horse industry profile and economic impact

August, 2003

Horse Industry Profile and Economic Impact

Survey

for

Horse Industry Association of Alberta

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... I

INDUSTRY PROFILE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY............................................1

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................1 THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY ..................................................................................................1 HOW THE SURVEY WAS COMPLETED .......................................................................................2 WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE STUDY, THE DEMOGRAPHICS ........................................................3

Gender, Age Distribution and Vested Interest of Respondents..............................................3 Primary Focus of Interest ....................................................................................................4

MALE........................................................................................................................................4 FEMALE .....................................................................................................................................4 RESPONDENTS PRIMARY PERSPECTIVE IN RESPONDING .............................................................4 LENGTH OF PARTICIPATION IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY................................................................5

Gender ................................................................................................................................5 FAMILY GROSS INCOME ...........................................................................................................5 PRINCIPLE SOURCE OF INCOME.................................................................................................6 WHERE DO THE RESPONDENTS LIVE?.......................................................................................7 FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................................................8

Respondent Participation in the Equine Industry .................................................................8 Involvement With Other Livestock .......................................................................................8 Extent of Involvement by Stakeholders.................................................................................9 Alberta Horse Population..................................................................................................12 Economics of the Industry..................................................................................................23 Employment.......................................................................................................................49 Marketing..........................................................................................................................50 Breeding............................................................................................................................63 Disposition ........................................................................................................................71 Health Issues .....................................................................................................................72 Feed and Pasture Management .........................................................................................75 Environmental Issues.........................................................................................................88 Taxation ............................................................................................................................90 Industry Trends .................................................................................................................92 Horse Industry Association of Alberta ...............................................................................98 Horse Industry Section of Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development .................101 General Comments and Observations..............................................................................102

RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................................106 APPENDIX A ......................................................................................................................112 APPENDIX B ......................................................................................................................113

TABLE OF GRAPHS

Graph 1. Respondents’ point of Reference..........................................................................4 Graph 2. Gross Family Income ...........................................................................................6 Graph 3. Principles Sources of Income ...............................................................................6 Graph 4. Respondents Demographics By Region................................................................7 Graph 5. My Involvement In The Horse Industry Is..........................................................10 Graph 6. Age Categories of Horses...................................................................................13 Graph 7. Equine Breeds....................................................................................................14 Graph 8. Horses Are Primarily Used For: .........................................................................18 Graph 9. Do Other People Ride/Drive Your Horses? ........................................................19 Graph 10. How Do Other People Ride/Drive Your Horses?................................................19 Graph 11. Are Your Horses in Competition? ......................................................................20 Graph 12. Horses Used In Competition ..............................................................................20 Graph 13. Annual Expenses Relating to Competitions ........................................................21 Graph 14. Acres of Land to Support Horse Related Activity...............................................24 Graph 15. Number Of Horses Per Acre...............................................................................24 Graph 16. Acres of Feed Production ...................................................................................25 Graph 17. Number of Barns/Stables....................................................................................25 Graph 18. Number of Corrals or Pens .................................................................................26 Graph 19. Value of Tack/Equipment ..................................................................................29 Graph 20. Value of Facilities ..............................................................................................29 Graph 21. Value of Feed Production Related Equipment ....................................................30 Graph 22. Value of Tractors and Other Equipment .............................................................31 Graph 23. Value of Trucks .................................................................................................31 Graph 24. Value of Trailers ................................................................................................32 Graph 25. Annual Dollars Spent On Bedding Per Horse .....................................................33 Graph 26. Annual Boarding Expenditure Per Horse............................................................34 Graph 27. Annual Farrier Expenditure Per Horse................................................................34 Graph 28. Annual Feed Expenditure Per Horse...................................................................35 Graph 29. Annual Grooming Expenditure Per Horse ..........................................................36 Graph 30. Annual Shelter Expenditure Per Horse ...............................................................36 Graph 31. Annual Show/Entry Fee Expenditure Per Horse .................................................37 Graph 32. Annual Expenditures on Stable Rentals Per Horse..............................................38 Graph 33. Annual Stud Expenditures Per Breeding Mare....................................................38 Graph 34. Annual Expenditures for Tack Equipment/Supplies Per Horse ...........................39 Graph 35. Annual Training/Horse Training Expenditure Per Horse ....................................40 Graph 36. Annual Transportation Expenditure Per Horse ...................................................40 Graph 37. Annual Veterinarian/Medical Expenditure Per Horse .........................................41 Graph 38. How Do You Determine the Market Value of Your Horse(s)?............................42 Graph 39. Approximately How Much Do You Earn Over a Year From Horse Related

Activities?..........................................................................................................43 Graph 40. How Was Income Earned? .................................................................................44 Graph 41. Employ People To Directly Support Horse Related Activities ............................49 Graph 42. Type Of Employment.........................................................................................49 Graph 43. Employees Hired By Sport-Recreational or Business .........................................50

Graph 44. Methods Of Purchasing Horses ..........................................................................51 Graph 45. Origin of Horse(s) ..............................................................................................51 Graph 46. Horses Acquired During The Past 12 Months.....................................................52 Graph 47. Number Of Horses Purchased (Cross-Reference) ...............................................53 Graph 48. My Purchase Was…...........................................................................................54 Graph 49. New Stock or Replacement Stock (Cross-Reference) .........................................54 Graph 50. Methods of Selling Horses (Cross-Reference) ....................................................55 Graph 51. Number of Horses Sold During Past 12 Months .................................................56 Graph 52. Destination(s) of Sold Horse(s) ..........................................................................58 Graph 53. Compared to 2001, the Average Sales Price Was ...............................................60 Graph 54. Are You A Horse Breeder? ................................................................................64 Graph 55. Do You Have a Breeding Herd?.........................................................................65 Graph 56. Mares And Stallions In Breeding Herd...............................................................66 Graph 57. What Do You Believe Will be the Level of Activity in Your Business Over

the Next Three Years?........................................................................................67 Graph 58. Primary Method of Breeding Mares ...................................................................67 Graph 59. Natural Services.................................................................................................68 Graph 60. Types of Semen Used To Artificially Inseminate Mares.....................................69 Graph 61. Origin(s) of Semen Used For Artificial Insemination .........................................70 Graph 62. Have You Used Veterinarian Services In The Past Year? ...................................72 Graph 63. Veterinarian Services Used During the Past Year ...............................................73 Graph 64. Do You Use A Supplement In Your Feed?.........................................................75 Graph 65. Supplement Used ...............................................................................................75 Graph 66. Do You Feed A Commercial Feed to Your Horses Beyond Range/Pasture

Grazing or Hay?.................................................................................................77 Graph 67. Commercial Feed Purchased ..............................................................................77 Graph 68. Do You Pasture/Range Graze Your Horse(s) As Part of Your Feed Source?.......78 Graph 69. The Grazing Area Which I Use Is…...................................................................79 Graph 70. Do You Normally Buy Bedding For Your Horse(s)? ..........................................84 Graph 71. Type of Bedding Used .......................................................................................85 Graph 72. Are You Experiencing A Water Shortage? .........................................................85 Graph 73. Season Water Shortage Reported .......................................................................86 Graph 74. Do You Normally File a Tax Return on Your Horse Related Activities? ............90 Graph 75. Are You Experiencing Any Tax Issues or Problems Related to Your Horse

Activities ...........................................................................................................90

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1. Age Distribution of Respondents .............................................................................3 Table 2. Focus of Interest ......................................................................................................4 Table 3. Comparisons Between Age, Gender and Area of Interest .........................................5 Table 4. Participation in the Equine Industry .........................................................................8 Table 5. Other Livestock Reported Owned ............................................................................9 Table 6. Sport-recreation or Business Owners By Involvement............................................11 Table 7. Number of Horses Per Age Group..........................................................................13 Table 8. Crossbreed of Horses .............................................................................................15 Table 9. Other Crossbreeds..................................................................................................16 Table 10. Number of Horses Per Breed..................................................................................17 Table 11. Primary Area of Competition .................................................................................21 Table 12. Respondents Reporting Spending More Than $100,000 Annually on

Competitions..........................................................................................................22 Table 13. Number of Indoor Arenas Owned ..........................................................................26 Table 14. Number of Outdoor Arenas....................................................................................26 Table 15. Number and Value of Horses Reported by Respondents.........................................28 Table 16. Price of Horses Outside of the Norm......................................................................28 Table 17. Cross Reference Income Earned and Source of Income ..........................................45 Table 18. “Other” How Was Income Earned?........................................................................46 Table 19. Relationship Between Origins of Equine Stock and Stakeholder Groups................52 Table 20. Distribution of Average Purchase Prices ................................................................53 Table 21. Reason For Disposing of Horse(s)..........................................................................57 Table 22. Relationship Between Destination of Equine Stock and Stakeholder Groups..........58 Table 23. Distribution of Average Selling Prices ...................................................................59 Table 24. Breeds of Horses Sold............................................................................................60 Table 25. Method of Selling Horse(s) ....................................................................................61 Table 26. Relationship Between Equine Industry and Horse Breeders ...................................64 Table 27. Relationship Between Equine Industry and Stakeholders Who Have a

Breeding Herd .......................................................................................................65 Table 28. Horses Used For Breeding Purposes ......................................................................66 Table 29. Relationship Between Natural Methods and Equine Industry Groups .....................68 Table 30. Relationship Between Artificial Insemination Methods and Equine

Industry Groups .....................................................................................................69 Table 31. Relationship Between Equine Industry Groups and Origins of Semen....................70 Table 32. Disposition Of Unwanted Horses ...........................................................................71 Table 33. Type of Supplement Used ......................................................................................76 Table 34. Other Commercial Feed Products...........................................................................78 Table 35. Other Arrangements For Grazing ...........................................................................79 Table 36. Pasture Management ..............................................................................................81 Table 37. Type of Manure Management ................................................................................82 Table 38. Environmental Issues and Concerns .......................................................................88 Table 39. Horse Industry Association of Alberta ...................................................................99 Table 40. The Role of the Horse Industry Section, Alberta Agriculture, Food and

Rural Development ..............................................................................................101

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Horse Industry Profile and Economic Impact Survey was commissioned by the Horse Industry

Association of Alberta (the “Association”) to develop a profile of the horse industry and to assess selected

economic components within the industry. Weststar Inc. completed the study, which yielded critical

information to clarify the industry profile and economic processes therein.

Specifically, the objectives are:

³ to develop a profile of the stakeholders within the equine industry in Alberta,

³ to determine the economic practices and impacts of the equine industry in Alberta,

³ to assess the stability and growth potential of the equine industry, and

³ to identify the issues facing the industry and its stakeholders.

The questionnaire was composed of 57 questions which were developed and reviewed by Weststar=s

consultants, the Horse Industry Section, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Board

of Directors of the Horse Association of Alberta. The questionnaires sought both quantitative and

qualitative data. Respondents were also given the opportunity to comment and respond to open ended

questions.

The initial mailing consisted of 6,100 surveys of which 1,793 individuals returned completed surveys.

Quantitative data was computerized, while qualitative information was assembled and theme analyzed.

All data and information was analyzed, conclusions drawn, recommendations developed.

Demographics reported include gender, age distribution, family income, respondent location, vested

interests, perspectives and participation and will provide the reader with a sense of the overall nature of

participation within the horse industry throughout the province.

Participants were predominantly sport-recreation (68.2%), breeding (46.5%) and trail rides (43.6%).

Other sectors within the equine industry included working cow/horse, coaching/lessons, gymkhanas,

racing, riding camps/trail rides/packing in mountains, administration, veterinarians, farriers, editorials and

the insurance end of the horse industry. The variety of responses indicated strong diversity within the

industry.

The economic section of the survey determined that the horse industry within Alberta is a viable, vibrant

industry utilizing a wide diversity of individuals ranging from businesses, to horse owners, to farriers, to

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the insurance sector of the industry. The majority of stakeholders reported that to purchase and maintain

their horse(s) required substantial amounts of time, energy and dollars.

The horse industry within Alberta reported that the “business” aspect of the horse industry employed a

wide diversity of experienced, well trained individuals in the areas of breeding, PMU operations, meat

production operations, racing/showing, training/coaching, stablehands, etc.

The marketing component of this report addresses the areas of age, breed and volume of horses sold,

methods of and dollars used for the purchasing and selling of horses, reasons and methods for disposing

of unwanted horses and identification of new or replacement stock. The top five purchasing methods

most preferred were breeders as number one, friends/acquaintances as number two, newspapers as

number three, website as number four, and private contract as number five while the top five disposition

methods were private as number one, friends/acquaintances as number two, breeders as number three,

auctions as number four, and brokers/sales agents as number five. The average purchase price was

$3,902 with the average sale price being $3,756, while the average value of a horse was determined to be

$4,267.

Horse owners were surveyed to determine if they used their horses for breeding purposes. Nearly one

half of owners (45.2%) reported not being involved in breeding while 54.8% used their stock for

reproduction purposes. This area also addresses primary breeds, methods of breeding and acquisition of

semen.

Unwanted horses are primarily disposed of through meat markets and euthanasia. Some owners reported

keeping their animals until their horses passed away.

Major health issues identified by participants through open-ended questions were ranked and included

areas such as West Nile Virus and the effects of limited and poor water quality.

Pasture management and all that it entails, is an ongoing concern for the majority of respondents. The

issues of management includes such areas as feed, pasture usage, public lands, grazing lands, manure

waste management, bedding and water. Based on the frequency reported, 78.6% of horse owners

reported adding supplements to their feed. Owners have consistently reported that due to poor weather

conditions, there is a feed shortage and poor quality in the hay and grain available.

Environmental issues are becoming more and more the norm for stakeholders, some of who have taken it

upon themselves to develop and maintain some type of program to protect their horses and the

environment. In response to open ended questions relating to the environment, the majority of

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respondents reported that more attention should be paid to issues ranging from how to maintain a herd

through drought conditions, to pasture management, to feed related problems (i.e., lack of feed, poor

quality of feed, cost of feed), to diseases and pollution.

Forty six point seven percent of respondents file an income tax return related to their business activities.

Those who do not file are primarily sport-recreation owners who do not feel that their activities fall under

the Income Tax Act.

Some of the significant recommendations related to the Horse Industry Association of Alberta (the

“Association”) include the definition of their role particularly attached to the provision of information to

industry stakeholders, relating to current issues and concerns in areas such as health, breeding,

management, and events. The Association is encouraged to adopt a more proactive and dynamic role in

lobbying the government(s) on behalf of constituents of the industry. Another key recommendation lies

in the need for the Association to take a leadership role in educating both the members of the industry as

well as the general public. A final recommendation lies in the need for the Association to become

involved in an advocacy role in the development and possible compliance of sound practices and

processes, as well as regulations.

The second area of recommendations relates to the Horse Industry Section of Alberta Agriculture, Food

and Rural Development (the “HISA”). This section plays a critical role in harmonizing many of the

activities of the industry including problem solving and information dissemination. Some of the

recommendations to be considered include playing a stronger role in the advocacy between the industry

and various levels of government. The HISA should also consider expanding the nature of their

communication process and techniques.

There is a perception that the sport-recreation component of the industry has garnered a favourable image

in the eyes of the public. It is suggested that promotional activities be considered to dramatize and inform

the general public about the essence of the other components of the horse industry.

In relation to the need for enhanced education and training needs, a number of key areas have been

identified including: breeding, business management, environment, health, and training skills. In

addition, partnerships with other associations to undertake an in-depth needs analysis and delivery

methods would be advantageous and beneficial.

The last two areas of recommendations lie in government intervention and regulations, and land use and

management. It is recommended that in both areas, the Association, the HISA and other stakeholders

explore ways and means to address the concerns and needs of the horse industry.

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The survey’s findings represent concerns and issues raised by individuals involved within the horse

industry who are faced with numerous challenges on a daily basis. Respondents were able to provide

additional comments throughout the survey. Reasons for being involved in the horse industry were

regularly reported as “I love my horse” and “my horse is my companion”.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS There were many contributors and supporters involved in the successful completion of the Horse Industry Profile and Economic Impact Survey. Weststar’s research team wishes to acknowledge and thank the many thousands of people and organizations who made it all possible. A key person in the process was Mr. Les Burwash, Manager, Horse Industry Section, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Government of Alberta. Thank you for your commitment, guidance and invaluable assistance and support throughout the project. We wish to thank the many thousands of participants in the study who willingly gave of their time, patience, observations, comments and invaluable information. You do deserve a very special “thank you” We also wish to recognize and thank all of the equine associations who gave generously of their time and information which assisted Weststar’s consultants in the development of a provincial profile of people within the industry. Others whom we wish to thank and acknowledge are all the equine industry professionals, the many individuals at the Alberta Horse Owners and Breeders Conference as well as other stakeholders who offered their candid observations, opinions, experiences and often delightful stories. Your comments were highly informative, enriching about the life within the equine industry, the deep passion you have for your horses as well as the many anecdotal stories. Thank you to the Horses All publication and their great ladies who assisted Weststar on several occasions with timely advice and the dissemination of information to the equine industry about the study. Finally, we would like to thank Mr. Pete Fraser, President, Horse Industry Association of Alberta for his generous support and assistance throughout the study. Again, thank you to all of you. Rob Gawreluck, PhD. President Weststar Inc.

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INDUSTRY PROFILE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY

Introduction

The Alberta equine industry is a vast and complex industry with a wide range of inputs and outputs

domestically and internationally which are constantly changing and not well understood. The industry is

composed of five broad and important stakeholder groups; business operators, sport and recreational

owners, support services and professionals, as well as the government. The Alberta horse industry can be

characterized as fragmented with numerous associations, agencies, and groups representing special and

vested interests such as a breed, an event, a service or an activity. This study examines the characteristics,

attributes, nature, issues and selected economic dimensions of the Alberta equine industry. Horse

industries across the North American continent continue to face a number of very significant issues which

could threaten the essence, or existence of the industry, as well the industry does have opportunities to

grow and revitalize itself. Some of the important and challenging issues include: economic,

environmental concerns, health issues and problems, popularity of horses, land use, climate and legal and

taxation issues.

