Weathering ThIs Economy In The Horse Business
By Gabriel Denison

In these changing economic times, it is easy to look out our windows and think, “I guess I’ll have to give up my horse.” However, now is the time to support your chosen sport, Equine Activities, more than ever.

The horse industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that reaches far beyond our beloved trail horses, and affects a wide percentage of business in the American economy. A recent study initiated by The American Horse Council and funded by all major breed associations in the United States, estimates the horse industry represents a $40 million impact in the U.S. economy. The horse industry impacts clothing, construction, agriculture, the auto industry, tourism and travel, to name only a few.

The study, entitled The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry in the United States, also asserts that horses support 1.4 million jobs on a full-time basis. (A summary of the report can be obtained online at www.horsecouncil.org .) It is a global economy, as well as a vital Central Oregon economy, and Central Oregon horse owners must support their sport, just as golfers, skiers, snowboarders and cyclists do.

Here are ways to you can help:
1) Form cooperatives to make your hay buys. You can buy in bulk and influence the price your group receives. Ethan Lindsay, of Oregon Public Broadcasting news, reports, “Oregon hay producers generally work with a middle-man who buys their crop, and then sells and ships it to other markets. Those exporters are sitting on tons of hay they bought at last year’s record high prices – and don’t want to sell at today’s lows.” Extend credit to people of your group – if they have to buy their hay one ton at a time, the group should support them. Believe me, you’ll sell the hay, and the good will created is priceless.

2) Don’t Breed, Adopt. Our local rescue organizations are filled with wonderful horses people have released into “protective custody” because of lost jobs and rising feed prices. These animals need homes just as the numerous dogs and cats need home in the animal shelters. Save a living horse: don’t saturate the market this year with sweet little foals.

3) Change Your Feeding Program, Make It Through The Winter. Combine feeds for better economy. For example, buy Oat Hay, and combine it with alfalfa pellets. A little of both will be cheaper than $250 a ton for hay, and still allows you to keep your horse. Remember to blanket to help him cut the effect of the wind, which can increase the chill factor and burn off pounds overnight. Ask your local feed store for help. They can recommend economic feed plans you were unaware of.

4) Improve The Horse You Have. Go to seminars; ask your trainer if they have an hourly or consultation rate instead of being scared off by monthly training fees. Your horse is an investment. When the economy shifts, you’ll have the push button horse everyone wants to buy.

5) Support Horse Related Activities, Be Vocal. Ask your local radio and news stations to broadcast results for equine events. Let them know you want to hear what interests you: Horse News! Go to or organize swap meets, trail rides, fundraisers or any other community event that supports your sport, The Great American HorseLife.