OHIO HORSES

Horses are an important part of Ohio's agriculture, economy, and recreational activities.  

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Ohio has more riding trails than all surrounding contiguous states combined.(--Ohio Horseman's Council)

Do horses "cost" a community if they compete for space that could be developed for more homes?  No:  American Farmland Trust, a nonprofit organization, has performed over 95 studies regarding land use for planning. These studies show that for every tax dollar paid, residential land use consumes a median of $1.17 in public services, such as schools, roads, and police and fire/EMS.  Conversely, commercial/industrial land consumes only 27 cents in service, and farmland/open space consumes only 33 cents in services.  (Mt. Vernon News, 5/03/03)

Ohio has more horses than Kentucky does. According to a study published by the American Horse Council, approximately 192,000 horses live in Ohio, 42,000 more than in the Bluegrass State.(--"Ohio Magazine," "Horsing Around Ohio," 9/1999)

The Ohio horse industry makes significant contributions to Ohio's economy.  According to the American Horse Council, and confirmed by the Ohio Farm Bureau, the Ohio horse industry produces goods and services valued at $900 million, and the national industry has a $2.8 billion impact on the Ohio economy.  More than 250,000 Ohioans are involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers, and even more participate as spectators.  A study by The Policy Economics Group of KPMG Peat Marwick found that the Ohio horse racing and breeding industry generates over $30 million in tax revenue annually NOT including income taxes paid by the participants.(--OHHA, 2003)

Ohio is home to several breed registries, including those for Standardbreds, Haflingers, and Percherons.(--various breed directories)   It ranks #1 in the nation in the production of Standardbred racehorses. (-- OHHA, 2003)

Ohio is home to at least two annual all-horse parades.  One is in Delaware (north of Columbus) in September, part of the Little Brown Jug race celebration and usually scheduled the Sunday before Grand Circuit Week.   The other is a Christmas season parade in December in Lebanon (north of Cincinnati).

Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association Standardbred Racing

Knox County Horse Park  Outdoor arena, primitive camping, trail near Mount Vernon and the Heart of Ohio Trail

SPHO of Ohio



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