There is a mystique about horses, which is pervasive and compelling to those who are involved with

them. It is part of the heritage and traditions in this part of the world. Alberta needs to seek ways and

means to ensure that the industry prospers and grows. This is a difficult task as there is a very guarded

sense of optimism present among stakeholders. Yet owners and breeders, business and sport-recreation

owners and others associated with the industry exhibit a strong commitment and passion for the horse and

are willing to commit significant amounts of funds and energy to it as a way of life.

The Purpose of the Survey

The Association was determined to close any gap in the currency and quality of information related to the

industry profile and economic processes. The equine industry is being challenged by many difficult

situations and issues, which need to be addressed through valid and acceptable strategies, supplied by

political and economic tactics. The Association is intent on creating greater influence and voice to ensure

the continued protection and viability of the industry. This study created an information base, which will

be used to develop an appropriate strategic plan and decision-making process to accomplish this end.

Specifically, the objectives are:

Horse Industry Association of Alberta Research Division Industry Profile and Economic Impact Survey 2003 Weststar Inc.

______________________________________________________________________________ 2

— to develop a profile of the stakeholders within the equine industry in Alberta,

— to determine the economic practices and impacts of the equine industry in Alberta,

— to assess the stability and growth potential of the equine industry, and

— to identify the issues facing the industry and its stakeholders.

How The Survey Was Completed

The horse industry study was designed to capture the widest possible input on selected topics from horse

owners and other equine stakeholders within the province of Alberta. A questionnaire was sent to a

representative population throughout the province. The questionnaire was composed of 57 questions

many of which contained numerous sub questions which were developed and reviewed by Weststar=s

consultants, the HISA, the Board of Directors of the Industry Association and several horse owners. The

questionnaire was pilot tested using owners and stakeholders to ensure face validity. A preliminary

mailing list of nearly 9,500 stakeholders was developed and revised to include 6,100.

The questionnaires were mailed in early January 2003 with a return target date of the end of January. A

follow-up post-card reminder was sent in mid-January. In an effort to stimulate interest and respond to

any questions that stakeholders might have, Weststar staff attended the Owners and Breeders Conference

held in Red Deer on January 11 and 12, 2003. An additional 160 questionnaires were distributed to

attendees, although most of the attendees confirmed that they had just received their questionnaire in the

mail.

As an incentive to encourage participation, a weekend at the Fantasy Land Hotel at West Edmonton Mall

was drawn for and the winning number (s) published in Horses All and on the Weststar web site.

Statistics Canada indicates that approximately five per cent of the Canadian population relocates each

year. Of the mailed out questionnaires, 364 questionnaires were returned as moved or undeliverable.

This suggests that approximately 5,890 (96.6%) of the initial 6,100 questionnaire packages reached the

owners and stakeholders. A total of 1,793 completed questionnaires were returned by the deadline.

There was an additional 67 questionnaires received after the deadline and were not included in the

database. The rate of return was 30.5%. A statistical level of confidence of 97.5% was used which

indicated a level of error of +/- 2.5%. It should be noted that n= refers to respondent number unless

otherwise stated. Respondents were not compelled to answer each question or its parts, therefore the n=

number can vary from question to question.


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The questionnaires sought both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was computerized,

while qualitative information was assembled and theme analyzed. All data and information was analyzed,

conclusions drawn, and recommendations developed which are presented at the end of this report.

Who Participated In The Study, The Demographics

In this section of the report, a profile of the demographics is presented. The demographics include

gender, age distribution, family income, respondent location, vested interests, perspectives and

participation. The demographics will provide the reader with a sense of the overall nature of participation

throughout the province.

Gender, Age Distribution and Vested Interest of Respondents

Several demographic respondent characteristics are presented. The following tables illustrate the

relationship between gender and age characteristics and the focus of vested interest by sport-recreation,

business and age. The goal was to assess the nature and relationship between these attributes for

adequacy of representation.

The results indicate a dominance of female respondents who fell between the ages of 36 to 65 years of

age. The male population responses indicate an earlier distribution shift in the ages of 26 to 55 years of

age. Overall age distribution shows male and females between the ages of 36 to 55 years of age (59.4%).

In general, the distribution of respondent responses depicts a normal curve distribution.

Age Distribution of Respondents (n=1,793)

(in percent) Under

18

18 to 25

yrs

26 to 35

yrs

36 to 45

yrs

46 to 55

yrs

56 to 65

yrs

More

than 65

yrs

%

Gender

3.4 4.9 12.1 28.2 31.2 15.0 5.2 100

Male 35.6 % 4.4 7.5 17.0 31.8 28.0 9.4 1.9 100

Female 64.4% 1.4 0.7 4.3 22.3 36.1 23.9 11.3 100

Table 1. Age Distribution of Respondents


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The following table illustrates that 76.0% of all respondents were sport-recreationally focused with only

24.0% focusing on business genre. Also of interest is the distribution of genders related to the business or

sport-recreational category, which demonstrates the predominance of women in a sport-recreation

capacity; however, two thirds of the males were also focused in the area. The males indicated a stronger

interest in the business genre as compared to women.

Primary Focus of Interest (n=1,793)

Gender Business

24% Sports/Recreational

76% Male 35.6 % 33.6 % 66.4 %

Female 64.4 % 19.4 % 80.6 %

Table 2. Focus of Interest

Respondents Primary Perspective in Responding

It was important to know the respondent’s point of reference when responding to the survey. Four

options were provided: 1) as a business owner, 2) recreational owner, 3) a professional person, i.e.,

veterinarian, or 4) business operator.

RESPONDENTS' POINT OF REFERENCE (n=1,793)

65.3

7

10

17.8

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Business Operator

Recreational Owner

Professional

Industry related

Opt

ions

In Percentage

Graph 1. Respondents’ point of Reference

The results indicate 34.7% responded as an industry related, professional or business owner while 65.3%

responded as a sport/recreational person. This corresponds favorably to existing information about the

Alberta horse industry and other North American research studies.


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Length of Participation in the Horse Industry

Of interest was how long the respondents had been part of the industry and where there was a difference

between the duration rate and their interest focus.

Length of Time Involved in the Industry

Primary Area of Interest

(percentage by row) Less than one year

1 to 5 years

6 to 10 years

11 to 15 years

16 to 20 years

21 to 25 years

More than 26 years

Business 0.0 4.9 15.1 12.3 13.1 13.1 41.5

Sports-recreational 0.7 14.2 15.0 13.6 14.1 10.9 31.5

Length of Time Involved in the Industry

Gender (percentage by row)

Less than one year

1 to 5 years

6 to 10 years

11 to 15 years

16 to 20 years

21 to 25 years

More than 26 years

Male 0.2 11.1 12.4 12.7 12.2 11.1 40.2

Female 0.7 12.7 16.2 13.9 15.1 11.5 30.0

Table 3. Comparisons Between Age, Gender and Area of Interest

The results illustrate a representative balance of years of involvement in the business and sports-

recreation areas as well as by gender. It is evident that the input by the respondents reflects considerable

experience and exposure to the activities of the industry. The mean years of involvement is 21 to 25 years

for business and sports-recreation is 16 to 20 years. This reported level of involvement of respondents

enhances the overall level of trustworthiness and credibility of the results.

Family Gross Income

The study assessed the prevailing gross family income of those involved in the horse industry. The

results indicate a wide dispersion of income ranges with the mean income in the $50,000 to $74,999

range, while nearly one half of all respondents fell into the $26,000 to $74,999 range. The under $25,000

income level was found to lie in the younger respondents. There was a significant group (27.9%) who

reported income of $100,000 to more than $150,000. This group is primarily in the business side of the

industry.


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GROSS FAMILY INCOME

$50,000 - 74,99927.0%

$75,000 - 99,00015.8%

$100,000 - 149,00017.4%

more than $150,000

10.5%

under $25,0007.5%

$26,000 - 49,00021.8%

Graph 2. Gross Family Income

Principle Source of Income

Respondents were asked to identify their principle source of income(s). The question allowed for

respondents to identify more than one source of income. The frequency of their choice(s) is illustrated in

the following graph. The most frequently identified income source was that derived from non-horse

industry jobs, which coincidences with the high level of sports-recreational owners.

PRINCIPLE SOURCES OF INCOME

44.0

56.0

23.0

10.0

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Farming/Ranching

Non-Horse Industry Job

Other

Business Owner

Frequency Percentage of Source Selection

Graph 3. Principles Sources of Income

The most frequent sources of “other” income identified were: retirement income, pensions, oil and gas

revenues, investments, and professional services. Stakeholders were asked that if their principle income

was derived from farming/ranching, what was the prime commodity? The top seven commodities in

order of frequency, included: cattle/beef, horses, grain, hay production, PMU, cow-calf operations and

dairy production.


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Where Do the Respondents Live?

The mailing list garnered a wide stakeholder representation from throughout the province. To assess the

respondent representation, they were asked to report the first three letters and numbers of the their postal

code, thus, providing a general basis to determine the area where the responses originated from. The

results identified to a wide dispersion of respondents. The largest group was concentrated in the central

portion of the province. The corridor from and including Edmonton to Calgary, as well as the central

region accounted for 53% of the stakeholders. The following graph indicates the distribution while the

provincial map in Appendix A illustrates the regional breakdown. The Edmonton region includes

Edmonton, St Albert and Sherwood Park, while the Calgary region includes Calgary and Airdrie. Other

cities were included in their respective provincial region.

8.4

6

8.6

6.7

30.1

11.9

11

7.5

9.8

North West Region

North East Region

East Central Region

West Central Region

Central Region

Edmonton Region

Calgary Region

South East Region

South Region

(Percentage)

RESPONDENTS DEMOGRAPHICS BY REGION(n=1,793)

Graph 4. Respondents Demographics By Region

This study results reported approximately 17,224 horses, which is about 5+% of the total estimated

population of horses in Alberta as reported in the article Agriculture in Alberta: Livestock and Poultry

Production, (Published September 11, 2002). The study sought to create a balanced and representative

database reflective of the attitudes, opinions and experiences of those involved in the industry throughout

the province. This objective was achieved by this report, creating a highly trustworthy and credible basis

upon which strategic planning and decision-making can be made.


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Findings and Conclusions

Respondent Participation in the Equine Industry

To profile the nature of involvement in the Alberta equine industry, it was important to determine the

nature and extent of respondent involvement. The highest participation was as an owner, followed by

sport-recreational riders, competitors and breeders. The following table provides the frequency of

participation selections.

My Participation in the Equine Industry is as:

Percentage Frequency of

Selection

My Participation in the Equine Industry is as:

Percentage Frequency of

Selection Boarding of Horses 16.2% Owner 83.4%

Breeder 42.5% Sport-Recreational Rider 68.2%

Competitor 52.2% Product Supplier 6.9%

Equine Center Manager 4.2% Service Provider (vet, farrier, etc.) 6.3%

Farm/ranch Manager 23.7% Training 28.7%

Judging/Official/Show Organizer 8.3% Other 9.3%

Table 4. Participation in the Equine Industry

The “other” group included: import/export agent, outfitters, photographers, web-designers, pleasure

drivers, “showing horses”, racing horses, grooms, publishers, saddle makers, equine aroma therapists,

web-site e-commerce, cowboys, sales representatives, and 4-H members. The results demonstrate a broad

spectrum of interest and involvement that provides for a strong profile of stakeholders within the industry.

Involvement With Other Livestock

The study sought to determine if those who were involved with the equine industry also had involvement

with other livestock, which provided additional livestock familiarity or other income. The results were

that 36.2% indicated that they owned other livestock while 63.8% did not. Of those who did (respondents

could select more than one choice), their livestock was cattle (75.4%), swine (3.7%), sheep (10.8%) and

other (28.8%). The following table (Table 6) depicts the livestock found in “other”. Again, the results

confirm that farmers and ranchers who are associated with the equine industry tend to be heavily involved

with the cattle industry as well.


______________________________________________________________________________ 9

Other Livestock Reported Owned (n=55)

Livestock % Livestock % Goats 19.4 Birds/fowl 8.2 Donkeys 18.5 Dairy 4.6 Poultry 16.5 Elk 3.6 Bison 9.2 Mules 2.1 Dogs 8.7 Rabbits 1.0 Llamas 8.2

Table 5. Other Livestock Reported Owned

Extent of Involvement by Stakeholders

To determine how the Alberta horse industry and the Association can become involved and build

substantial credence with horse stakeholders, it is important to assess the extent to which the stakeholder

is involved. Respondents were asked to describe their involvement in the horse industry. The question

allowed respondents to identify more than one source of involvement. The frequency of their choice(s) is

illustrated in the following Graph 5 found on page 10, which depicts the total respondent group. The top

three areas of involvement are: sport-recreational (68.2%), breeding (46.5%) and trail rides (43.6%).

There are many other areas identified by participants that may be part of an individual’s overall

involvement in the industry. “Other” involvement in the industry included:

v Working cow horse

v Coaching/lessons

v Parades and demonstrations

v Gymkhana

v Competitive racing

v Riding camps/trail rides/packing in mountains

v Carriage driving

v Therapeutic use of horse, such as instruction for people with disabilities

v Administration/executive/board of directors of clubs

v Veterinarians

v Farriers

v Association volunteers

v Editorials

v Insurance industry related to farming and clubs


______________________________________________________________________________ 10

MY INVOLVEMENT IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY IS(n=1,698)

(Frequency percentage of selection)

15

17.6

46.5

34.7

0.1

5.5

6.5

17.6

14.6

15.8

11.4

6.2

23

4.8

16.2

1.5

17.2

0.5

6.9

1.3

15

12.9

8.8

3.2

68.2

0.3

14

6.4

43.6

21.4

8.3

Barrel racing

Boarding of horses

Breeding

Breed competitions/horse shows

Chariot racing

Competition racing

Cutting

Dressage

Driving

Endurance/competition/trail riding

Equine centre

Eventing

4-H

Guiding/outfitting

Halter/line classes

Horse meat supplier

Hunter/jumper

Polo

Pony club

PMU

Reining

Rodeo

Roping/team roping

Saddleseat

Sport-recreational riding

Standardbred racing

Team cattle penning

Thoroughbred racing

Trail rides

Working horse/ranch/farm/logging

Other

Graph 5. My Involvement In The Horse Industry Is

The following table represents a cross-tabulation of sport-recreational and business stakeholders, with

other types of activities they have participated in.


______________________________________________________________________________ 11

SPORT-RECREATIONAL OR BUSINESS OWNERS BY INVOLVEMENT

Primary Interest Sport-

recreational

Primary Interest

Business

Total

(Frequency percentage of selection) Barrel racing 12.2 2.8 15.0 Boarding of horses 10.2 7.4 17.6 Breeding 27.1 19.4 46.5 Breed competitions/horse shows 24.3 10.4 34.7 Chariot racing (%rounded off) 0.1 0.1 0.2 Competition racing 2.4 3.1 5.5 Cutting 4.2 2.3 6.5 Dressage 13.0 4.6 17.6 Driving 10.4 4.2 14.6 Endurance/competition/trail riding 13.1 2.7 15.8 Equine center (training, etc.) 5.4 6.0 11.4 Eventing 4.8 1.4 6.2 4-H 17.9 5.1 23.0 Guiding/outfitting 3.1 1.7 4.8 Halter/line classes 11.0 5.2 16.2 Horse meat supplier 0.6 0.9 1.5 Hunter/jumper 12.6 4.6 17.2 Polo 0.4 0.1 0.5 Pony Club 5.5 1.4 6.9 PMU 0.5 0.8 1.3 Reining 10.6 4.4 15.0 Rodeo 9.7 3.2 12.9 Roping/team roping 5.8 3.0 8.8 Saddleseat 2.3 1.0 3.2 Sport-recreational riding 56.8 11.4 68.2 Standardbred racing 0.1 0.2 0.3 Team cattle penning/sorting 11.0 3.0 14.0 Thoroughbred racing 2.8 3.6 6.4 Trail rides 37.0 6.6 43.6 Working horse/ranch/farm/logging 14.2 7.2 21.4 Other 5.7 2.6 8.3

Table 6. Sport-recreation or Business Owners By Involvement

Conclusions

The equine industry in Alberta has been growing and changing for many years. The survey sought to

determine the areas of participation and involvement of horse owners. The majority of horse owners

reported owning horses for sport-recreational riding. This is consistent with the above data showing


______________________________________________________________________________ 12

sport-recreational riders at 76% of the total surveyed population. Breeding and breed-oriented

competition were well represented in the survey population.

Again, it is apparent, the majority of involvement in the equine industry was that of sport-recreational

riding. Breeding, trail rides and breed competitions/horse shows were the other significant areas of

involvement. There was a lower representation by the chariot racing, polo and standardbred racing

communities. Other sectors within the equine industry were reported as: working cow/horse,

coaching/lessons, gymkhanas, racing, riding camps/trail rides/packing in mountains, administration,

veterinarians, farriers, editorials and the insurance end of the horse industry. The variety of responses

indicate strong diversity within the industry.

It was further determined that 36.2% of horse owners also own other livestock, with cattle being

predominant. Swine, sheep, goats, donkeys, poultry, bison, dogs, llamas, birds/fowl, dairy, elk, mules,

and rabbits were all mentioned as other livestock maintained by horse owners.

Alberta Horse Population

The number of horses, as determined by this survey, accounts for approximately 17,224 or 5+% of the

total horse population within Alberta. To further profile the nature of the horse population within Alberta,

respondents were asked 1) the age(s), 2) breed(s) of their horse(s), and 3) the number of horses within

each breed.

