North Carolina Horse Industry and it's impact on the economy of North carolina

The horse industry in North Carolina has enjoyed great prosperity. Over the years, the industry has expanded both in numbers and economic impact. While the purpose of the horse has changed from utilitarian to recreational, the industry has actually grown. In 1998, the N.C. Agriculture Extension Service estimated 206,868 head of horses in the state. Perceiving the need for more current data, the 2007 General Assembly appropriated funds to do an Equine Economic Impact Survey of the horse industry in North Carolina. The study is now an on-going process across the state. The deadline for the survey has been extended and all horse owners are urged to go to the following link to complete the survey: http://www.survey.edu/perseus/se.ashx?s=0B67A6562862A907

North Carolina supports it's equine enthusiasts through the N.C. Agriculture Extension Agency, show facilities, and educational opportunities. The N.C. Agriculture Extension Agency supports 4H programs across the state. There are over 15,000 4-H horse projects in the state making North Carolina the second largest 4-H program in the country. There are 3 state-supported show and exhibition facilities in North Carolina. These facilities are located in 3 different geographic areas of the state affording greater access to the riding public. The western area of the state host the WNC Agriculture Center in Asheville while the middle area of the state is served by the James B. Hunt Complex in Raleigh. The eastern part of the state host the Senator Bob Martin Complex in Williamston. The North Carolina Agriculture Extension Agency offers many educational opportunities for horsemen to expand their knowledge in showmanship, horse care, nutrition, breeding management, pasture maintenance, etc. Detailed in formation of courses offered can be found on www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/hhmain.html . In addition, Raleigh is the home of the North Carolina State Veterinary School which offers an undergraduate program in Animal Science with emphasis on equine studies and degrees in veterinary science on the graduate level. The University also offers a large Equine Center located off campus.

The North Carolina Horse Council, created in 1974, provides advocacy for the horse industry and the many rider/owners in the State. The Council is a non-profit 501 (3) C Corporation composed of volunteers and memberships from across the state. The Council represents the horse industry and owners and interacts with state leaders and government representatives promoting legislation regarding horse issues such as liability of horse businesses, health issues, land use, etc. Advocacy on behalf of the horse industry and enthusiasts is crucial to the health of the industry and the revenue dollars generated by the recreational use of the horse. To find out more about this important advocacy organization, go to www.nchorsecouncil.com .

The outlook for the North Carolina Horse Industry is one of healthy growth. The state and local governments support the industry and more people are moving to the state due to the climate, lower cost of living, numerous horse events, and the increase in horse related businesses. For more information regarding the horse industry in North Carolina, go to http://www.ncagr.com/market/livestock/horse/aboutnchi.htm

Bibliography

"1996 North Carolina Equine Survey", NCDA, online, Available: http://207.4.160.19/stats/equine/equine.htm, March 19, 2008

Lathrop, Steven, "The North Carolina Horse Industry", www.ncagr.com, http://www.ncagr.com/markets/livestock/horse/aboutnchi.htm, April 3, 2008.