Texas horse owners are invited to participate in a study of the Texas equine industry. The study asks about horse ownership, participation in horse-related activities, boarding facilities, and horse-related expenditures. Owners of businesses that serve the equine industry, such as feed stores, training facilities, farriers, and veterinarians, are also invited to participate in the survey.

The online survey can be accessed from the link: http://bit.ly/1R61UuH.

Individuals, especially those with complex businesses may which to complete a paper copy of the survey available at: Texas_Equine_Industry_Paper_Questionnaire.

The survey will remain open through May 1, 2016. Survey participants must be at least 18 years old.

The Texas Department of Agriculture is sponsoring the study through the Texas A&M Equine Initiative to identify trends and issues in the Texas equine industry and to document the industry’s contribution to the state economy. Results will be used to help address the current needs of the state’s horse owners and related businesses.

Studies by other researchers in 1998 and 2005 found that Texas was home to more horses than any other U.S. state and that the horse industry was an important contributor to the state economy. The current study will reflect changes within the industry and the statewide economy over the past 10-20 years.

Learn more at AgriLife Today Texas Equine Study Release. Or contact me at rmdudensing@tamu.edu or (979) 845-1719.