The first question was to determine the age distribution of the equine stock. The majority of the

respondents indicated that their horses were between the ages of four and twelve years of age with the

largest age category being the six to eight years of age group (59.9%). The smallest group was that of

horses over the age of 21 years. The frequency of their choice(s) is illustrated in the following graph.


______________________________________________________________________________ 13

46.149.6

55.359.9

53.6

34.0 35.328.1

Less than 2 years old

2 to 3 years

4 to 5 years

6 to 8 years

9 to 12 years

13 to 15 years

16 to 20 years

More than 21 years

AGE CATEGORY OF HORSES(n=1,730 respondents)

(Frequency Percentage of Selection)

Graph 6. Age Categories of Horses

Those responding to the question of the age of the horses also indicated the number of horses in each age

group. The largest group of horses in any age group was that of the six to eight year olds reporting 3,154

horses in this age group. The following table illustrates the number of horses in each of the eight age

categories:

NUMBER OF HORSES PER AGE GROUP

Less than two years old 2,589 15.0% 2 to 3 years 2,542 14.8% 4 to 5 years 2,207 12.8% 6 to 8 years 3,154 18.3% 9 to 12 years 2,852 16.6% 13 to 15 years 1,642 9.5% 16 to 20 years 1,374 8.0% More than 21 years 864 5.0% Total 17,224 100.0%

Table 7. Number of Horses Per Age Group

The second question asked respondents to identify the breed(s) of horse(s) owned by the stakeholders as

well as the number of horses in each breed category. The question allowed respondents to identify more

than one breed. The frequency of their choice(s) is illustrated in the following graph.


______________________________________________________________________________ 14

EQUINE BREEDS(n=1,656)

1.312.4

223.5

1.12.5

0.71.3

0.84

1.80.2

2.40.9

0.13.2

0.17.2

2.10.81.4

16.83.2

0.13.3

0.73.9

55.60.4

2.72.4

0.52.2

20.54.5

2.25.65.8

0.419.9

AndalusianAppaloosa

ArabianBelgian

CanadianCanadian SportCelle Francais

ClydesdaleConnemara

DonkeyDutch Warmblood

FriesianHanoverian

HolsteinerIcelandicMiniature

Missouri Fox TrotMorgan

MuleNorwegian Fjord

OldenburgPaint

PalominoPaso FinoPercheron

Peruvian PasoPinto

Quarter HorseRocky Mountain

SaddlebredShetland Pony

ShireStandardbredThoroughbred

Tenessee Walking HorseTrackehner

Canada WarmbloodWesh Pony & Cob

WestfalinOther

Frequency of Selection Percentage Graph 7. Equine Breeds

There were 461 horses identified in the “other” category. The majority of these respondents noted that

their horse(s) were a cross of some variety. The Quarter Horse category is the most often identified cross

breed section with 131 horses being identified, followed by the Arabian horse category representing 124

horses. The following tables show the most frequently cited to the least frequently cited “other” horses

they own (note: where a number was not given, the analyst used one (1) for a count):


______________________________________________________________________________ 15

Quarter Horse cross:

Draft 45 Thoroughbred/Percheron 1 Paint 23 Arab/Thoroughbred 1 Thoroughbred 13 Rheinland/Thoroughbred 1 Appendix 7 Connemara 1 Percheron 5 Standardbred 1 Grade 4 Appaloosa 1 Andalusian 3 Belgian 1 Appendix/Thoroughbred 2 Suffolk 1 Morgan 2 Clydesdale 1 Welsh 2 Unknown 15 Draft/paint 1

*************************************************************************************

Arabian cross:

Quarter Horse 29 Dutch Warmblood 1 Morgan 21 Westfalin 1 Canadian 15 Norwegian Fjord 1 Anglo 11 Appaloosa 1 Saddlebred 6 Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred 1 Thoroughbred 3 Thoroughbred/Shire 1 Welsh 3 Paso Fino 1 Paint 3 Anglo/Morgan 1 Pinto 2 Donkey 1 Shetland 2 Grade 1 Trackehner 2 Hanoverian 1 Standardbred 1 Percheron 1 Welsh/Morgan 1 Unknown 12 Quarter Horse/Tennessee Walking

1

*************************************************************************************

Thoroughbred cross:

Clydesdale 3 Andalusian 1 Hanoverian 3 Dutch Warmblood 1 Morgan 3 Draft 1 Belgian 2 Holsteiner 1 Percheron 2 Welsh 1 Shire 2 Unknown 2 Percheron 2

Table 8. Crossbreed of Horses


______________________________________________________________________________ 16

Additional breakdown of cross-bred horses:

American Walking Pony 1 Mustang – Unknown 8 Appendix 8 - Morgan 1 Azteca 2 - Spanish 1 Belgian 1 - Suffolk 2 Cleveland Bay 1 Newfoundland Pony 1 Clydesdale 2 Percheron – Unknown 5 - Percheron 1 - Shire 1 - ponies 6 - Paint 1 - Paint 1 - Appaloosa 1 - cross 5 Pintabian 1 Curlies Pinto – Unknown 8 - Bushkir 7 - Hanoverian 1 - North American 2 Pony of the Americas 9 Donkey/miniature 1 Port Breds 2 German Warmblood 3 Rheinlander 2 Hackney Pony 3 Saddlebred/Cleveland Bay 1 - Clydex 1 Spanish Norman 2 Haflinger 2 Sport Pony 1 Hessen 1 Swedish Warmblood 1 Hungarian Sport 20 Suffolk 41 Irish Horse Sport 10 - Percheron 1 Irish Draught 2 Tennessee Walking Morgan – unknown 2 - Percheron 1 - Appendix 1 - Peruvian 1 - Thoroughbred 1 Warmblood – Unknown 2 - Hanoverian 1 - Swedish 1 Welsh 1 Welsh Cob

Table 9. Other Crossbreeds

Of the 1,656 respondents indicating the type of horse(s) currently in their herd, the following table

indicates the number of horses by breed of horse. The top five categories of breed of horses represent

72.1% (12,314) of the total 17,065 horses identified in this question. The top five breeds of horses

identified are: 1) Quarter Horse 40.1%; 2) Thoroughbred 13.1%; 3) Arabian 7.0%; 4) Appaloosa 6.1%;

and 5) Paint 5.8%.


______________________________________________________________________________ 17

NUMBER OF HORSES PER BREED

(n=17,065 horses) Type Number of

Horses Andalusian 45 Appaloosa 1,044 Arabian 1,191 Belgian 346 Canadian 111 Canadian Sport 73 Celle Francais 7 Clydesdale 187 Connemara 62 Donkey 224 Dutch Warmblood 64 Friesian 4 Hanoverian 165 Holsteiner 22 Icelandic 3 Miniatures 383 Missouri Fox Trot 3 Morgan 516 Mule 120 Norwegian Fjord 64 Oldenburg 28 Paint 993 Palomino 86 Paso Fino 2 Percheron 581 Peruvian Paso 70 Pinto 165 Quarter-Horse 6,844 Rocky Mountain 34 Saddlebred 101 Shetland Poney 58 Shire 45 Standardbred 61 Thoroughbred 2,242 Tenessee Walking 353 Trackehner 63 Canadian Warmblood 460 Welsh Pony & Cob 234 Westfalin 11 TOTAL 17,065

Table 10. Number of Horses Per Breed


______________________________________________________________________________ 18

While the breed and age of a horse and the horse population in Alberta as a whole is important, it is also

essential to determine what these horses are used for. Although the reported horse population of this

survey is significant and representative (5%) of the actual population within Alberta, the respondents

identified sport-recreational riding (68.2%) as the highest reason for owning and using their horse(s)

followed by breeding (42.4%). The question allowed for respondents to identify more than one response.

The frequency of their choice(s) is illustrated in the following graph.

HORSES ARE PRIMARILY USED FOR:(n=1,729)


42.4

31.6

19.2

0.8

4.3

16.8

1.2

5.1

24.9

68.2

24.6

13.5

40.9

8.9

17.3

24.8

Breeding

Companionship

4-H

Meat production

No specific purpose

Non-racing competition

PMU

Pony club

Range/farm work

Recreational riding

Riding lessons

Stud service

Trail rides

Used for racing

Youth related activities

Other

Graph 8. Horses Are Primarily Used For:

In the category of “other”, stakeholders frequently utilized their horses for the following:

j Competition j Barrel racing j Parades

j Showing j Team roping j Hunter/jumper

j Racing j Dressage j Reining

j Driving j Penning j Endurance

j Rodeo j Gymkana j Carriage


______________________________________________________________________________ 19

Stakeholders were asked if anyone besides themselves, or someone in their household, regularly rides or

drives their horses. The majority (64.1%) reported that no one outside of their immediate household rode

or drove their horses (Graph 9). Of those who did reply “yes”, 397 (24.7%) were sport-recreational

owners and 180 (11.2%) were business owners.

DO OTHER PEOPLE RIDE/DRIVE YOUR HORSES?(n=1,611)

Yes35.9%

No64.1%

Graph 9. Do Other People Ride/Drive Your Horses?

The second portion of this question focused on those that responded “yes”. Respondents were asked to

identify how their horses were being used. The question allowed respondents to identify more than one

area of use. The results indicated that 43% were used for trail rides, 42.5% were used for training, 41.2%

were used for lessons and 36.8% were used for competitions, while 19.8% selected “other”. No

information on “other” uses was identified. The frequency of their choice(s) is illustrated in the following

graph:

19.8

42.536.84341.2

Lessons

Trail rides

Competitions

Training

Other

HOW DO OTHER PEOPLE RIDE/DRIVE YOUR HORSES?(n=577)


Graph 10. How Do Other People Ride/Drive Your Horses?


______________________________________________________________________________ 20

The last question relating to the use of horse(s) was whether or not they used their horse(s) in

competition. The majority of respondents (72%) indicated that they did use their horse(s) in competitions

of some nature. The following graph illustrates those responses.

ARE YOUR HORSES IN COMPETITION?(n=1,616)

No28%

Yes72%

Graph 11. Are Your Horses in Competition?

Of the 1,163 respondents who responded “yes” to using their horses in competition, 75.3% (876

respondents) were sport-recreational owners and 24.7% (287 respondents) were business owners. The

following graph illustrates those responses.

HORSES USED IN COMPETITION(n=1,163)

Sport-recreational

75.3%

Business24.7%

Graph 12. Horses Used In Competition

Respondents were further asked to identify their primary area of competition. These responses are listed

from most frequent (1) to least frequent (22) responses. The following table illustrates the top 22

responses.


______________________________________________________________________________ 21

PRIMARY AREA OF COMPETITION

1 Hunter/jumping/dressage 12 Cutting 2 Racing 13 Halter 3 Shows 14 Western Pleasure 4 Gymkhana 15 Eventing 5 Reining 16 Penning 6 Driving 17 Working cow horse 7 4-H 18 Pony club/shows 8 Team Roping 19 Saddleseat 9 Rodeo 20 English

10 Endurance 21 Parades 11 Competition Trail

Table 11. Primary Area of Competition

The survey further sought to determine the annual expenses incurred in competitions. Competitors

indicated a wide range of annual fees ranging from $20 to $400,000. The largest group was in the $1 to

$1,000 spending range at 39.1% followed by those who spent $1,001 to $2,000 (16.2%). Therefore,

55.3% of competitors spend $2,000 or less on annual competition expenses. The following graph

illustrates the responses by competitors.

39.1

16.2

7.9 8.29.9

0.9 1.3 1.9 0.5

5.2

1.3 0.2 1.3 0.4 2.4 3.3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Per

cent

age

$1-$1,000$1,001-$2,000$2,001-$3,000$3,001-$4,000$4,001-$5,000$5,001-$6,000$6,001-$7,000$7,001-$8,000$8,001-$9,000$9,001-$10,000$10,001-$12,000$12,001-$14,000$14,001-$16,000$16,001-$18,000$18,001-$20,000>$20,001

ANNUAL EXPENSES RELATING TO COMPETITIONS(n-1,015)

Graph 13. Annual Expenses Relating to Competitions


______________________________________________________________________________ 22

There were eight respondents, who represent 0.8% of competitors that reported spending over $100,000

annually on competitions. These eight responses are shown in the following table.

RESPONDENTS REPORTING SPENDING MORE THAN $100,000 ANNUALLY ON COMPETITIONS

2 $100,000 1 $150,000 1 $175,000 1 $215,000 1 $250,000 1 $300,000 1 $400,000

Table 12. Respondents Reporting Spending More Than $100,000 Annually on Competitions

Conclusions

The survey sought to determine the distribution of the ages of horses in Alberta. Horse owners reported

that the average age category of horses was between four to twelve years of age, with the highest category

being in the six to eight years of age range.

The Quarter Horse is the predominant breed of the population. Arabian and Thoroughbred were the

second and third most popular choice of respondents. The Paint horse was listed as the fourth choice of

the surveyed population. Of the top five breeds within Alberta, the Canadian Warmblood horse was

placed fifth. There were numerous responses from horse owners indicating the “other” types of breeds

not listed. The Quarter Horse is again the most dominant crossbred within Alberta, followed by the

Arabian crossbred.

Once the predominant breeds were established, the survey sought to determine uses. The largest category

relating to what a horse is used for was that of the sport-recreational rider. Breeding and trail rides were

the second and third choice of respondents. A variety of “other” responses were cited with the largest

groups being that of competition, showing, driving, rodeo and barrel racing.

The majority of respondents indicated that no one outside of their immediate family rode or drove their

horses. Of those that responded “yes” (35.9%) to allowing someone outside of their immediate family

ride or drive their horses, sport-recreational riders were the major group. The majority of responses

identified training as the key activity, followed closely by trail rides and lessons.

It was further ascertained that 72% of the surveyed equine industry used their horse(s) in competitions

(note: in Table 4, a frequency choice question, respondents current participation in the industry shows


______________________________________________________________________________ 23

52.2% of respondents in competition), with 75.3% of this population being the sport-recreational sector

and 24.7% belonging to the business sector. Competitors reported annual expenditures directly related to

competing ranging from $20 to $400,000. The largest spending group (39.1%) was found in the $1 to

$1,000 range while 55.3% spent $2,000 or less on annual expenses for competitions.

Economics of the Industry

In determining the economics of the equine industry, the survey highlighted six areas relating to

economics: 1) land/materials relating to the stakeholders support of the horse activities, 2) investment in

horses and horse related materials, 3) spending on horse related activities, 4) determination of market

value of horses, and 5) annual earnings over the year from horse related activities.

Background: Respondents were invited to complete the portions of the question that applied to them.

The consequence is there are differences in many sections within one question.

Land/materials relating to the stakeholders support of the horse related activities.

The first question was comprised of eight subsections relating to supporting horse related activities,

dealing mainly with land and buildings, as follows: 1) acres of land, 2) horses per acre, 3) acres of feed

production, 4) number of barn(s)/stable(s), 5) number of corral(s)/pen(s), 6) number of indoor arena(s), 7)

number of outdoor arena(s)/training track(s), and 8) number of other buildings (specify).

Acres of land (pasture/range) The survey sought to determine the amount of pasture/range land (acres)

owners used to support their equine activities. The largest group (47.3%) reported using 11 to 80 acres of

pastureland or rangeland. The second largest category were those in the 81 to 160 acre range at 17.5%

and the third group were those using pastureland or rangeland in the 1 to 10 acre (16.1%) range. The

following graph illustrates all responses in a range from 10,000 acres to as little as 1 acre.


______________________________________________________________________________ 24

ACRES OF LAND TO SUPPORT HORSE RELATED ACTIVITY(n=1,534)

17.5%

5.5%

4.4%

47.3%

9.2%

16.1% 1 to 10 acres

11 to 80 acres

81 to 160 acres

161 to 320 acres

321 to 640 acres

>641 acres

Graph 14. Acres of Land to Support Horse Related Activity

Horses per acre. The second economics question dealt with the concentration of horses per acre. The

results are significant as they could influence equine management related to pasture management, feed,

manure disposal, and health issues. The following graph illustrates that 36.2% of the 486 respondents,

the largest group, indicated that they have 1 to 2 horses per acre, with the second highest group (28.8%)

with .1 to .5 horses per acre. The lowest group (0.8%) reported that they have 16 to 20 horses per acre.

NUMBER HORSES PER ACRE(n=486)

11 to 151.6%

16 to 200.8%

6 to 107.6%

More than 202.5%

.1 to .528.8%

.6 to .99.3%

3 to 513.2%

1 to 236.2%

Graph 15. Number Of Horses Per Acre

Acres of feed production. The third question in the economic base was the number of acres utilized for

feed production. The focus was to assess if individual owners have feed production land directed at

supporting their equine stock. The results indicate that only 27% of the owners do have feed production.

This suggests that nearly 75% rely on other sources for their feed which may need to be purchased. The

largest number of respondents (22.2%) indicated that they utilize 81 to 160 acres for feed production,

followed by those that used 11 to 20 acres of land (17.2%). The following bar graph depicts the

responses of the 489 stakeholders.


______________________________________________________________________________ 25

3.76.6

17.2

6.6

12.815.5

22.2

10.1

6.4

0

5

10

15

20

25

Per

cent

age

1-5 acres 6-10acres

11-20acres

21-30acres

31-50acres

51-80acres

81-160acres

161-320acres

more than320 acres

ACRES OF FEED PRODUCTION(n=489)

Graph 16. Acres of Feed Production

The fourth question assessed several equine facilities types used by stakeholders. They were

barns/stables arenas and corrals or pens. The first part deals with barns/stables. The vast majority of

respondents (82.5%) reported that they had one barn and/or stable, followed by 14% of respondents using

two barns. The following graph summarizes the responses of the 1,044 stakeholders.

