It’s official: as long as recent surveys are accurate, then Kentucky is the horse capital of the world. According to Phase I of the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey, the state is home to 242,400 horses and the total value of the state’s equine and equine-related assets is estimated at $23.4 billion. The survey covered all breeds of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules, and was the first of its kind since 1977. It also identified 35,000 equine operations and 1.1 million acres devoted to equine pursuits. The estimated value of the 242,400 horses residing in the state is about $6.3 billion in and of itself, and the remaining billions come from the estimated value of equine-related assets and operating expenses. All of this information and more can be found after the link. Phase II of the survey will study the economic impact of Kentucky’s horse industry, and that information will be available in mid-2013. [Horsetalk]
Been wondering what Kim Severson is up to these days? Listen to this week’s episode of Eventing Radio, where she talks about her new farm, new prospects, and and answers questions about how to find and keep sponsors. [Eventing Radio]
Andrew Nicholson received a S$50,000 bonus for leading the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2012 season. [NZ Herald]
After a disappointingly rainy 2012, 22-year-old eventer Georgie Spence is looking towards a better season. You might remember her from 2009, when she piloted two horses around Badminton as a teenager. Oh, she also made time. On both. [Go Georgie]
Equine Guelph, the online provider of equestrian college courses, will be offering a course about colic from March 11-14. According to Horsetalk, “it will cover topics that will help horse caregivers reduce colic by identifying risk factors, understanding different types of colic, detecting early signs and symptoms, assessing their management plans and developing preventative strategies.” [Horsetalk]
The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) announced today that it has approved more than 375 shows across a variety of disciplines. T.I.P. aims to highlight the diverse ability of thoroughbreds and will sponsor TB classes and high-point awards at the approved shows. Over the year, T.I.P. will disburse $100,000 in prize money, ribbons and prizes, including saddle pads, stall plaques, coolers, halters and tote bags. [USEA]
According to the Chronicle, the Virginia Racing Commission has approved the license for pari-mutuel betting at both the Virginia Gold Cup and the International Gold Cup in The Plains. This makes the two races the only steeplechase races for which pari-mutuel betting has been approved in Virginia. [COTH]
The defending National Champion Texas A&M equestrian team was recognized for its 2012 national titles by the USEF on Saturday in Kentucky. The Aggies won their 10th and 11th national titles in 2012, winning both the overall and western honors. [KTBX]
Best of Blogs: Confessions of a Working Mother, Wife, and Horsewoman
Lauren Shannon doesn’t like rain, but at least it’s better than snow.
Thanks for reading EN! Leaving you with a message from our sponsor, Horse Quencher, who loves to give EN readers free stuff:
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