American Horse Council Press Release
Contact: Sarah A. Chase
schase@horsecouncil.org

AHC Provides Global And U.S. Horse Population Resources

WASHINGTON, DC September 11, 2007 – The American Horse Council (AHC) now provides a link to a published report on the Global Horse Population, compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAOSTAT).  A link to the report can be found on the Features section of the AHC’s web site: www.horsecouncil.org/features.html

According to the 2006 report, there are 58,372,106 horses in the world.  The United States, by far, reports the highest total number of horses with an approximate 9,500,000.  This new data provided by FAOSTAT is strikingly similar to the AHC’s own independent study, which reported a U.S. horse population of 9,223,000 in 2005.

Countries, with horse population totals over one million included: China (7,402,450); Mexico (6,260,000); Brazil (5,787,249); Argentina (3,655,000); Columbia (2,533,621); Mongolia (2,029,100); Ethiopia (1,655,383); Russian Federation (1,319,358); and Kazakhstan (1,163,500). Guam (20) and Grenada (30) had the lowest population totals.  Two countries, Rwanda and Saint Helena, reported a zero horse population.

In a published document from the AHC, entitled “The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry on the United States,” the AHC provides detailed analysis on the total population of U.S. horses by state.  Texas reports the largest horse population, with an estimated 978,822.  Other leading states include: California (698,345); Florida (500,124); Oklahoma (326,134); Kentucky (320,173); Ohio (306,898); and Missouri (281,255).  The state with the fewest horses is Rhode Island (3,509), followed by the District of Columbia, which reports a fluctuating total of around 33. 

The AHC’s report further demonstrates that the horse industry has a direct impact of $39 billion on the U.S. economy and an overall impact of $102 billion, which factors in indirect and induced spending.  Each of the primary use segments of the industry, recreational horse use being the largest segment with 3.9 million horses in this classification, creates an immense impact on the overall economy. Additionally, the horse industry supports 1.4 million equivalent full-time jobs.   

For more resources, or to find out how to order a copy of the AHC’s report, “The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry on the United States,” including comprehensive state-by-state breakout information for fifteen states, please visit the American Horse Council online (www.horsecouncil.org) or call 202-296-4031. 

Please direct all related press, related-media and educational inquiries to Sarah Chase, Director of Communications: schase@horsecouncil.org or 202-296-4031 ext. 211

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.