The American Horse Council (AHC) is kicking off what could be one of the biggest studies in its more than 50 years with the 2023 National Economic Impact Study.
We all know that the humorous response of “In this economy?” has started to hit home a bit harder in recent years. While we’ve all likely been affected by the effects inflation, cost of living, business closures, and those gosh-darn home prices, how has this affected our horse industry?
The American Horse Council together with USEF are urging horse owners to participate in the 2023 National Economic Impact Study (EIS) for the equine industry. “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 impacts of horse ownership, recreation, and equine-related services.” In short, if you want to prove how valuable the horse industry is to our nation’s economy, horse owners and industry suppliers can help by contributing your information to this study.
The survey will run from April 3 to September 29, 2023 — and if all the above still isn’t enough to justify a few minutes of your time, fear not: there are some tasty prizes on the line. Survey participants are entered for the chance to win a John Deere Z545R ZTrak Mower valued at $7500; 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 AgriLife Equine Reproductive Management Online Course valued at $300/enrollment; plus more. So yes of course, I’ve already submitted my responses, because I’m competitive to a fault when it comes to giveaways.
Head here for more information and to complete the survey.
U.S. Weekend Action
Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Kenmore, WA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring] [Volunteer]
Flora Lea Spring H.T. (Medford, NJ) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
May-Daze at the Park H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring] [Volunteer]
Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trial (Kansas City, MO) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring][Volunteer]
Spring Coconino H.T. (Flagstaff, AZ) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring] [Volunteer]
Tryon International Spring H.T. (including the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship) (Mill Spring, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
USEA MDHT YEH Qualifier (Adamstown, MD) [Website] [Volunteer]
Virginia Horse Center Eventing (Lexington, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]
Willow Draw Charity Show (Weatherford, TX) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring][Volunteer]
Woodside Spring H.T. (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring] [Volunteer]
Links to Start Your Sunday:
Get ready: Eventing Weekly is dropping a new podcast
Science clearly shows horses need more love and not apologies
Get to Know What’s Happening in Area IV in 2023
Weekly Pick from SmartPak: Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director, details all the ways you can prevent thrush, scratches, and other health issues that often plague our horses in the springtime.
Morning Viewing: Spend a day with Phillip Dutton as we see what an ordinary Thursday looks like for a seven-time Olympian in training.