3.51482.5

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Percentage

1 Barn2 Barns

3 or more Barns

NUMBER OF BARNS/STABLES(n=1,044)

Graph 17. Number of Barns/Stables

Stakeholders were also asked to indicate the number of corrals or pens they use in managing their herd.

The responses ranged anywhere from 1 to 50 corrals or pens with the largest group (39.0%) having one to

three corrals. The next three groups consisted of: 1) two corrals or pens (15.6%), 2) three (13.6%) corrals

or pens, and 3) four corrals or pens (12.5%). There were five respondents who have 40 or more corrals or

pens suggesting a larger business operation. There were a total of 1,173 responses (65.4% of the

respondents).


______________________________________________________________________________ 26

0.81.32.9

5.3

17.3

33.439.0

0.05.010.015.020.025.030.035.040.0

1 to 3 4 to 6 7 to 10 11 to 15 16 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 50

Percentage

NUMBER OF CORRALS OR PENS(n=1,173)

Graph 18. Number of Corrals or Pens

Respondents were asked to indicate whether they have: 1) indoor arenas, or 2) outdoor arenas/training

tracks for their horse related activities. There were 192 (20.8%) respondents reporting indoor arenas

while 729 (79.2%) reported having outdoor arenas. The following chart summarizes the 192 responses

related to indoor arenas, with the prevalent group (95.4%) having only one arena.

NUMBER OF INDOOR ARENAS OWNED (n=192)

1 arena 95.4% 2 arenas 2.6% 3 arenas 0.5%

4-5arenas 1.0% 6+ arenas 0.5%

100.0%

Table 13. Number of Indoor Arenas Owned

The second question related to outdoor arenas or training tracks. The following table illustrates that of the

729 responses 88.1% reported that they have one outdoor arena or track. One respondent reported that

there were 13 arenas or tracks in their operation, indicative of a larger business operation.

NUMBER OF OUTDOOR ARENAS (n=729)

1 arena 88.1% 2 arenas 8.9% 3 arenas or more 3.0%

100.0%

Table 14. Number of Outdoor Arenas


______________________________________________________________________________ 27

The last question related to the number of “other” buildings utilized. The following are summarized from

most frequent to least frequent responses.

Ø “Horse shelters” – wind shelters, lean-tos, Ø “Sheds” – ranging from hay (feed) sheds, sheds with stalls, tack rooms, machine sheds, tractor/trailer sheds

Ø “Shops” Ø “Grain bins” – storage Ø “Quonsets”

Ø “Round pens”

Ø “Pole barn/sheds”

Ø “Garages”

Ø “Houses”

Ø “Clubhouse for Pony Club”

Investment in horses and horse related materials.

Is the stakeholders’ role in the horse industry for pleasure or business? According to the following

statistics, whether a horse owner is in it for the pleasure or business side, each requires a monetary

commitment. The second question in the area of economics dealt with the investment of the stakeholder

(aside from the previous question in reference to land and buildings). In this area the focus is upon

stakeholder equine related investments.

Number of horses. Owners were asked to identify the number of horses they owned and their estimated

value. The respondent population reported that they owned 14,742 horses having a total estimated value

of $62,899,556, showing an average horse’s worth of $4,267. These horses represent approximately 5%

of the overall total number of horses in Alberta, which, according to the HISA estimates at approximately

310,000 horses. Table 15 shows a breakdown of the number of horses which owners reported by

category and their estimated values.


______________________________________________________________________________ 28

NUMBER AND VALUE OF HORSES

REPORTED BY RESPONDENTS

(n=1541)

Categories of Horse Numbers

Number of Horses Reported

Average Dollar Value of Horses (owner estimated)

1 175 7,482.86 2 to 3 1,053 5,698.81 4 to 6 1,789 5,321.80 7 to 10 1,925 4,968.45

11 to 15 1,675 4,503.34 16 to 20 1,115 4,915.43 21to 25 1,039 4,719.92

More than25 5,971 3,112.13 Total 14,742

Table 15. Number and Value of Horses Reported by Respondents

It should be noted that the report did not include in the above table seven owner responses where the

dollar values were well outside the prevailing values of the majority of the horses found within the

categories of 1 horse or 2 to 3 horses. This was done to prevent a significant distortion in the average

value of the horses within these categories but is illustrated in the table below.

PRICE OF HORSES OUTSIDE OF THE NORM (as reported by respondents)

Number of Horses Total $ Value

1 49,750 1 60,000 1 60,000 1 100,000 1 150,000 1 600,000 2 200,000

Table 16. Price of Horses Outside of the Norm

Tack and equipment. The stakeholder’s expenses only begin with the purchase of a horse. To that end,

stakeholders were asked what their current investment in tack and equipment is. Of the 1,793 respondents

to the overall survey, 82.1% responded to the question of tack and equipment. For the sport-recreational

rider, this amount might be expected to be lower than the person who shows or races his horse(s).

Overall, the average person spends $10,824 on tack and equipment, with the minimum spending being


______________________________________________________________________________ 29

$100 and the maximum spending being $500,000. Seventy-six point eight percent of the respondents

spend less than $10,000 with an average of $5,399. The following graph indicates a breakdown of the

stakeholder’s investment in tack and equipment.

VALUE OF TACK/EQUIPMENT(n=1,473)

$30,001-$50,0002.4%

$50,001-$75,0000.5%

$75,001-$100,0000.3%

greater than $100,000

0.7%$20,001-$30,0004.6%

$15,001-$20,0006.4%

$10,001-$15,0008.3%

$1-$2,50015.6%

$2,501-$5,00031.1%$5,001-$10,000

30.1%

Graph 19. Value of Tack/Equipment

Facilities. While the first question relating to economics dealt with the amount of land and number of

buildings, respondents were also asked to estimate the value of their horse facilities. There were 905

respondents reporting an investment value ranging from $250 to $3,000,000. The overall average facility

investment was valued at $124,290. However, 28.2% of the respondents reported an investment of less

than $10,000 with an average of $4,600.

VALUE OF FACILITIES(n=905)

$300,001-$400,0004.6%

$400,001-$500,0002.8%

$200,001-$300,0006.9%

$500,001-$1,000,0002.8% greater than $1,000,000

1.1%

$150,001-$200,0005.1%

$100,001-$150,0004.8% $50,001-$100,000

11.1%$20,001-$50,000

19.0%

$10,001-$20,00013.6%

$1-$10,00028.2%

Graph 20. Value of Facilities


______________________________________________________________________________ 30

Feed production related equipment. The amount of land used in feed production was discussed in the

first part of the economic section. This portion of the economic review defines the investment by

stakeholders in feed production related equipment. There were only 361 (20.1%) responses to this

question, which may be indicative of a large number of people who either board their horses, purchase

feed, and/or integrate their feed requirements with other part of their operation(s) thereby not requiring

feed production equipment or perceive the equipment as dedicated equipment. There was a vast range of

responses ranging from $150 to $400,000 invested in feed production related equipment with the average

investment being $24,443. The following graph gives an analytical view of the responses.

0.3

0.8

2.2

6.6

3

11.6

20.818.3

37.4

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Percentage

$1-$5,000

$5,001-$10,000

$10,001-$25,000

$25,001-$50,000

$50,001-$75,000

$75,001-100,000

$100,001-$200,000

$200,001-$300,000

$300,001-$400,000

VALUE OF FEED PRODUCTION RELATED EQUIPMENT(n=361)

Graph 21. Value of Feed Production Related Equipment

Tractors and related equipment. The tractor and related equipment category is seen as separate from the

above-mentioned equipment, as the stakeholder may require the tractor and related equipment to move

feed for horses, haul and spread manure and/or deal with pasture management. There were 718 responses

to the question of the value of tractor(s) and other equipment with the minimum response being $500 and

the maximum response being $800,000. The average investment in tractors and related equipment was

$26,058. Eighty-eighty point one percent have an investment of $50,000 or less. The following graph

summarizes the representation of responses.


______________________________________________________________________________ 31

VALUE OF TRACTORS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT(n=718)

$200,001-$300,000

0.0%

$300,001-$400,000

0.1%greater than

$500,0000.0%

$100,001-$200,000

2.4%

$400,001-$500,000

0.1%

$50,001-$100,0008.9%

$10,001-$50,00041.3%

$1-$10,00047.2%

Graph 22. Value of Tractors and Other Equipment

Trucks. Respondents were also asked about the value of their trucks; however, as to the size or whether

those trucks were used for hauling trailers or not, was not part of the question. Again, there was a wide

range of answers ranging from $500 to $210,000 with the average investment in trucks being $30,275.

Fifty-one point six percent reported an investment of $25,000 or less while 88.6% reported an investment

of less than $50,000. The following bar graph depicts values reported by respondents.

0.8

0.43

7.2

3727.3

13.510.8

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Percentage

$1-$5,000$5,001-$10,000

$10,001-$25,000$25,001-$50,000$50,001-$75,000$75,001-100,000

$100,001-$125,000>$125,000

VALUE OF TRUCKS(n=1,160)

Graph 23. Value of Trucks

Trailers. Relating to the above-mentioned question is the value of investment by owners in horse trailers.

As evidenced by 65% of respondents completing this question, it was determined that the average

investment in trailers is $14,178, with the range of trailers being from $100 to $150,000. Fifty-eight point

one percent have from $1,001 to $5,000 invested. The following chart represents those responses relating

to the investment by stakeholders in trailers.


______________________________________________________________________________ 32

1.8

30.427.7

12.39.2 10.1

3.61.8 1.8 1 0.3

$1-$1,000 $1,001-$5,000

$5,001-$10,000

$10,001-$15,000

$15,001-$20,000

$20,001-$30,000

$30,001-$40,000

$40,001-$50,000

$50,001-$75,000

$75,001-$100,000

more than$100,000

VALUE OF TRAILERS(n=1,179)

Graph 24. Value of Trailers

Other Investments. The last question relating to the current investment of horse owners focused on

“other” investments. Ninety people responded to this question. These “other” investments contained the

following responses ranging from most frequent to least frequent.

ü Travel trailers, motor homes, campers and vans ü Sleighs, carriages, wagons and carts ü Manure spreaders, harrows, mowers, spray equipment ü Moveable panels ü Breeding and breeding equipment ü Troughs and water tanks ü Bobcats ü Irrigation equipment ü Computers, cameras and other hardware and software ü Farrier tools

There were two questionnaires completed which related to the current investment of stakeholders that

were not included in the above-mentioned data. They are listed separately because of the excessive dollar

amounts, which would distort the averages of each category.

1. Number of Horses 100 Estimated value $ 1,600,000 Tack & Equipment $ 250,000 Facilities $34,000,000 Tractors & Equipment $ 90,000 Trucks $ 21,000 Trailers $ 60,000 2. Number of Horses 30 Estimate value $ 3,531,000


______________________________________________________________________________ 33

Annual expenditures on horse related activities per horse

Land and buildings, plus the monetary value of investments in horses and related equipment were the

focus of the first and second part of the economic portion of the survey. The third question relating to

economics pertains to investment in the following 13 theme areas:

1. Bedding 8. Stable rental 2. Boarding 9. Stud fees per mare 3. Farrier services 10. Tack equipment/supplies 4. Feed (average year) per horse 11. Training/horse training 5. Grooming 12. Transportation 6. Shelter 13. Veterinarian – medical 7. Show/entry fees

Bedding. Stakeholders were asked how much they spent on bedding. Of the 762 respondents, the largest

group (282 respondents) was in the $1 to $100 range. The average annual expenditure on bedding was

$460 per horse. The following graph illustrates stakeholders’ responses.

0.82.41.7

5.6

9.30.7

0.80.3

2.5

9.44.1

10.6

14.837.0

Percentage

$1-$100$101-$200

$201-$300$301-$400$401-$500

$501-$600$601-$700$701-$800

$801-$900$901-$1,000

$1,001-$2,000

$2,001-$3,000$3,001-$5,000

>$5,000

ANNUAL DOLLARS SPENT ON BEDDING PER HORSE

(n=762)

Graph 25. Annual Dollars Spent On Bedding Per Horse

Boarding. Respondents were then asked the amount they annually spent on boarding for their horses. In

this question, the writer did not include one response of $216,000 as this figure distorts the averages

considerably. There were 517 respondents to this question of which the largest category was that in the

$2,001 to $3,000 range. The average annual expenditure for boarding was $2,830 per horse. The

following graph reports responses from stakeholders.


______________________________________________________________________________ 34

2.1

2.52.5

0.43.5

2.18.1

10.310.3

15.18.5

10.612.6

11.4

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Percentage

$1-$500$501-$1,000

$1,001-$1,500$1,501-$2,000$2,001-$3,000$3,001-$4,000$4,001-$5,000$5,001-$6,000$6,001-$7,000$7,001-$8,000$8,001-$9,000

$9,001-$10,000$10,001-15,00

>$15,001

ANNUAL BOARDING EXPENDITURE PER HORSE(n=517)

Graph 26. Annual Boarding Expenditure Per Horse

Farrier services. Farrier services required by respondents were the second largest group with 1,307

participating in this question. The most frequent annual expenditure per horse for farrier services was in

the $1,001 to $2,000 range. The average expenditure for farrier services was $628 per horse. The

following graph illustrates the range of responses and percentages.

9.2

1311.6

8.4

12.4

9.2

2.9

0.8

3.1

8.4

13.4

3.14.5

Per

cent

age

$1-$100

$101-$200

$201-$300

$301-$400

$401-$500

$501-$600

$601-$700

$701-$800

$801-$900

$901-$1,000

$1,001-$2,000

$2,001-$3,000

>3,001

ANNUAL FARRIER EXPENDITURE PER HORSE(n=1,307)

Graph 27. Annual Farrier Expenditure Per Horse


______________________________________________________________________________ 35

Feed. There were 1,189 stakeholders responding to the question of how much they spent on feed

(average year) per horse. Respondents reported spending an average of $882 on feed per year per horse.

The largest expenditure category was $401 to $500 with 14.7% (175 respondents) responding. Second

was the group spending $201 to $300 (11.0%) on feed. Fifty point eight percent reported spending $500

or less per year. The following graph summarizes stakeholders’ responses.

3.80.9

0.41.6

1.34.3

10.49.9

1.55.7

3.85.6

14.79.9

119

6.2

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Percentage

$1-$100$101-$200$201-$300$301-$400$401-$500$501-$600$601-$700$701-$800$801-$900

$901-$1,000$1,001-$1,500$1,501-$2,000$2,001-$2,500$2,501-$3,000$3,001-$3,500$3,501-$4,000

>4,001

ANNUAL FEED EXPENDITURE PER HORSE(n=1,189)

Graph 28. Annual Feed Expenditure Per Horse

Grooming. Next was a question relating to the amount of money spent on grooming activities for each

horse per year. There were 497 (27.7%) stakeholders who responded to the question. Of those who

reported using grooming services, the average annual expenditure was $265 per horse. The largest

respondent category was that in the $76 to $100 range with 39.2% of respondents selecting these values.

The following graph shows respondents’ responses.


______________________________________________________________________________ 36

ANNUAL GROOMING EXPENDITURE PER HORSE(n=497)

12.316.3

1.939.2

2.414.8

11.6

0.20.9

04.9

1.92.3

0.3

$1-$25$26-$50$51-$75

$76-$100$101-$150$151-$200$201-$250$251-$300$301-$350$351-$400$401-$450$451-$500

$501-$1,000$1,001->$5,001 Percentage

Graph 29. Annual Grooming Expenditure Per Horse

Shelter. The question of barns and shelters was addressed in the first portion of the economic section

relating to the number of buildings. Respondents were also asked about the amount of money spent per

horse per year on shelter. One hundred and ninety-nine respondents answered this question with the

largest group (36.7%) indicating they spend between $1 to $100. The second largest group (13.6%)

reported spending between $101 to $200. The average spent on shelter, per year, per horse, was reported

at $512. Because of the low response rate (10.7%), it can be assumed that most owners do not expend

any shelter directed funds each year. The following graph illustrates the responses by the stakeholders.

2.52.0

1.52.0

5.510.6

0.00.5

1.52.0

12.13.5

6.013.6

36.7

Percentage

$1-$100$101-$200$201-$300$301-$400$401-$500$501-$600$601-$700$701-$800$801-$900

$901-$1,000$1,001-$2,000$2,001-$3,000$3,001-$4,000$4,001-$5,000

>$5,000

ANNUAL SHELTER EXPENDITURE PER HORSE(n=191)

Graph 30. Annual Shelter Expenditure Per Horse


______________________________________________________________________________ 37

Shows and entry fees. There were a large number of stakeholders (933) responding to the question

relating to the amount of money they spent on shows and entry fees. The majority of respondents

(52.7%) reported that they spent anywhere from $1 to $500 on shows and entry fees, with the second

largest category being those who spent between $501 to $1,000. This means that of people showing, 71%

spend less than $1,000 annually for each horse they show. It should be noted that of the 35 respondents

who spent more than $5,000 per year on shows and entry fees, there were 17 responses or 1.8% who spent

more than $10,000 per year on shows and entry fees. The average amount spent by stakeholders’ was

$476 per year on show and entry fees.

ANNUAL SHOW/ENTRY FEE EXPENDITURE PER HORSE(n=933)

52.7

18.5

6.2

6.2

3.1

3.8

0.5

1.4

0.5

3.3

3.8

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

$1-$500

$501-$1,000

$1,001-$1,500

$1,501-$2,000

$2,001-$2,500

$2,501-$3,000

$3,001-$3,500

$3,501-$4,000

$4,001-$4,500

$4,501-$5,000

>$,5001

Percentages

Graph 31. Annual Show/Entry Fee Expenditure Per Horse

Stable Rental. Stable rental included showing and competition. The question asked stakeholders to

indicate how much they spent on a yearly average on stable rentals. One hundred and twenty four (6.9%)

stakeholders responded to this question, indicating that the overwhelming majority of stakeholders stabled

their horse on their own site. Of the 124 responses, 24.2% reported spending $1 to $100 with the second

largest group stating that they spent anywhere from $101 to $200 on annual stable rentals. Although one

stakeholder reported spending $15,000 per year on stable rentals, 63% spend less than $400 per year on

stable rentals. The overall average spent on stable rentals was $425.


