities housing 42,500 horses and employing 13,000 people.
“It’s no wonder that over 40 years ago, the New Jersey legislature designated the horse as the state animal,” Malinowski said. “The equine business is an important economic engine for the state.”
Rutgers established the Equine Science Center in 2001, appointing Malinowski as the director, a position she continues to hold. The Center, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is dedicated to better horse care through research and education to advance the well-being and performance of horses and the equine industry.
Why not participate? It’s free. For questions, please contact Kyle Hartmann at kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu.