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