______________________________________________________________________________ 38

8.9

2.43.24.04.00.81.62.42.4

7.3

11.39.7

17.8

24.2

0

5

10

15

20

25

Per

cent

age

$1-$100

$101-$200

$201-$300

$301-$400

$401-$500

$501-$600

$601-$700

$701-$800

$801-$900

$901-$1,000

$1,001-$1,500

$1,501-$2,000

$2,001-$3,000

>$3,000

ANNUAL EXPENDITURES ON STABLE RENTALS PER HORSE(n=124)

Graph 32. Annual Expenditures on Stable Rentals Per Horse

Stud fees per mare. As breeding matures as a business activity in Alberta, the question of how many

dollars spent on stud fees per mare needs to be explored. The largest expenditure category (149

responses, 35.1%) reported spending from $501 to $1,000 on stud fees per mare per year. The second

highest category (22.1%) was that of those spending $1 to $500, while third highest (18.1%) reporting

spending $1,001 to $1,500 on stud fees per mare. The overall average annual expenditure on stud fees

per breeding mare was $816. It should also be noted that 75.3% of the respondents reported spending

$1,500 or less on stud fees per mare. The following graph illustrates the responses.

22.1

35.1

18.1

10.8

4 4.20.7 1.2 0

1.9 1.9

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Per

cen

tag

e

$1-$500

$501-$1,000

$1,001-$1,500

$1,501-$2,000

$2,001-$2,500

$2,501-$3,000

$3,001-$3,500

$3,501-$4,000

$4,001-$4,500

$4,501-$5,000

>$5,000

ANNUAL STUD EXPENDITURES PER BREEDING MARE(n=425)

Graph 33. Annual Stud Expenditures Per Breeding Mare


______________________________________________________________________________ 39

Tack and equipment. This question sought to determine approximately how much a stakeholder spends

per horse each year on tack and equipment. Tack and equipment was one of the most frequently

answered categories with 1,062 people responding. The largest single category reported was $401 to

$500 with 20.0% of the respondents responding. Sixty-eight point two percent reported spending $500 or

less per year per horse. An average of $468 was reported as being spent on tack equipment and supplies

per year per horse. The following graph illustrates the responses.

1.01.6

0.10.6

0.42.4

0.7

5.22.5

13.00.1

1.80.7

1.720.0

3.910.5

15.418.4

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

Percentage

$1-$100$101-$200$201-$300$301-$400$401-$500$501-$600$601-$700$701-$800$801-$900

$901-$1,000$1,001-$1,500$1,501-$2,000$2,001-$2,500$2,501-$3,000$3,001-$3,500$3,501-$4,000$4,001-$4,500$4,501-$5,000

>$5,000

ANNUAL EXPENDITURES FOR TACK EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIESPER HORSE

(n=1,062)

Graph 34. Annual Expenditures for Tack Equipment/Supplies Per Horse

Training/horse training. Another area within the segment of horse related activities that stakeholders

were asked to respond to was that of dollars spent on training/horse training per horse per year. There

were 666 responses in the highest category (30.1%) with a range of $1 to $500. The second highest

category (21.3%) was in the $1,001 to $2,000 range. A total of 76.7% reported spending $3,000 or less

on training activities. The average annual dollars spent on training/horse training was $1,623 per horse.

The following graph illustrates the dollars spent by stakeholders on training/horse training activities.


______________________________________________________________________________ 40

ANNUAL TRAINING/HORSE TRAINING EXPENDITURE PER HORSE(n=666)

30.1

18.721.3

6.64.1

4.8

2.61.8

3.63.5

1.41.5

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

$1-$500

$501-$1,000$1,001-$2,000

$2,001-$3,000$3,001-$4,000$4,001-$5,000

$5,001-$6,000$6,001-$8,000

$8,001-$10,000

$10,001-$20,000$20,001-$30,000

>$30,000

Percentage

Graph 35. Annual Training/Horse Training Expenditure Per Horse

Transportation. Transportation of horses to any venue requires stakeholders to invest dollars on an

annual basis. Stakeholders were asked to identify the amount of dollars they spend annually per horse.

The largest group identified spent between $1 to $200, with the second leading group spending $401 to

$600 annually on transportation. Stakeholders reported that 72.1% spend $1,000 or less per year per horse

on transportation. The overall average spent on transportation was $774 per year per horse. The

following graph illustrates investment by stakeholders in transporting their horse(s).

4.13.7

02.2

0.4

3.52.3

7.2

0.43.3

00.8

14.6

2.7

19

10.9

24.9

0

5

10

15

20

25

Per

cent

age

$1-$200

$201-$400

$401-$600

$601-800

$801-$1,000

$1,001-$1,200

$1,201-$1,400

$1,401-$1,600

$1,601-$1,800

$1,801-$2,000

$2,001-$2,500

$2,501-$3,000

$3,001-$3,500

$3,501-$4,000

$4,001-$4,500

$4,501-$5,000

>$5,001

ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION EXPENDITURE PER HORSE(n=830)

Graph 36. Annual Transportation Expenditure Per Horse


______________________________________________________________________________ 41

Veterinarians. The use of veterinarians on farms is an essential part of the horse industry. The survey

inquired of participants as to what they thought they would spend in a year, per horse, on a veterinarian or

medical issues. The following graph depicts the 1,358 respondents’ answers showing that the largest

group spends $101 to $200 per year per horse with the second largest group spending $1 to 100; however,

it should be noted that there was only a 0.4% differentiation between the two groups. There were 27

respondents who reported spending over $10,000 per horse per year on veterinarian services. The

average amount spent on veterinarian services was $307 per horse.

3.81.8

0.11.3

0.32.1

1.46.4

4.111.2

0.12.5

1.03.4

15.03.6

10.515.9

15.5

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Percentage

$1-$100$101-$200$201-$300$301-$400$401-$500$501-$600$601-$700$701-$800$801-$900

$901-$1,000$1,001-$1,500$1,501-$2,000$2,001-$2,501$2,501-$3,000$3,001-$3,501$3,501-$4,000$4,001-$4,500$4,501-$5,000

>$5,000

ANNUAL VETERINARIAN/MEDICAL EXPENDITURE PER HORSE(n=1,358)

Graph 37. Annual Veterinarian/Medical Expenditure Per Horse

Determination of market value of horses

Stakeholders were asked how they determine the market value of their horse(s) using an open-ended

question. The primary tool was the evaluation of the animal’s characteristics. Factors included age, sex,

breed, bloodlines, training, personality, reliability, temperament, health, performance, competition record,

money earned, and compatibility of horse to buyer. Comparisons to other horses based on the owners

experience were reported 22.8% of the time although the specific comparators were not indicated.

Auctions and sales were used by 12.4% as a reliable method of valuing horses while 9.7% of respondents

reported that they relied on the advice of trainers, breeders, and friends within the industry. The


______________________________________________________________________________ 42

following graph provides an overview of factors that contribute to the determination of a monetary value

on their horse(s). It is apparent that there is a wide variety and disparity of perceptions and views on how

the value is to be determined.

9.7

0.6

1.4

2.8

3.3

3.1

4.2

3.6

7.1

22.8

1.6

12.4

0.3

6.6

0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0

Percentage

Ads

Association Comparisons

Auctions/Sales

Claiming

Comparison (Other Horses)

Costs

Supply and Demand

Horse Characteristics

Internet

Magazines

Meat Prices

Replacement Costs

U.S. Comparison

Word of Mouth

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE MARKET VALUE OF YOUR HORSE(S)?(n=1,064)

Graph 38. How Do You Determine the Market Value of Your Horse(s)?

Annual earnings over the past year from horse related activities

The last question in the economics section relates to annual income earned from horse related activities.

The first part relates to income earned and the second part relates to the source of the income, followed by

comments from respondents.

Earnings of the past year from horse related activities. The following graph indicates that the majority

of respondents (60.7%) earn anywhere from $1 to $5,000 from horse related activities. It should be noted

that 9.5% of the responding population reported earning over $40,001 (refer to Graph 39).


______________________________________________________________________________ 43

1.4

1.9

1.5

2.2

2.5

8.6

21.2

60.7

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0

Percentage

$1 to $5,000

$5,001 to $20,000

$20,001 to $40,000

$40,001 to $60,000

$60,0001 to $80,000

$80,001 to $100,000

$100,001 to $150,000

More than $250,000

APPROXIMATELY HOW MUCH DO YOU EARN OVER A YEAR FROM HORSE RELATED ACTIVITIES?

(n=1,289)

Graph 39. Approximately How Much Do You Earn Over a Year From Horse Related Activities?

How income was earned from horse related activities. The source of the stakeholders income earned

from horses was divided into eight categories as follows:

1. Boarding 5. PMU

2. Breeding Fees 6. Sales

3. Competitions 7. Training/coaching

4. Meat Production 8. Ranch/farm horses

Sales were reported most frequently by 48.1% of respondents while competitions were a close second at

46.2%. Training/coaching, boarding and breeding were a very close third (21.9%, 18.9% and 18.2%

respectively). The question allowed for respondents to identify more than one source of income from

horse related activities. The frequency of their choice(s) is illustrated in the following graph.


______________________________________________________________________________ 44

10.0

21.9

48.1

8.7

2.0

1.9

46.2

18.2

18.9

0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0

Percentage

Boarding

Breeding fees

Competitions

Meat production

PMU

Ranch/farm horses

Sales

Training/coaching

Other

HOW WAS INCOME EARNED?

(n=1,217)

Graph 40. How Was Income Earned?


______________________________________________________________________________ 45

The following table illustrates the cross-reference of earnings from horse related activities with the source

of income. This table once again allowed the respondents to identify more than one source of income,

thus the total figures compared to percentages.

CROSS REFERENCE INCOME EARNED AND SOURCE OF INCOME

(n=2,113) Percentage by Column (in bracket)

SOURCES

INCOME Boarding Breeding Fees

Competition Meat Production

PMU Ranch/ Farm

Sales Training/ Coaching

Other Total

$1 to $5,000

83

(36.7)

55

(25.5)

371 (66.6)

11

(47.8)

6

(25.0)

42

(40.4)

239

(41.4)

102 (38.5)

51

(42.6)

960

$5,001 to $20,000

60

(26.4)

70

(32.4)

98

(17.6)

4

(17.4)

0

28

(26.9)

187

(32.4)

72

(27.2)

27

(22.5)

546

$20,001 to $40,000

33

(14.5)

42

(19.4)

44 (8.0)

4

(17.4)

3

(12.5)

23

(22.1)

71

(12.3)

44

(16.6)

16

(13.3)

280

$40,001 to $60,000

13 (5.7)

12 (5.6)

14 (2.5)

0

1

(4.2)

1

(1.0)

22

(3.8)

15 (5.7)

9

(7.5)

87

$60,001 to $80,000

10 (4.4)

11 (5.1)

9

(1.6)

0

0

2

(1.9)

19

(3.3)

11 (4.2)

3

(2.5)

65

$80,001 to $100,000

10 (4.4)

10 (4.6)

8

(1.4)

1

(4.3)

3

(12.5)

2

(1.9)

12

(2.1)

7

(2.6)

4

(3.3)

57

$100,001 to $150,000

12 (5.3)

10 (4.6)

8

(1.4)

1

(4.3)

5

(20.8)

3

(2.9)

15

(2.6)

10 (3.8)

6

(5.0)

70

$150,001 to $250,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

More than $250,000

6

(2.6)

6

(2.8)

5

(0.9)

2

(8.8)

6

(25.0)

3

(2.9)

12

(2.1)

4

(1.5)

4

(3.3)

48

Total

227

(100)

216

(100)

557

(100)

23

(100)

24

(100)

104

(100)

577

(100)

265

(100)

120 (100)

2,113

Table 17. Cross Reference Income Earned and Source of Income


______________________________________________________________________________ 46

Horse owners were given the opportunity to provide information about methods they used to earn income

through horse related activities that were not predefined by the survey. Methods reported in the “Other”

category are represented in the following table:

“OTHER” HOW WAS INCOME EARNED? (Frequency of percentage of selection)

Racing (Purses and Prizes) 23.7 Selling horse related products 2.5 Clinics/Riding Lessons 9.3 Stablehand/groom 2.5 Farrier Services 8.5 Advertising 1.7 Outfitting 8.5 Braiding 1.7 Rides (Wagon, Sleigh, Hay) 4.2 Equine Art 1.7 Trail Rides 4.2 Horsewear Manufacturing 1.7 Facility Rental 3.4 Rodeo 1.7 Leasing of Horses 3.4 Tack Sales 1.7 Judging 2.5 Transporting 1.7 Veterinary Services 1.7

Table 18. “Other” How Was Income Earned?

Additional activities reported were:

Ø 4H

Ø Blanket Repairs

Ø Breeders Bonus

Ø Custom Ranch Work

Ø Equine Assistance Psychotherapy

Ø Equine Sports Massage Therapy

Ø Feed Sales

Ø Hay Production

Ø Officiating

Ø Incentives Fund

Ø Pack Horses

Ø Parades

Ø Penning

Ø Photography

Ø Pony Rides

Ø Ranch Vacations

Ø Show Carts

Ø Subscription Sales

Ø Therapy

Ø Tourism

Ø Web Design/Hosting

Ø Wheelrighting

Conclusions

The majority of stakeholders, both sport-recreational and business, reported that to purchase and maintain

their horse(s) required substantial amounts of time, energy and dollars.

The economic section of the survey indicates that the industry within Alberta, notwithstanding some areas

of concern, is a viable industry.


______________________________________________________________________________ 47

The largest group (47.3%) of respondents utilizes 11 to 80 acres of land for pasture use, with 36.2%

reported keeping up to 2 horses per acre. Even with the climate affecting hay crops and pasture land over

the past two years, 50.5% of respondents still reported that they utilize anywhere from 31 to 160 acres for

feed production. The majority of respondents (76.5%) indicated that they spent less than $25,000 on feed

related production equipment. The average dollars spent on feed related production equipment was

$24,443. Tractors and other such equipment were valued higher than feed related production equipment,

with the range between $500 and $800,000. Respondents spent an average of $26,058 on tractors and

other equipment.

The housing or facilities (barns/stables/corrals/pens) component evidences that the vast majority of

stakeholders have one barn and/or stable to house their horses and also utilize between one and three

corrals or pens in support of their activities.

The erection and maintenance of indoor and outdoor arenas can become a costly endeavour. Stakeholders

were asked to identify whether they utilized indoor and/or outdoor arenas with the majority (729

respondents) indicating that they use outdoor arenas and 192 responding that they maintain indoor arenas.

Of those responding to outdoor arenas 95.4% maintain one outdoor arena. Eighty-eight point one percent

of stakeholders utilizing indoor arenas have only one arena. Stakeholders indicated that they have a

current investment from $250 to $3,000,000 on facilities with the average cost of facilities being

$124,290.

Many other buildings are utilized in the horse industry ranging from shelters, sheds, shops, storage sheds,

Quonsets, pole barns, and garages to a “Clubhouse for Pony Clubs”.

Of the population surveyed, it was determined that the responding population owns approximately 14,742

horses, which is estimated to be about 5% of the Alberta horse population, with an average estimated

value per horse of $4,267. There is a wide diversity of ages and breeds of horses, which may account for

the dramatic range in prices of horses. Horse values were identified by owners anywhere from $500 to

one horse priced at $600,000.

The average stakeholder has an investment of approximately $10,824 on tack and equipment per horse,

once again suggesting the high cost of owning a horse. Stakeholders indicated their overall investment

ranged between $100 to $500,000 on tack and equipment.

The cost of equipment for transporting an animal has always been an expensive venture. The survey

sought to establish an average spent on transporting animals, including both the truck and trailers. Horse


______________________________________________________________________________ 48

owners indicated that they invest an average of $30,275 towards their truck; however, the range of trucks

varied from $500 to $210,000. Investments in trailers were valued (average) to be $14,178; again, a wide

range in values were indicated from $100 to $150,000.

Stakeholders also mentioned in the investment category that they utilize a wide variety of vehicles and

equipment (i.e., for people use such as travel trailers, motor homes, campers and vans, to use with horses

such as sleighs, carriages, wagons and carts, to equipment and machinery for farm work such as manure

spreaders, harrows, mowers, spray equipment, to bobcats). Other investments included sleighs, carriages,

wagons and carts, feed, feeders and shelters, fencing, moveable panels, breeding and breeding equipment,

troughs and water tanks, irrigation equipment, computers (hardware and software), cameras and farrier

tools.

Stakeholders were asked to identify their investment in the upkeep of their horse per year. The annual

cost of bedding was averaged at $460, annual cost of boarding was averaged at $2,830, annual cost of

farrier services was averaged at $628; annual cost of feed was averaged to be $882; annual grooming cost

was estimated to be $265; investment in shelters was averaged at $512; annual cost of show and entry

fees was estimated to be $476; annual cost of stable rental was averaged at $425; investment in stud fees

was averaged at $816; investment in tack and equipment was averaged at $468; annual cost of

training/horse training was averaged at $1,623; investment in transportation was averaged to be $774; and

the annual cost of veterinarian services when horses are maintained at the owner’s premises, were average

at $307. An estimated dollar amount for upkeep of one horse per year is estimated to be $3,522 using the

average dollars spent on: bedding, farrier services, feed, grooming, shelters, tack and equipment, and

veterinarian services.

