AHC Announces 2022 National Economic Impact Study

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

Phone: 202-296-4031
Email: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

For Immediate Release
March 15th, 2021

 

AHC Announces 2022 National Economic Impact Study

Washington, D.C. – Over the course of its 50-plus year history, the American Horse Council (AHC) has conducted numerous National Economic Impact Studies of the US horse industry, with the most recent study completed in 2017. The next study will take place in 2022. The challenges of 2020 and 2021 with the pandemic and its economic impacts on all aspects of our industry make the 2022 study all that more important and necessary.

 

An economic impact study examines the effect an event or industry has on the economy and usually measures changes in business revenue, business profits, personal wages, and/or jobs. As a large, economically diverse industry, the United States horse industry contributes significantly to the American economy. Here are just a few of the many ways the AHC National Economic Impact Study is used:

  • Educate decision-makers/lawmakers on the economic impact of the equine industry nationally or locally
  • Identify trends, and project/forecast indicators when used in conjunction with previous studies
  • Pinpoint areas of growth in the industry to foster, and identify gaps that need attention
  • Assess the demographics of the industry (age, income levels, etc.)
  • Identify the monetary impacts the industry has on a community through tourism, jobs, etc.
  • Inform possible decisions regarding business development such as construction or renovation of venues and trails, and determine the viability of events
  • Provide context to arguments and cases for legal defense, adverse legislation or regulation, or development or expansion that may negatively impact the industry
  • Help fight for green space and public lands

Designing and preparing such a large study requires months of advance planning. AHC is now launching Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the preliminary study design.

Phase 1: Sample Size
AHC is asking all equine associations and organizations to provide some basic information to help us determine the best methods/means to reach the audience, determine the total target audience population, and establish a response rate to ensure a statistically valid sample. It all starts with the details – if we meet our metrics for our breakout populations, we can then run a national analysis. For example (these are hypothetical):

  • If we want economic impacts for breeds or disciplines, we need to determine the number of responses needed from those groups to get a valid sample. For a large organization, we might need 10,000 surveys from their members to derive their total economic impact as an organization. Smaller populations might require 6,000 surveys. But imagine the power of being able to definitely say YOUR breed or discipline has X economic impact, employs Y people, etc.!
  • If we want data analysis at the state and/or county level, these population sizes can vary greatly and require a larger sample size by proportion to maintain a level of accuracy. That means at a minimum we need to know the number of members in each state to determine responses needed in each state (usually about 20-25% of the total member population for populations less than 100,000 members). This data can be used to help make many arguments for maintaining trails, race tracks or other facilities in a state or combating zoning or other actions that take away land and facilities.

AHC is asking each equine association to PLEASE send the following by April 1st:

  • Name of your association/organization
  • Total number of US members in 2020
  • Number of US members by state in 2020 (in an Excel file would be great!)
  • Best estimate of the percentage of members by sector (racing, showing, recreational, other)
  • Percent of members with email address on file

Phase 2: Fundraising

As AHC and the AHC Foundation (AHCF) are not government subsidized, nor do AHC or AHCF receive any funding through check-off programs like some livestock groups, AHC relies on contributions, sponsorships, and advertising to fund the study. Details about these opportunities can be found at https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study-fundraising/

AHC has compiled Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that address why we need this study, what’s included and not included in the study, uses of the study results, why horse owners should complete the survey, and other background information which may be found at https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study-faq/

AHC will be providing media toolkits to help organizations spread the word about the study and the importance of completing the survey. We anticipate making those available by April 2021.

If you have questions, contact American Horse Council President Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

 

About the American Horse Council

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.

AHC Welcomes C. Jarvis Insurance as new Corporate Sponsor

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Contact: Julie Broadway
American Horse Council

Phone: 202-296-4031
Email: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

For Immediate Release


AHC welcomes C. Jarvis Insurance as new Corporate Sponsor

  1. Jarvis Insurance Agency of Aurora, Ohio, is a national and international, family-owned company that provides equine, liability, ranch, and farm, as well as personal insurance coverage. Founded in 1946 by Charles C. Jarvis, the company is now owned by his granddaughter Kimberly Jarvis. Together with her sister, Sandy Jarvis, and her daughter, Brooke Marie Jarvis, Kimberly and her team bring the Jarvis tradition of professionalism, compassion, and hands-on experience into the next generation. In 2021, Jarvis Insurance is proud to celebrate its 75th Anniversary.

Today, with over 40 years of experience, Kimberly Jarvis leads an exceptional team of professionals. Her own introduction into the insurance world began early. She worked at her grandfather’s offices during her summer breaks throughout high school and college. In 1979, she joined the company full-time. In 1986, when her grandfather decided to retire and sell the business, Kimberly made a commitment to him to continue the company, and while still in her 20’s, she purchased C. Jarvis Insurance Agency Inc.

