The American Horse Council reports that approximately 160,000 postcard invitations have been distributed asking people to participate in the national economic impact study of the horse industry. Those selected should receive the invitation in mid-October. The glossy postcard includes an Internet link that will direct the recipient to an online survey, where the information requested can be provided in a secure website. “We hope that this electronic approach will make it easy for people to participate and maximize the overall response,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.

“The individuals, who were randomly invited to participate, and the other equine operations have an opportunity to support their horse industry by completing the online survey,” said Hickey. “It won’t take much time, but it will greatly help the horse world. The more horse owners, breeders, riders, trainers, racetracks, shows, rodeos and other service providers that participate, the better the data will be that is included in the final results.”

Deloitte Consulting, LLP, was selected to do the study, which has a targeted completion date of February, 2005. Deloitte Consulting developed a stratified sample of people to participate working from a list of 1.6 million names. The list of names was developed from horse association membership lists, magazine subscription lists and other horse industry retailer lists. Deloitte eliminated duplicates and developed a representative industry sample of approximately 160,000 individuals, farms, racetracks, shows and service providers to participate.

The 1996 National Economic Study established that the horse industry in all its segments, including racing, showing and recreation, had a $112 billion effect on the U.S. economy, involved more than seven million Americans, 6.9 million horses, and supported 1.4 million full-time jobs. The study has been extremely helpful to the industry’s efforts in documenting its size, diversity and economic importance to public officials, the press and other media.

Many organizations, including the AHC Foundation, American Quarter Horse Association, The Jockey Club, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Keeneland Association, American Paint Horse Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, U.S. Trotting Association, U.S. Equestrian Federation and others, have supported the study.

If you would like to contribute to the update of the national study, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the American Horse Council Foundation. Please call the AHC (202-296-4031) with any questions.