When placing a value on their horse(s), stakeholders indicated that they preferred to do a comparison of

horses to determine value. Other factors included age, sex, breed, bloodlines, training, personality,

reliability, temperament, health, performance, competition record, money earned and compatibility of

horse to the buyer. Auctions and words of mouth were the second and third choices respectively.

While the purchase and maintenance of horses indicated above is perceived as an expensive endeavor,

stakeholders also reported their earnings from their horse related activities. The majority of respondents

(60.7%) reported that they earned $1 to $5,000, while 9.5% of respondents earned over $40,000.

Stakeholders also indicated that their main sources of horse related revenue came from eight categories

(frequency of selection) of which sales was the highest at 48.1%, followed by competitions (46.2%),

training/coaching (21.9%), boarding (8.9%) and breeding fees (18.2%). Ranch/farm horses, PMU and


______________________________________________________________________________ 49

meat production had the least number of people identifying their involvement (8.7%, 2.0% and 1.9%

respectively). Other sources of income cited, included:, racing purses and prizes, farrier services,

outfitting, clinics, wagon/sleigh/hay rides, riding lesson, trail rides, facility rentals, leasing of horses,

judging, selling horse related products, stablehand/groom/advertising, braiding, equine art, horsewear

manufacturing, rodeo, tack sales, transporting and veterinary services.

Employment

The “business” aspect of the horse industry, whether through breeding, PMU operations, meat production

operations, racing/showing, training/coaching, stablehands, etc. employed a wide diversity of individuals.

The following graph indicates that within Alberta, only 18% of horse owners employ other individuals.

EMPLOY PEOPLE TO DIRECTLY SUPPORT HORSE RELATED ACTIVITIES

(n=1,631)Yes18%

No82%

Graph 41. Employ People To Directly Support Horse Related Activities

Three hundred and ninety-one respondents stated that they hired employees, whether on a full-time, part-

time or occasional basis. Of that number not all identified the type of employees they hire. Of those that

did respond, it was reported that respondents employed on the average, 2.98 people for full-time

positions, 2.81 people for part-time positions and 1.83 people for the occasional work.

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT(n=391)

Part-time39.4%

Full-time22.2%

Occasional38.4%

Graph 42. Type Of Employment


______________________________________________________________________________ 50

When cross-referenced with the sport-recreational and the business owners it was observed that the

business sector of the horse industry hires approximately twice as many full-time and part-time

employees as that of the sport-recreational owner. There was very little difference between either the

sport/recreational owner and the business owner when hiring occasional help. Horse owners reported that

they hired a total of 387 full-time, part-time and occasional employees. The question allowed for

respondents to identify more than one source of employment. The frequency of their choice(s) is

illustrated in the following graph:

24

63 50

101

7376

Number of Employees

Full-time Part-time Occasional

EMPLOYEES HIRED BY SPORT-RECREATIONALOR BUSINESS(n=387)

Sport/recreational Business

Graph 43. Employees Hired By Sport-Recreational or Business

Marketing

Purchasing Preferences

Preferred methods and origins of horses purchased. Horse owners were asked to rank their purchasing

preferences on a scale of 1 to 10. Choices provided were from breeders, brokers/agents,

friends/acquaintances, auctions, claiming, newspapers/magazines, private contract, web site, Yellow

Pages, and other. The top five methods most preferred were breeders as number one,

friends/acquaintances as number two, newspapers as number three, website as number four, and private

contract as number five. Of those who chose to add additional comments, 40.3% reported that they bred

their own horses. Also, a number of owners reported relying on word of mouth as a means of acquiring

new horses. The following graph provides a comparison between purchasing preferences for business

and sport-recreational stakeholders.


______________________________________________________________________________ 51

METHODS OF PURCHASING HORSES(n=1,511)

(Frequency of Percentage by Selection)

72.3

73.8

76.3

76.4

78.5

77.5

76.3

76

78.4

81.9

27.7

26.2

23.7

23.6

21.5

22.5

23.7

24

21.6

18.1

Auctions

Breeders

Brokers/agents

Claiming

Friends/acquaintances

Newspapers/magazines

Private contract

Web-site

Yellow Pages

Other

Sport-recreational Business

Graph 44.. Methods Of Purchasing Horses

The survey asked owners to identify the origin of their equine stock that they have in their possession.

They reported that 7.8% (964 horses) came from outside the country, 7.9% (974 horses) came from

outside the province and the majority of horses purchased 84.3% (10,371 horses) were acquired within

Alberta.

10,371 (84.3%)

974 (7.9%)

964 (7.8%)

Within the province

Outside the province

Outside the country

ORIGIN OF HORSE(S)(n= 12,309 horses)

Graph 45. Origin of Horse(s)

The following table (Table 19) illustrates the relationship between the origins of equine stock with the

four stakeholder groups within the industry. The graph presents information from respondents in both

horizontal and vertical percentages allowing for an assessment across the three origins, namely: in

province, out of province and outside the country. It appears that the majority of respondents reported


______________________________________________________________________________ 52

their equine stock originated within Alberta demonstrating a strong demand for the Provincial market

which creates a direct impact on the quality and types of preferred breeds, with sport-recreational owners

being the largest group (66.1%). It should also be noted that in all four-stakeholder groups the majority of

activities are within the province. This has implications for the quality of breeding and the types of

preferred breeds within Alberta wherein there is some control over the breeding process i.e., choice of

mare and sire. Also, as the majority of horses are purchased by sport-recreational owners the cost of

purchasing horses within Alberta could be lower than outside of Alberta.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORIGINS OF EQUINE STOCK

AND STAKEHOLDER GROUPS

(n=2,120)

In Province

(%)

Outside the Province

(%)

Outside the Country

(%)

Total Percentage

Business operator 57.8 17.8 23.0 27.7 19.2 31.6 100% Sport-recreational owner 76.1 66.1 15.3 52.1 8.6 40.0 100% Professional 60.4 6.7 19.5 8.5 20.1 12.0 100% Industry related business person 60.8 9.4 19.4 11.7 19.8 16.4 100% Total 100% 100% 100%

Table 19. Relationship Between Origins of Equine Stock and Stakeholder Groups

Horses acquired in the past 12 months. Stakeholders were then asked, “How many horses did you

acquire in the past 12 months?” The majority of respondents reported that they had purchased either none

(46.4%) or 1 to 5 horses (48.2%) with the average number of horses purchased being 1.5. This would be

an indicator of the strong recreational ownership of horses. Of those owners who reported purchasing 6

to 10 horses, the average number purchased was 5.6 while those who purchased 11 to 20 horses acquired

an average of 13.5 horses.

0.20.50.21.13.4

48.246.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

Percentage

None 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 50 Morethan 50

HORSES ACQUIRED DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS(n=1,531)

Graph 46. Horses Acquired During The Past 12 Months


______________________________________________________________________________ 53

As noted in the following graph which cross-references the sport-recreational owner and business owner

relating to the number of horses acquired during the past 12 months. Of the 1,531 respondents, the

business sector is most prevalent when purchasing more than five horses; however, the sport-recreational

sector is the largest group when purchasing one to five horses.

83.5

16.5

71.5

28.536.5

63.5

37.5

62.5

0

100

25

75

33.3

66.7

None 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 50 More than50

Percentage within groups

NUMBER OF HORSES PURCHASED (CROSS-REFERENCE)(n=1,531)


Graph 47. Number Of Horses Purchased (Cross-Reference)

Average purchase price of horses purchased. Horse owners were asked to specify the dollars spent on

acquiring new horses over the past 12 months. The average purchase price was $3,902 with the largest

price paid being $55,000. Total dollars spent by 812 respondents was $3,168,033.

DISTRIBUTION OF AVERAGE PURCHASE PRICES

(n=812)

Price Range Percentage Purchased

$1,000 or less 20.2

$1,001 to $1,500 0

$1,501 to $2,000 8.4

$2,001 to $3,000 27.7

$3,001 to $5,000 24.2

$5,001 to $10,000 12.1

More than $10,000 7.4

Table 20. Distribution of Average Purchase Prices


______________________________________________________________________________ 54

New stock or replacement stock? The majority of purchases made by stakeholders was new stock

(74.8%) while 25.2% purchased replacement animals as indicated by the following chart.

MY PURCHASE WAS:(n=795)

Replacements25.2%

New Stock74.8%

Graph 48. My Purchase Was…

The following graph illustrates the cross-reference of sport-recreational owners and the business sector

relating to new stock or replacement stock. Approximately twice as many sport-recreational owners

responded as that of the business sector.

69.5

30.5

58.941.1

0

50

100

Percentage

New Stock Replacements

NEW STOCK OR REPLACEMENT STOCK (CROSS-REFERENCE)(n=786)


Graph 49. New Stock or Replacement Stock (Cross-Reference)

New stock purchases included primarily Quarter Horses (39.9%), Thoroughbreds (11.4%), Arabians

(6.2%) and Appaloosas (4.8%). Additional breeds purchased were Tennessee Walking Horses, Canadian

Warmbloods, Paints, Palominos, Percherons, Peruvian, Hanoverians, Morgans, Mules, Newfoundland

Ponies, Welsh Ponies, North American Curly, Oldenburgs, Trakehners, Westfalens, Connemara, Rocky

Mountain, Shetland Ponies, as well as an assortment of crossed breeds.


______________________________________________________________________________ 55

Purchases of replacement horses included Quarter Horses (38.5%), Thoroughbreds (14.0%), Arabians

(5.5%), Paints (7%), Appaloosas (4.5%), and Morgans (4.5%). Other breeds purchased for replacement

purposes were Pintos, Belgains, Canadian Sport, Canadian Warmbloods, Clydesdales, Hannoverians,

Hostieners, Paso Finos, Percherons, Welsh Ponies, Shires, Spanish Normans, Suffolk, and Tennessee

Walking Horses. Various cross-breeds were purchased 7.5% of the time.

Selling Preferences

Preferred methods of selling horses. Owners were asked to rank their selling preferences on a scale of 1

to 10. Choices included: auctions, broker/sales agent, claiming, newspapers/magazines, private contract,

to breeders, to friends/acquaintances, web-site, Yellow Pages, and other. The top five most frequently

selected methods of selling a horse, from the highest to the lowest, were: private as number one,

friends/acquaintances as number two, breeders as number three, auctions as number four, and

brokers/sales agents as number five. The following graph illustrates the cross-reference of sport-

recreational owner and the business sector relating to selling preferences of stakeholders.

METHODS OF SELLING HORSES (CROSS-REFERENCE)(n=1,294)

69.3

69.9

72.9

71.3

74.3

74.5

71

70.8

75.1

80

30.7

30.1

27.1

28.7

25.7

25.5

29

29.2

24.9

20

Auctions

Breeders

Brokers/sales agents

Claiming

Friends/acquaintances

Newsapers/magazines

Private contract

Web-site

Yellow Pages

Other

(Frequency of percentage by selection)


Graph 50. Methods of Selling Horses (Cross-Reference)


______________________________________________________________________________ 56

Of the breeders who chose to add additional comments, many used their trainers and farriers to make

potential sales contacts. Other methods included: selling directly to meat plants, on farm sales,

homemade signs in horse stores and on their property, and word of mouth. Several horse owners

commented that they did not sell their horse(s) but kept them until their horse(s) died.

Number of horses sold and reasons for disposing of horses. Stakeholders were asked how many horses

they sold over the past year. Six hundred ninety-eight respondents indicated, they sold a total 1,518

horses during the past year, while 33.6% of respondents indicating that they sold only one horse and

83.2% reported selling 6 or less horses. The following graph illustrates respondents’ responses.

2.95.4

8.5

4.93.9

6.6

12.9

21.3

33.6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Percentage

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 to 1011 to 20

21 to 150

NUMBER OF HORSES SOLD DURING PAST 12 MONTHS(n=686)

Graph 51. Number of Horses Sold During Past 12 Months


______________________________________________________________________________ 57

Stakeholders were asked to identify the reason(s) for disposing of horses. There was a wide diversity of

answers ranging from dissatisfaction with the horse, to drought, to divorce, to poor hay. The reasons

cited for disposing of horses by the 632 respondents are as follows:

REASON FOR DISPOSING OF HORSE(S) (n=632)

(Based on frequency reported) Dissatisfaction with horse (age, size, performance, health) 19.1 Bred to sell 12.0 Downsizing/reduce stock/phasing out 12.0 Business – Resale 9.8 Not enough feed 7.0 Needed money 6.6 Trained to sell 5.7 Drought 3.5 Injured 3.2 Not enough time 3.2 Claiming 3.0 Feed costs too expensive 2.8 Offered good price 2.5 Not needed 2.5 To upgrade to new breeds 2.1 Don’t sell them 1.7 Retiring 0.6 Acting as agent 0.5 Economic uncertainty 0.5 Cost Management 0.3 Divorce 0.3 Not enough land 0.3 Boarding too high 0.2 Needed a change 0.2 Poor Personal Health 0.2 Poor quality feed 0.2

Table 21. Reason For Disposing of Horse(s)

Destination of horses being sold. The study sought to determine the destination of horses sold, whether

within the province, outside the province but within Canada or outside the country. According to the 904

responses to this question, there were 3,913 horses sold which includes all three-destination areas. Six

hundred and three respondents reported selling 2,617 horses (66.9%) within the province of Alberta,

whereas 173 respondents sold 468 horses (11.9%) outside of the province but within Canada. One

hundred and twenty-eight respondents reported selling 828 horses (21.2%) outside of Canada. The

maximum number of horses sold by a single owner within Alberta was 120, with one owner reporting

selling 34 horses outside the province but within Canada. One respondent reported selling 260 horses

outside of Canada which was not included in the summary or in the following graph.


______________________________________________________________________________ 58

2,617 (66.9%)

468 (11.9%)

828 (21.2%)

Within the province

Outside the province

Outside the country

DESTINATION(S) OF SOLD HORSE(S)(n=3,913 horses)

Graph 52. Destination(s) of Sold Horse(s)

The following table (Table 21) illustrates the relationship between the four primary stakeholder groups

and the destination of horses in Alberta, outside the province or outside of the country, as reported by

respondents (not the number of horses). As with the origins of equine stock, respondents reported that the

largest group of equine stock was sold within Alberta with the sport-recreational owner selling the largest

group of horses. There was very little difference between the business operator and sport-recreational

owner (37.5% and 34.0% respectively) selling their equine stock outside of Alberta. The largest portion

of horses sold outside of Canada fell in the business operator group at 44.4%.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DESTINATIONS OF EQUINE STOCK

AND STAKEHOLDER GROUPS

(n=1,045)

In Province

(%)

Outside the Province

(%)

Outside the Country

(%)

Total Percentage

Business operator 58.1 27.5 22.6 37.5 19.3 44.4 100% Sport-recreational owner 75.1 48.6 15.0 34.0 9.9 31.3 100% Professional 60.2 9.7 26.5 15.0 13.3 10.4 100% Industry related business person 67.8 14.2 18.5 13.5 13.7 13.9 100% Total 100% 100% 100%

Table 22. Relationship Between Destination of Equine Stock and Stakeholder Groups

Average age of horses sold. Stakeholders were also asked to report the average age of the horse(s) they

sold during the past year in either months or years. Of the 83 who responded in months, the average age

was 10.6 months and of the 677 who responded in years, the average age was 9.5 years. Respondent

comments indicated that many horses are retained for the purpose of recreational and performance

purposes and only when the animal exceeds its’ “usefulness”, is it sold.


______________________________________________________________________________ 59

Average selling price and breed of horses sold. Stakeholders were further asked to report the average

selling price of the horses they sold. They were given the opportunity to report on the two primary

breeds, which were disposed of. Eight hundred and sixty respondents to this question reported selling

horses during the year. The average selling price of a horse was $3,756. One horse owner reported

selling a horse for $60,000, while another seller reported selling a horse for $135,000 (these two prices

were not included in determining the average selling price nor in the following table). Twenty-five point

five percent of horses sold were $1,000 or less while 65.2% of the horses sold for $3,000 or less (Table

23).

DISTRIBUTION OF AVERAGE SELLING PRICES (n=860)

Price Range Percentage Sold $1,000 or less 25.5 $1,001 to $1,500 10.4 $1,501 to $2,000 11.6 $2,001 to $3,000 17.7 $3,001 to $5,000 16.4 $5,001 to $10,000 11.8 More than $10,000 6.6 Total 100.0%

Table 23. Distribution of Average Selling Prices

The average value of a horse was $4,267 (p.30), which is slightly higher than the reported average selling

price. Animals which were used for breeding, show and racing would traditionally be valued higher than

sport-recreation animals. Horses used for sport-recreational purposes tend be sold more frequently and

would, in many cases according to respondents be a lower quality horse. This would account for the

lower dollars reported in actual sales as opposed to value estimates. To keep the “high value” animals

until disposed of or death could make this result. Seven hundred and eighty-one stakeholders responded

and based on frequency, the primary breeds sold were:


______________________________________________________________________________ 60

BREED OF HORSES SOLD

(n=781) (Frequency Percentage of Selection)

Breed % Breed % Quarter Horse 38.3 Donkeys .5 Crossbreeds/Grades 10.9 North American Curly .4 Thoroughbreds 9.6 Peruvian Paso .4 Arabians 6.9 Connemara .4 Paint 4.5 Shire .4 Morgan 4.4 Norwegian Fjords .3 Appaloosa 4.2 Appendix Quarterhorse .3 Warmbloods 3.3 American Walking Pony .1 Tennessee Walking Horse 2.1 Andalusian .1 Undefined 1.8 Anglo-Arab .1 Welsh 1.5 Azteca .1 Belgians 1.5 Dales .1 Percherons 1.4 Hesson .1 Hanoverian .9 Missouri Foxtrot .1 Mules .8 Palomino .1 Miniatures .8 Rocky Mountain .1 Clydesdale .8 Shetland .1 Pinto .8 Spanish Mustang .1 Saddlebred .5 Suffolk .1 Standardbred .5 Trakehner .1 Canadian Sport .5

Table 24. Breeds of Horses Sold

Average sale prices between 2001 and 2002. The survey asked stakeholders to provide a comparison of

average sale prices between 2001 and 2002. Although the cost of raising horses has increased, the

respondents to this question indicated that the selling prices of animals had either remained the same

(45.4%) or had declined (38.3%). Numerous respondents reported as much as a 40% decline in their

selling prices. In some cases the horses were sold for as little as $50. Sixteen point two percent of horse

owners believed that the average sale prices had increased by an average of 35.3%.