Although Charles Jarvis did not personally own horses, he was particularly fond of them and became a major horse show benefactor and sponsor. His daughter, Patricia Jarvis, who also worked for the family business, and her daughters Kimberly and Sandra grew up riding and exhibiting horses. From the start, Kimberly and her family’s involvement with horses has provided both the hands-on experience and knowledge required to truly understand the insurance needs of equine owners. Their own first-hand experiences inspire the “cutting edge” coverage and policies which Jarvis Insurance is known for around the world. This same level of experience and expertise extends to the staff and agents of Jarvis Insurance Agency. Virtually all of them are currently active or have been active in many facets of horse ownership, thus allowing them to take their personalized service to the highest level.

Under Kimberly’s tenure, Jarvis Insurance has evolved from a small family-owned company to an internationally respected business with clients around the world. This growth was achieved by consistently meeting and exceeding their client’s expectations through personalized service based on a genuine concern for their needs and well-being. They insure any breed of horse from Miniatures to Draft Horses and everything in between. The company provides coverage to professional horsemen and individual horse owners, associations and clubs, shows, special events, auctions, and others with liability, farm and ranch, international travel, frozen semen, embryo and perspective foals, major medical, mortality, and more.

“We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, worldwide,” says Kimberly Jarvis, president, and owner of Jarvis Insurance Agency. “We believe in personal service. When people call us, they reach a live person, and they can immediately speak with a representative. When we say we’re here for you, that’s our promise.”

 

 

AHC President Julie Broadway stated “We are excited to welcome C. Jarvis Insurance to our sponsor roster and look forward to a great relationship with Kim and her team. “

Kim Jarvis added “C. Jarvis Insurance, providers of equine, liability, ranch, and farm insurance is proud and honored to sponsor the American Horse Council. Protecting your passions so you can live your dreams.

 

About the American Horse Council

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.

Equine Welfare Data Collective Updates Data Collection Procedure

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Contact: Emily Stearns

Equine Welfare Data Collective

Phone: 508-364-9673

E-Mail:  EWDC@horsecouncil.org

 

For Immediate Release

 

Equine Welfare Data Collective Updates Data Collection Procedure

 

(Washington, D.C., March 1st, 2021):  Equine Welfare Data Collective launching new monthly data collection system.

 

The United Horse Coalition (UHC) and Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC) are excited to announce an upgraded data collection procedure. The EWDC uses surveys to collect national data on equines at-risk and in transition from transition centers, adoption centers, rescues, sanctuaries, shelters, and other organizations involved in equine welfare.  The surveys were previously updated biannually.

Based on user feedback, the EWDC had updated the current data collection process from biannual collection to monthly collection.  Participants will now have the opportunity to enter data at their leisure every month. Participants that still wish to enter data for longer time periods will still be able to do so.

“Broadening our collection methods continues to improve the accessibility for participants to submit data to our initiative,” said Emily Stearns, Program Managers for the EWDC. “Participant feedback is extremely important to our process and we’re very excited to be able to make submitting data easier.”

The EWDC launched its first survey in November 2018. Data analysis is published biannually with each report painting a picture as told by the numerous 501c3 and municipal organizations that take custody of at-risk equines and those in transition across the United States. The next EWDC report is expected to publish May 2021.

Participation in the EWDC is free, and all data collected is aggregated so no individual organization is identified. Organizations that contribute data are the first to receive reports, invited to participant round tables, and are given an EWDC badge for their website to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the mission.

The EWDC is a collaborative effort to accumulate, analyze, and report data to enhance services for transitioning and at-risk equines. The Collective was created by the United Horse Coalition (UHC), a program of the American Horse Council (AHC), with funding partners being The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and it’s program The Right Horse Initiative (TRH), the Foundation for the Horse, and US Equestrian Trust.

To view EWDC reports free of charge, or to contribute data, please visit the EWDC website at www.unitedhorsecoalition.org/ewdc/ or contact Emily Stearns, EWDC program manager at EWDC@horsecouncil.org.

About the American Horse Council and United Horse Coalition

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. Learn more at www.horsecouncil.org

The United Horse Coalition is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the American Horse Council to educate the horse industry about the issues facing horses at-risk or in transition. We seek to provide information for existing and prospective owners, breeders, sellers, and horse organizations regarding the long-term responsibilities of owning and caring for horses, as well as focusing on the opportunities available for these horses. Learn more at unitedhorsecoalition.org

 

Set Your Lesson Program Apart From The Crowd Become a Time To Ride® Program Facility

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February 17, 2021

For Immediate Release

 

Set Your Lesson Program Apart From The Crowd

Become a Time To Ride® Program Facility

 

Washington, DC – Many anecdotal reports say the demand for riding lessons experienced significant growth in 2020 as parents searched for activities that got their kids out of the house while staying socially distanced.

