National Economic Impact Study to be Released

The release of what is being called the most comprehensive study ever done on the horse industry in the United States will be released June 28 in Washington, D.C.

The study, called "The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry in the United States," was discussed at length during the April meeting of the American Horse Council. Officials said many more horse owners took part in the surveys that led to the study, the first of its kind since 1996.

The study, performed by Deloitte Consulting, features extensive breakout information on about 15 states. Information on New York already has been released.

AHC president Jay Hickey will be joined by Olympic Gold Medalist David O'Connor and 11-year-old Ben Gibb, a member of the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at the National Press Club. The study, commissioned by the AHC and other industry organizations, is designed to demonstrate how the horse industry contributes significantly to the nation's economy and lifestyle, according to a media advisory.

Industry officials for years have said an updated study would be beneficial both on the national and state levels, especially for the purpose of making lawmakers aware of the horse industry's economic impact.