COMPARED TO 2001, THE AVERAGE SALES PRICE WAS:(n=665)

Higher16.2%

Same45.4%

Lower38.3%

Graph 53. Compared to 2001, the Average Sales Price Was


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As within any industry, it is imperative to research and select the best method of buying and selling any

product, with horses being no exception. Based on the frequency reported, the following table represents

owners preferred methods of selling a horse. The data analyzed is indicative of sport-recreation users,

who, based on statistics, do not operate large businesses.

METHOD OF SELLING HORSE(S) (n=1,262 – Frequency of Selection)

Word of mouth 30.0 Privately 23.3 Newspaper ads 14.9 Internet/Website 14.5 Auction 9.8 Through friends or acquaintances 7.4 Exposure at events 6.8 Magazine ads 6.7 Personal contacts 5.9 Agent 3.8 Reputation and previous customers 3.1 Claiming 3.0 Through trainer 2.8 Through breeders 1.7 Association contacts 1.6 Posters 1.1 Video distribution 0.9 To meat plant 0.5 Performance and bloodlines (Registered) 0.5 Radio 0.2

Table 25. Method of Selling Horse(s)

The following table illustrates a cross-reference between the method of purchasing and selling horses.

Conclusions

Alberta horse owners primarily purchase their horses from suppliers within Alberta and prefer to make

their purchases from breeders, friends/acquaintances and from individuals who place ads in newspapers

and magazines. Nearly 8% of the respondents reported going out of the province to acquire their animals

while 7.8% reported purchasing from suppliers outside of Canada. These individuals rely strongly on the

advice of other people who are directly involved in the industry in order to ensure that the horse(s) they

are purchasing are high quality and suitable for their needs. A substantial number of horse owners

(40.3%) stated that they preferred to breed their own horses. Forty-six point four percent of owners

reported not acquiring any new horses in the past year while 48.2% reported purchasing from 1 to 5

horses. The average purchase was 1.5 horses in the last year with an average cost of $3,902. As the


______________________________________________________________________________ 62

majority of horse industry activity within the province is related to sport-recreation, these results are to be

expected.

The total expenditure on new and replacement stock in the past year was $3,168,034 with 74.8% being

spent on new stock. The primary breeds purchased for new stock were, Quarter Horses (39.9%),

Thoroughbreds (11.4%), Arabians (6.2%) and Appaloosas (4.8%). Similar numbers were reported for

replacement stock: Quarter Horses (38.5%), Thoroughbreds (14.0%), Arabians (5.5%) and Appaloosas

(4.5%). Replacement stock also included Morgans (4.5%) and Paints (7%). A wide variety of other

breeds were also reported and documented in the marketing component of this report.

The primary method used for selling equine stock was reported as private while the secondary method

was from friends and acquaintances. Trainers and farriers were also used to develop potential sales

contracts. In addition auctions, broker/sales agents, claiming, private contact, to breeders, website and

Yellow Pages were other options. The question allowed respondents to rank options using a scale of 1 to

10 with 1 being the preferred choice.

The three key reasons for selling horses included dissatisfaction with the horse (19.1%), that the horse

was specifically bred to be sold (12.0%) and downsizing of the number of horses (12.0%). Reasons for

dissatisfaction with the animal were reported as age, size, performance and health. Other reasons were:

in the business (bred or trained to sell), required cash flow or offered a good price, not enough feed, feed

costs too high, poor quality feed, arid conditions, injured, not enough time to spend with the horse or not

needed, claiming, downsizing and culling stock, closing business, change of lifestyle (retiring, divorce,

poor health, needed a change), acting as agent, economic uncertainty and cost management.

The average age of a horse being sold was 10.6 months for younger horses and 9.5 years for older horses.

Horses in the 9.5-year range at the time of disposition directly relate to the strong sport-recreation

component. The business component of the horse industry is primarily focused on breeding and those

horses are sold at an average age of 10.6 months. The overall average sale price of a horse was calculated

as $3,756 with Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, crossbreeds/grades, and Arabians being the primary

breeds sold. This, as with horses being purchased, presents Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds as being

the breeds most popular in Alberta.

Sale prices of horses remained primarily the same (45.4%) when comparing 2001 to 2002 while 38.3% of

respondents reported having to lower their prices. Only 16.2% of owners reported as being able to

increase their prices. Owners determined the value of their stock through comparison to other horses on

the market. Factors used in comparisons were: age, sex, breed, bloodlines, training, personality,


______________________________________________________________________________ 63

reliability, temperament, health, performance, competition record, money earned, and compatibility of

horse and potential owner. Auctions and sales events were used as a reliable tool to evaluate the current

market status and as a tool in evaluating the price of a horse. It was noted that it would appear that the

industry does not have a proven method of determining the value of the horse, there is a clear indication

that three values are present, seller value, market value and buyer value, all of which produces a broad

basis of what is value. Ultimately, prevailing market forces do create a price, which may or may not be

acceptable to the buyer and seller.

The majority of respondents (84.3%) reported the origin of their overall equine stock was from within

Alberta. Less than 16% of the reported equine stock originated from outside the province and outside of

Canada.

The horses that were sold within Alberta comprised 66.9% of reported equine stock sold, while 21.2% of

stock was sold outside of Canada with the remainder, 11.9%, being sold outside of Alberta but within

Canada. A recent review of Quarter Horse sales statistics for 2001 and 2002 tends to emulate the survey

figures of the destination points for equine stock.

Tools used to market horses were, in order of preference, private contract, friends/acquaintances, to

breeders, auctions, and brokers/sales agents.

Horses that are deemed as unwanted or unusable in Alberta were disposed of to a meat plant (35.2%),

euthanized (25.7%), or sold at auction (22.8%). Seven point nine percent reported giving the animal to a

good home while 6.6% were kept until the end of their natural lives. Owners who reported keeping their

horses stated that euthanasia was an option only if the horse was injured or in poor health. Numerous

owners who reported methods other than the meat plant strongly stated that their animals were either

“pets” or “companions” and deserved to be disposed of with dignity. On a smaller scale, owners reported

sending their old horses to retirement facilities, rescue organizations and therapeutic riding facilities for

the disabled. Horses that could not be sent to these organizations because of temperament or poor health

were normally euthanized.

Breeding

A key aspect of the equine industry is its breeding practice, processes and management within different

sectors of the industry. Three questions were developed to investigate four topics: 1) were they breeders,

and if so, 2) did they have breeding stock, and 3) number of mares and stallions, and 4) types of horse(s)

used for breeding. To offer the widest possible understanding of what is happening related to breeding,


______________________________________________________________________________ 64

the results are presented to outline the industry results, sport-recreation, business operators, professionals

and industry related business people.

Breeders

Over one half of owners (863 or 54.8 %) reported, in this question, not being involved in breeding while

712 or 45.2% used their herds for reproductive purposes (Graph 54). Table 25 shows the relationship

between the four equine industry groups and whether stakeholders had a breeding herd. Of the 45.2% of

respondents who reported being a horse breeder 41.1% were sport-recreational stakeholders.

ARE YOU A HORSE BREEDER?(n=1,576)

Yes45.2%

No54.8%

Graph 54. Are You A Horse Breeder?

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EQUINE INDUSTRY AND HORSE BREEDERS (n=1,576)

Yes No Total Business Operator 78.0 31.8 22.0 7.4 100% Sport-recreational Owner 28.9 41.1 71.1 83.4 100% Professional 67.3 10.8 32.7 4.3 100% Industry Related Business Person 73.2 16.3 26.8 4.9 100% Total 100% 100%

Table 26. Relationship Between Equine Industry and Horse Breeders

Breeding Stock

Of the 54.8% who reported being a horse breeder, 44% of owners reported owning breeding stock as

reflected in Graph 55.


______________________________________________________________________________ 65

DO YOU HAVE A BREEDING HERD?(n=1,508)

Yes44.0%

No56.0%

Graph 55. Do You Have a Breeding Herd?

An analysis of the relationship between the equine industry and those stakeholders who have a breeding

herd is shown in the following table. Of the 44.0% who reported they had a breeding herd, the largest

group, 40.9%, are sport-recreation owners.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EQUINE INDUSTRY AND STAKEHOLDERS WHO HAVE A BREEDING HERD

Yes No Total Business Operator 76.0 32.7 24.0 8.2 100% Sport-recreational Owner 28.4 40.9 71.6 81.4 100% Professional 66.7 10.7 33.3 4.2 100% Industry Related Business Person 66.5 15.7 33.5 6.2 100% Total 100% 100%

Table 27. Relationship Between Equine Industry and Stakeholders Who Have a Breeding Herd

Mares and Stallions

The third part of the question related to the number of mares and stallions and who owns them.

Respondents reported owning 685 mares and 366 stallions for breeding purposes. Graph 56 illustrates the

distribution of responses.


______________________________________________________________________________ 66

57.5%

42.5% 44.8%

55.2%

Mares Stallions

MARES AND STALLIONS IN BREEDING HERD (n=693)

Sport-recreational

Business

Graph 56. Mares And Stallions In Breeding Herd

Type of Horse Used for Breeding

The fourth segment of the question relating to the breeding stock, sought to identify the breeds of horses

present. Two hundred and thirteen respondents (31%) indicated that they specialized in the breeding of

specific breeds. Based on frequency selected, the breeds reported are illustrated in the following table.

HORSES USED FOR BREEDING PURPOSES (n=213)

Breed Frequency Breed Frequency

Quarter Horse 38.3 Connemara 0.5 Thoroughbreds 18.6 Norwegian Fjords 0.5 Arabians 10.3 Oldenbergs 0.5 Paint 7.8 Canadian Stallion 0.4 Appaloosa 6.9 North American Curly 0.4 Crossbreeds/Grades 6.7 Ponies 0.4 Warmbloods 5.6 Rocky Mountain 0.4 Morgan 4.5 Standardbred 0.4 Tennessee Walking Horse 4.0 Westfalin 0.4 Percherons 3.1 Andalusian 0.2 Miniatures 2.7 Appendix Quarterhorse 0.2 Belgians 2.5 Bashkir Curlies 0.2 Canadian Sport Horse 2.0 Celle Francais 0.2 Welsh 2.0 Dales 0.2 Hanoverian 1.8 Draft 0.2 Donkeys 1.4 Haflinger 0.2 Peruvian Paso 1.4 Hackney 0.2 Pinto 1.3 Irish Draught 0.2 Trakehner 1.3 Kentucky Mountain 0.2 Clydesdale 0.9 Reinlander 0.2 Shire 0.9 Shetland 0.2 Saddlebred 0.7 Suffolk 0.2 Anglo-Arab 0.5

Table 28. Horses Used For Breeding Purposes


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Projected level of activity in the breeders business over the next three years. Of those that responded

“yes” to being a horse breeder, respondents were asked to elaborate on what they believe will be the level

of activity in their business over the next three years. Stakeholders expect that the breeding industry will

maintain the same volume of activity (35.7%) over time while 30.0% believed that the next three years

would show an increase. Twenty-one point eight percent anticipate that there would be a decrease in

activity while 12.5% were uncertain.

12.5

35.7

21.8

30.0

- 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0

Percentage

More activity

Less acitivity

About the same

Unsure

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE WILL BE THE LEVEL OF ACTIVITY IN YOUR BUSINESS OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS?

(n=743)

Graph 57. What Do You Believe Will be the Level of Activity in Your Business Over the Next Three Years?

Breeding Practices. Breeding practices are basically categorized into two distinct areas, 1) artificial

insemination, and 2) natural services. Artificial insemination practices included fresh semen, cooled

transported semen and frozen semen. Natural service included hand and pasture breeding.

The following graph illustrates the breakdown in methods of breeding mares. Natural services are used

by 75.7% of the respondents with artificial insemination used by 24.3% of the respondents.

PRIMARY METHOD OF BREEDING MARES(n=835)

Hand49.8%

Frozen Semen2.4%

Cooled Transported

Semen7.3%

Fresh Semen14.5%

Pasture25.9%

Graph 58. Primary Method of Breeding Mares


______________________________________________________________________________ 68

Natural Services

Hand breeding was used by 65.8% of stakeholders while only 34.2% relied on pasture breeding. Of

respondents who reported using hand breeding, 42.4% were sport-recreation owners and 30.6% were

business owners (Table 29). Forty-four point eight percent of sport-recreation owners used pasture

breeding while 33% of business owners utilize this process. The following graph depicts stakeholders’

responses.

NATURAL SERVICES(n=632)

Hand65.8%

Pasture34.2%

Graph 59. Natural Services

The following table provides an analysis of the relationship between equine industry groups and the type

of natural services used by stakeholders for breeding their mares. All four equine industry groups

reported their preference of hand breeding, compared to pasture breeding.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURAL METHODS AND EQUINE INDUSTRY GROUPS

(n=632)

Hand %

Pasture %

Total Percentage

Business Operator 64.3 30.6 35.7 33.0 100% Sport-recreational Owner 64.8 42.4 35.2 44.8 100% Professional 74.2 11.2 25.8 7.6 100% Industry Related Business Person 67.7 15.8 32.3 14.6 100% Total 100% 100%

Table 29. Relationship Between Natural Methods and Equine Industry Groups


______________________________________________________________________________ 69

Method of artificial insemination of breeding mares. Of those breeders who chose artificial

insemination as a means of breeding, the majority (60.1%) used fresh semen, 30.0% used cooled

transported semen, while only 9.9% used frozen semen. The following graph illustrates responses of

breeders.

TYPES OF SEMEN USED TO ARTIFICIALLY INSEMINATE MARES(n=203)

Frozen Semen9.9%

Fresh Semen60.1%

Cooled Transported Semen30.0%

Graph 60. Types of Semen Used To Artificially Inseminate Mares

An analysis of the relationship between artificial insemination methods and equine industry groups is

illustrated in the following table. The preferred choice of artificial insemination by all four equine

industry groups is that of fresh semen, with the second choice being cooled transported semen and thirdly,

frozen semen.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION METHODS AND EQUINE INDUSTRY GROUPS

(n=203)

Source of Artificial Semen Fresh Semen

% Cooled,

Transported Semen

%

Frozen Semen %

Total Percentage

Business Operator 59.1 32.2 30.3 33.3 10.6 36.8 100% Sport-recreational Owner 64.0 39.7 25.3 31.7 10.7 42.1 100% Professional 54.2 10.7 41.7 16.6 4.2 5.3 100% Industry Related Business Person 60.0 17.4 31.4 18.3 8.6 15.8 100% Total 100% 100% 100%

Table 30. Relationship Between Artificial Insemination Methods and Equine Industry Groups


______________________________________________________________________________ 70

Origin(s) of semen. Of the 331 respondents who responded to the question “Semen used to breed my

mares comes primarily from:” the majority (72.2%) reported acquiring semen from within the province,

with 14.5% reporting importing semen from outside the country and thirdly, 13.3% purchase the semen

from outside the province. The following graph shows the respondents responses.

14.5

13.3

72.2

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0

Percentage

Within theprovince

Outside theprovince

Outside thecountry

ORIGIN(S) OF SEMEN USED FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION(n=331)

Graph 61. Origin(s) of Semen Used For Artificial Insemination

The sourcing of quality semen is a question that all breeders are concerned with. The issue is usually

linked to improving the quality of the bloodline or to improving the quality of the foal(s) through sire

selection. Different breeders seek to meet their specific needs through sourcing semen from within the

local area as well as searching regionally or internationally. The following table illustrates the

relationship between origins of semen and breeders. The following table demonstrates that most of the

semen sought by the breeders originates from within the province suggesting that there is a general

satisfaction with the resident siring stock.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EQUINE INDUSTRY GROUPS AND ORIGINS OF SEMEN

(n=331)

Source of Artificial Semen In Province

% Out of

Province %

Out of Country %

Total %

Business Operator 71.8 12.7 15.5 100 Sport-recreational Owner 75.3 16.4 8.3 100 Professional 77.8 2.8 19.4 100 Industry Related Business Person 60.9 15.2 23.9 100

Table 31. Relationship Between Equine Industry Groups and Origins of Semen

According to some owners, the demand for high quality frozen semen from superior stallions is

demonstrated by the high price of semen in the world market. Furthermore, many of the best stallions are


______________________________________________________________________________ 71

competing or showing throughout the spring and summer breeding season, thus, the use of cryopreserved

semen allows for semen collection during the quieter winter months.

Chilled and/or fresh semen is being used extensively to inseminate mares; however, the transportation and

use of this highly perishable commodity requires extra management and costs to be successful.

The reliability of using frozen semen has been uncertain in the past, however, new techniques are making

this option more viable and cost efficient. This will allow for an increase and ease of importation of

specific bloodlines from sources other than within Alberta.

Disposition

The survey sought to determine the current practices for disposing of unwanted or unusable horses. The

results indicated that horses deemed as unwanted or unusable were disposed of to a meat processing plant

(35.2%), euthanized (25.7%), or sold at auction (22.8%). Seven point nine percent reported giving the

animal “to a good home”, while 6.6% were kept until the end of their natural lives. Owners who reported

keeping their horses stated that euthanasia was only an option if the horse was injured or in poor health.