 

Did your lesson program grow in 2020? Perhaps you experienced the opposite, with the pandemic taking a toll on your business.

 

Regardless of the reason, if you’re looking to set yourself apart from the crowd and grow your lesson program in 2021, becoming a Time To Ride Program Facility is the perfect tool to add to your toolbox. Similar to earning the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, achieving Time To Ride Program Facility status verifies that your facility and instructors meet a stringent set of requirements for safety and professionalism. These requirements are intended to ensure that newcomers are introduced to horseback riding and horse care in a safe, welcoming environment. Best of all? Time To Ride is a FREE program!

 

Time To Ride Program Facilities are provided with marketing tools and guidance to help promote their riding lesson services to their local areas. The marketing materials emphasize Time To Ride Program Facility status to help newcomers understand why this is important when selecting a lesson barn. Time To Ride facilities also receive free or discounted access to educational materials for themselves and their students from Certified Horsemanship Association, United States Pony Clubs and United States Equestrian Federation, all of which are Time To Ride Educational Sponsors. In addition, special offers and discounts are available from the numerous equine companies and organizations that comprise the AHC Marketing Alliance.

 

Time To Ride is open to all facilities and instructors that meet the Time To Ride Program Facility requirements. You can review the requirements and access the application here: https://timetoride.org/business-landing-page/

 

For more information visit TimeToRide.org, email ttr@horsecouncil.org, or call 202-891-7971.

 

About Time To Ride

Time To Ride is managed and funded by the American Horse Council Marketing Alliance. The Marketing Alliance was founded to encourage and support the growth of the U.S. horse industry. Current members of the Marketing Alliance include: Active Interest Media/Equine Network, American Horse Council, Purina, Spalding Laboratories and Zoetis. Additional support is provided by the American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, Troxel Helmets and Weaver Leather. Educational support is provided by Certified Horsemanship Association, United States Equestrian Federation and United States Pony Clubs.

 

For more information contact Molly O’Brien, Time To Ride Program Manager: ttr@horsecouncil.org; 202-891-7971.

 

What great things could your Equine Welfare Organization do with $150?

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Contact: Emily Stearns

Equine Welfare Data Collective

Phone: 508-364-9673

E-Mail:  EWDC@horsecouncil.org

 

For Immediate Release

 

What great things could your Equine Welfare Organization do with $150?

 

(Washington, D.C., January 11th, 2021):  Equine Welfare Data Collective Announces its January 2021 Data Drive!

 

The United Horse Coalition (UHC) and Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC) are excited to announce the January 2021 Data Drive. The EWDC uses surveys to collect national data on equines at-risk and in transition from transition centers, adoption centers, rescues, sanctuaries, shelters, and other organizations involved in equine welfare.  The surveys are updated biannually.

To celebrate the most recent survey update, any EWDC eligible organization that completes the current EWDC survey by January 23, 2021 will be entered in a raffle to win a $150 VISA gift card sponsored by AHC Advantage Plan and our partner, Equine Discounts! Organizations that have already met the requirements will be automatically entered.

The EWDC launched its first survey in November 2018. Data analysis is published biannually with each report being a snapshot of a 6-month time period as told by the numerous 501c3 and municipal organizations that take custody of at-risk equines and those in transition across the United States.

The EWDC is a collaborative effort to accumulate, analyze, and report data to enhance services for transitioning and at-risk equines. The Collective was created by the United Horse Coalition (UHC), a program of the American Horse Council (AHC), with funding partners being The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and it’s program The Right Horse Initiative (TRH), and the Foundation for the Horse (formerly the AAEP Foundation).

Participation in the EWDC is free, and all data collected is aggregated so no individual organization is identified. Organizations that contribute data are the first to receive reports, invited to participant round tables, and are given an EWDC badge for their website to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the mission.

To view EWDC reports free of charge, or to contribute data for the current collection period, please visit the EWDC website at www.unitedhorsecoalition.org/ewdc/ or contact Emily Stearns, EWDC program manager at EWDC@horsecouncil.org.

About the American Horse Council and United Horse Coalition

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. Learn more at www.horsecouncil.org

The United Horse Coalition was created with one goal in mind – to create a neutral coalition and safe setting, in which all organizations within the equine industry,  no matter their background or role, could discuss the plight of what was then known as the “unwanted”  or “at-risk” horse population. Learn more at www.unitedhorsecoalition.org/