It appears that horses are big business, and Texas is at the top of that business, and Fort Worth tops the state. Art Chapman lays down the facts according to the American Horse Council in today's S-T. I wonder if this article is timed to help influence public support for the proposed new arena? The facts as presented seem to support the need for a dedicated and specialized venue for horse shows. As concerns the location of the arena, since it would double as the location for the Stock Show Rodeo it would be difficult to build it anywhere except where the Stock Show is held. I personally see no problem with segregating the activities at the "Cultural District" into arts on the north (museums, theaters, galleries, bistros) and livestock-related activities to the south. The Northside connector Rename and GHughes envision would be a good idea regardless of where the arena is constructed. Here is the article:
Posted on Wed, Jun. 29, 2005
Riding high
Survey underlines horses' importance in Texas
Art Chapman
TEXAS AT LARGE
A new comprehensive study of the economic impact of horses in the United States shows Texas topping the list, and a look at the local calendar indicates that Fort Worth is the No. 1 equine city in the state.
The U.S. horse industry makes a nearly $40 billion direct economic impact and supports 1.4 million full-time jobs, the study shows.
When indirect costs -- groceries, gas, dry cleaning -- are figured in, the economic impact jumps to $102 billion.
Deloitte Consulting conducted the study, contacting 400,000 horse owners and other people involved in all segments of the horse industry. The results were released Tuesday.
From now until mid-August, Fort Worth will host three world-class horse events with a total of nearly 6,000 horses, as well as owners, riders, trainers and admirers.
The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau says a conservative estimate of the economic benefit to the city is $16 million, which includes direct spending only, no multipliers, no turning the dollars over and over.
The World Championship Paint Horse Show is going on now. The National Cutting Horse Association Summer Spectacular will follow, and in August, the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Show will take place.
Other major yearly shows include the Appaloosa Horse Club World Championship Show, the NCHA Futurity and the NCHA Super Stakes. The Stock Show dominates the city calendar each January.
Fort Worth residents have seen horses' economic impact. The new study, commissioned by the American Horse Council, shows widespread impact nationwide.
Among its findings:
• There are approximately 9.2 million horses in the United States, with approximately 3.9 million involved in recreation and another 2.7 million participating in horse shows and other competitions. An additional 844,531 are involved in racing. The rest fall under the category of "other."
• There are an estimated 3,288,203 quarter horses, 1,291,807 thoroughbreds and 4,642,739 horses of other breeds in the United States.
• Of the $102 billion in economic impact reported, approximately $32 billion is from recreation, $28.8 billion from shows, $26.1 billion from racing and $14.7 billion from other areas.
• The horse industry pays approximately $1.9 billion in taxes yearly to all levels of government.
Texas leads the nation with an estimated 1 million horses. California is second with 700,000, Florida third with 500,000. Forty-five states have at least 20,000 horses.
California makes the most of its horse economy, generating $7 billion in economic impact. It's followed by Texas, $5.2 billion; Florida, $5.1 billion, and Kentucky, $3.5 billion.
"This study paints a portrait of an industry that operates in every corner of the country and contributes mightily to the American economy and culture," said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council. "Never before has the impact of our industry been so dramatically demonstrated."
The American Horse Council represents the horse industry in Washington, D.C. It is supported by members from all facets of the industry, including racetracks, veterinarians, farriers and horsemen's associations.
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ONLINE:www.horsecouncil.org
Art Chapman, (817) 390-7422 achapman@star-telegram.com
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