Many horse owners reporting methods other than the meat plant strongly stated that their animals were

either “pets” or “companions” and deserved to be disposed of with dignity. On a smaller scale, owners

reported sending their old horses to retirement facilities, rescue organizations, and therapeutic riding

facilities for the disabled. Horses that could not be sent to these organizations because of temperament or

poor health were generally euthanized. Disposition methods are reported based on frequency in the

following table.

DISPOSITION OF UNWANTED HORSES (n=1,305)

Meat processing 35.2 Euthanasia 25.7 Auction 22.8 Give away to good home 7.9 Keep them till they die 6.6 Sell as pet 4.4 Turn them to pasture 3.4 Board at a retirement facility 2.5 Brokers/Agents 1.6 Donate to a rescue organization 1.5 Donate to therapeutic riding facility 1.4 Donate to charity 0.4 Put it up for Adoption 0.2

Table 32. Disposition Of Unwanted Horses


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Health Issues

Veterinarian issues. Comments by owners suggests that their knowledge about many health issues and

concerns ranged from well informed to minimal. They (horse owners) have placed a broad onus on the

“horse industry within Alberta” to be knowledgeable and educated regarding diseases, illnesses, injuries

and any vaccinations, drugs and/or relevant medical procedures and to make this information readily

available. Owners cited that they perceived that they are unlikely to hear or learn about industry related

events since most are not in the main stream of the industry, thus, they tend to rely on various medias,

associations and professionals for information. One key venue for information and assistance is the

veterinarian. To this end, respondents were asked if they had used the services of a veterinarian during

the past twelve months. The following graph illustrates that 89.3% of respondents used veterinarian

services.

HAVE YOU USED VETERINARIAN SERVICES IN THE PAST YEAR(n=1,612)

Yes89.3%

No10.7%

Graph 62. Have You Used Veterinarian Services In The Past Year?

Of this 89.3% of respondents indicating “yes” to using veterinarian services, the most frequent use of

veterinarian services was for routine health care (63.0%) for their horses, with the second frequent reason

cited as due to injury (35.6%) while the third most frequent reason for requiring service was pregnancy

testing (30.8%).


______________________________________________________________________________ 73

22.1

18.2

35.6

4.0

15.7

5.9

30.8

24.6

21.9

14.3

8.0

63.0Routine health care

Respiratory

Joint health problems

Breeding

Lameness

Pregnancy check

Infectious disease

Digestive (colic)

Sight problems

Injury

Pre-purchase exam

Other

VETERINARIAN SERVICES USED DURING THE PAST YEAR(n=1,436 - Frequency of percentage by selection)

Graph 63. Veterinarian Services Used During the Past Year

Respondents provided “other” reasons for utilizing veterinarian services as follows:

Ø Acupuncture

Ø Blood for DNA Registration

Ø Branding

Ø Castration

Ø Chiropractic Treatments

Ø Coggins International Health Certificate

Ø Dental

Ø Euthanasia

Ø Insurance Exam

Ø Massage Therapy

Ø Micro chipping

Ø Postmortem Examination

Ø Ultrasound

Ø Veterinarian Supplies

Specific illnesses that horse owners reported include: cancer, tumors, diabetes, dehydration and weight

loss, swollen sheath, swelling due to edema, torn muscles and lacerations, skin conditions, sinus infection,


______________________________________________________________________________ 74

hormonal problems, dental float, abscess, heart problems, anti-heat control shots and pills, deformed

epiglottis, bone chips in knee, stroke, entritice, liver ailment, hernia, prolapsed uterus, breach birth,

paralytic rhine, mastitis, herpes/shingles, Cushing disease, and porcupine quill removal.

Health related issues, problems or concerns facing the horse industry. Owning and maintaining a

healthy horse or herd may pose many problems and concerns to stakeholders. Respondents were asked to

describe their concerns or issues relating to the health of their horse(s). The majority of responses from

this opened-ended question dealt with diseases. Issues ranged from new diseases coming into the area

(West Nile Virus) to swamp fever. There were an overwhelming number of West Nile Virus comments,

as this seems to be the most significant concern known to be facing the horse industry in the near future.

Other disease and infection related comments ranged from Horse Cough, Equine Infectious Anemia, etc.

Vaccines were another major area of concern for horse owners. Comments ranged from the rising cost of

vaccinations, to the lack of proper administration of vaccines, to over-vaccination. The lack of awareness

(which alone was another well commented topic) of proper care techniques, showing sick horses, and

vaccination needs seemed to disturb the individuals who had formal education.

Relating to the lack of knowledge of owning a horse, there were many issues raised about proper shoeing

techniques, mistreatment, unhealthy environments for the horses and just common sense and proper

maintenance. An often-occurring topic was the over-riding of young horses, leading to additional

problems during the horse’s life.

Respondents observed that in addition to disease, vaccinations, climate change, pasture management and

general awareness of issues and solutions. Some respondents expressed that there was a serious concern

about breeding practices and the overall quality of horses being produced. It was perceived that there

appears to be few safeguards to ensure that adequate management of the breeding practices within the

industry are monitored or enforced. Therefore, there is a potential to compromise the quality of

individual breeds of horses.

Although most respondents had some type of concern or problem, there were a few that did have positive

comments. Respondents have mentioned that the horse industry should have a newsletter for health

related issues would be appreciated in an effort to keep everyone informed.


______________________________________________________________________________ 75

Feed and Pasture Management

Feed and supplements Feed and supplement use is important to the understanding of the care and

maintenance of a healthy horse. Owners were asked if they used feed supplements and what they used.

The results indicated that 78.6% of horse owners reported adding supplements to their feed. They

consistently reported that this was, in large part, due to poor weather conditions, a feed shortage and poor

quality in the hay and grain available. In an effort to ensure the good health of their animals, respondents

believed in the necessity of adding additional supplements to increase the quality of their feed. Ninety

point six percent reported using vitamins, minerals and proteins. Joint care was also an area within which

owners felt they needed to take a proactive stance. Performance enhancers were used by 11.2% of

owners.

DO YOU USE A SUPPLEMENT IN YOUR FEED?(n=1,596)

Yes78.6%

No21.4%

Graph 64. Do You Use A Supplement In Your Feed?

9.3

11.2

90.6

32.9

23.4Energy Supplement

Joint Care

Nutrition (vitamins, minerals, proteins)

Performance Enhancements

Other

SUPPLEMENTS USED:(n=1,254 - Frequency of Selection)

Graph 65. Supplement Used


______________________________________________________________________________ 76

Horse owners identified the following feed supplements used during that past year:

FEED SUPPLEMENTS (n=116)

Supplement Percentage Supplement Percentage Minerals 10.3 Blacks 1.0 Oil (Corn and Canola) 9.5 Bran 1.0 Herbal Supplements 8.6 Brood Wares 1.0 Flax 7.8 Calf Manna 1.0 Hoof Supplement 7.8 Carrots 1.0 Beet Pulp/Pellets 6.0 Challenger 1.0 Glucosamine 5.2 All Purpose Cubes 1.0 Base feed (oats, alfalfa cubes, grain)

10.4 Digestive Aid 0.9

Salt 4.3 Echinacea for Colds 0.9 Rice Bran 3.4 Equilic 0.9 Vitamins (B1, D, E) 3.4 Euqest 8:8 0.9 Weight Gain 3.4 Fatpak 100 0.9 Dynamite 2.6 Foal and Feed 0.9 Electrolytes 2.6 Garlic 0.9 Feed – Complete 2.6 Gelatin 0.9 Sweet Feed 2.6 Happy Trails 0.9 Frisky Foal 1.7 Hay 0.9 Horse Power 1.7 Probiotics 0.9 Elderly Equine Pellets 1.7 Respiratory 0.9 Treats 1.7 Seagreens 0.9 Winter Feed 1.7 Selenium 0.9 Protein 28% 1.0 Soya Meal Protein 0.9 Masters 20% 1.0

Table 33. Type of Supplement Used

Eighty-three point four percent of owners reported feeding commercial feed to their horses in addition to

range grazing and hay. Again, due to the unique year of poor weather conditions, owners expressed a

concern about the quantity and quality of grazing land and hay. This required them to purchase additional

feed to ensure the proper maintenance of their animals. Grain, sweet feed, complete pellets/cubes, and

forage pellets/cubes were the primary commercial feed purchased. Hay was likely used as a supplement

to the total diet because of the drought and pasture shortage.


______________________________________________________________________________ 77

DO YOU FEED A COMMERCIAL FEED TO YOUR HORSES BEYOND RANGE/PASTURE GRAZING OR HAY?

(n=1,576)

Yes83.4%

No16.6%

Graph 66. Do You Feed A Commercial Feed to Your Horses Beyond Range/Pasture Grazing or Hay?

In response to the poor weather conditions, specifically the drought, over the past few years, many horse

owners have been forced to purchase their feed, primarily grains, commercially as opposed to producing

it on their land. The following graph depicts commercial products purchased:

13.0

26.6

33.4

24.7

69.2

39.7Sweet feed

Grain

Pellets

Complete feed pellets/cubes

Forage pellets/cubes

Other

COMMERCIAL FEED PURCHASED(n=1,349 - Frequency of Selection)

Graph 67. Commercial Feed Purchased


______________________________________________________________________________ 78

Other commercial feed products respondents identified are in the following table:

OTHER COMMERCIAL FEED PRODUCTS (n=175)

Product Percentage Product Percentage Beet Pulp 30.3 Wheat 0.7 Oats 12.0 Nettle 0.7 Hay 10.3 Corn with Promolas 0.7 Alfalfa 9.7 Cider Vinegar 0.7 Flax 6.9 Glucosamine 0.6 Mineral 5.7 Masters 20% 0.6 Crunchies 4.6 Nutrena Life Design 0.6 Bran 4.0 Cubes 0.6 Oil 3.4 Vitamins 0.6 Senior Feed 2.3 Brewers Yeast 0.6 Grain 2.3 Satin Finish 0.6 Extruded Pellets 1.7 Barley 0.6 Treats 1.7 Apples 0.6 Friskey Foal 1.7 Step 4 UFA 0.6 Salt 1.1 Anapro and 32% Supplement 0.6 Soya Meal 1.1 Sho-Glo 0.6 Carrots 1.1 Herbs 0.6 Happy Trails 0.7 Martins 0.6 Molasses 0.7 Wet Brewers Mash 0.6

Table 34. Other Commercial Feed Products

Pasture Management

Due to the drought in certain areas of Alberta, many pastures must be rotated and pasture management

programs set in place (see Grazing). The majority of horse owners (90.3%) reported using pasture, range

or grazing as a feed source. The primary land used was property they owned or rented/leased land. An

extremely small number (1.7%) reported using public lands.

DO YOU PASTURE/RANGE/GRAZE YOUR HORSE(S) AS PART OF YOUR FEED SOURCE?

(n=1,605)

No9.7%

Yes90.3%

Graph 68. Do You Pasture/Range Graze Your Horse(s) As Part of Your Feed Source?


______________________________________________________________________________ 79

9.8

1.7

26.4

79.4My Property

Rented/leased

Public Lands

Other

THE GRAZING AREA WHICH I USE IS: (n=1,448 - Frequency of Selection))

Graph 69. The Grazing Area Which I Use Is…

Owners who reported using other arrangements for grazing, primarily boarded their horse(s) at another

location as documented in the following table:

OTHER ARRANGEMENTS FOR GRAZING (n=132)

% % Boarding 60.5 Ditches (on tether) 0.8 Family Property 12.4 Horse Club Property 0.8 Friends Property 10.1 Private Property 0.8 Neighbors Property 7.8 Ranch Property 0.8 Employers Property 3.1 Breeding Farm 0.8 Out of Province 1.6 Grazing Lease 0.8

Table 35. Other Arrangements For Grazing

The average grazing period ranges from a low of 1 week to a high of 52 weeks with an average of 30.7

weeks per year.

Public Land Use and Issues. The use of public land is a very controversial subject with many viewpoints

and is an emotional topic. Respondents (29.8%) when asked to comment on the use of public lands

frequently identified motorized vehicles (which includes ATVs, quads, bikes and snow mobiles) as the

single most detrimental force to the horse industry. All 179 respondents mentioned that horses and

motorized vehicles “do not mix”. Most respondents felt that there should be separate trails for each to

ensure the safety of horse and rider alike. Several respondents were apprehensive of legislation relating

to what is happening in the United States, and believe that Canada usually follows suit by closing trails,

as in the U.S. Many respondents observed that the Alberta equine industry is up against very vocal

groups, such as off-road and mountain biking. The concern is that the horse industry, because of the

fractured infrastructure, will not unite as one unit to voice its concerns. According to some respondents,

there appears to be a great need by the Alberta horse industry to become very proactive in its attempts to

have more trails opened and not to allow the government to close trails.


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The use of public lands, according to 60+ respondents (10.5%) advised that access to public lands is

becoming more and more difficult. Stakeholders mentioned that leaseholders believe that the leased land

is “exclusively theirs” by putting up padlocks, etc. As one stakeholder wrote, “Government lease lands

are unfair (regarding access and use) for taxpayers and benefit only a few. There seems to be a trend

towards more restrictions by the leaseholder, i.e., locked gates, barred entrance to some road allowances

even where the road allowances aren’t leased”. Leaseholders went further to say that the stakeholders are

irresponsible in their use of the property, i.e., leaving gates open and allowing livestock to wander off,

littering and polluting the leased land and not asking permission to travel on the leased land. One

leaseholder commented, “As a leaseholder, I encourage riders to use our grazing lands. However, we

continually have gates left open which complicates the management of our pastures and cow herd”.

Another leaseholder reported, “As a leaseholder, my concern is knowing who is on my land and do they

pose a problem, i.e., leaving gates open, scaring, running horses, polluting, leaving objects that can injure

horses, or people themselves”. Another observed that “some start accidental fires that become

uncontrollable”.

The issue of liability falls into the above category of leased lands, as 3.5% of the respondents reported

that their liability is becoming a great concern ranging from injury to damage from accidents. To the

owners and leaseholders these issues are growing and require attention.

Land Management. Pasture management, from a small acreage to a large-scale operation, takes time,

talent and monetary resources, which are not always readily available. The following comments are cited

to capture some of the sentiments, opinions and attitudes of the respondents. Some respondents have

implemented pasture management programs but advise that due to arid conditions the rotation of pasture

lands in adjacent fields is not able to sustain even a small herd for any length of time. One respondent

commented, “We have to have a good cover in each field as we need to catch the winter snows, so we

never overgraze if we can help it.” Another respondent observed that the total practice of pasture

management during the drought is minimized or impractical. While the average individual thinks of

drought as only moisture, the following comments typified the frustration experienced with the difficulty

of totally dry seasons, “Horses eat what the grasshoppers leave behind” and “…our pastures are

overgrazed. . . .”. Pasture land rotation is by far the most chosen of pasture management practices.

There is a conscious effort not to overgraze, over harrow, manage the maintenance of manure

removal/spreading/raking, fertilizing their pastures and taking active approaches to weed control. The

following table depicts responses by the 1,079 stakeholders responding to the question of pasture

management, ranging from the most frequent response to the least frequent response.


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PASTURE MANAGEMENT (Frequency of percentage by selection n=1,079)

# Respondents % Respondents Rotation 698 64.7 Harrowing 88 8.2 Manure (pick up piles, raking, break up piles) 47 4.4 Hay or grain (concerns, programs, supplemental feed) 47 4.4 Fertilizing 46 4.3 Don’t overgraze horses 34 3.2 Reseeding 29 2.7 Weed control 27 2.5 Pasture winter hay 25 2.3 Limit horses 24 2.2 Aerate 23 2.1 Spread manure 21 1.9 Hourly grazing 20 1.8 Mow grass 19 1.8 Do not pasture horses (boarded or kept penned) 17 1.6 Plow/leveling/drag pastures 16 1.5 Pray for rain 16 1.5 Alternate corrals 15 1.4 Graze horses with cows 11 1.0 Sacrifice area 11 1.0 Cross fence 9 .8 Free range 9 .8 Grass control (maintain 2” to 4”) 9 .8 Irrigation 8 .7 Electric fences 7 .6

Table 36. Pasture Management

Other comments where there were five or less responses were as follows:

Ø Disease control

Ø Composting

Ø Mole/gopher trapping/poisoning/control

Ø Strip grazing

Ø Do not pasture

Ø Snow fences


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Manure Waste Management. The disposal of horse manure is a question that touches on methods and

environmental impacts. Respondents were asked to describe how they dispose of manure. Nearly 70.0%

of the respondents offered comments. The methods they identified were as follows:

TYPE OF MANURE MANAGEMENT n= 1240

%

Spreading manure in fields (non designated) 38.1 Spreading manure in pastures 17.0 Composting for later spreading or reuse 16.6 Piling for latter recycling 8.2 Spreading manure in hay fields 6.1 Spreading manure in grain fields 3.8 Manure given away or used for gardens, flowerbeds, or trees 3.7 Shipping out manure 1.9 Manure sold to mushroom growers, greenhouses, nurseries, or as fertilizer 1.9 Manure to help reclaim land 1.1 Manure burnt off and possibly spread later .9 Other – another person’s responsibility .7 Total 100.0

Table 37. Type of Manure Management

Spreading manure in the fields Over 460 respondents commented that their practice was to

spread their horse manure into their fields. A few owners indicated that they also spread manure

onto their local neighbors fields. They further commented that they do harrow or plow under the

manure in order to increase soil fertility or soil conditions. In some cases, stock piled manure

was also spread in their fields after some period of decomposition.

Spreading manure in grain fields and hay fields A smaller number of respondents (46) reported

that they spread manure as a soil fertilizer supplement into their grain fields while 75 respondents

indicated that they spread manure in their hay fields. In both cases, they reported that they

worked the soil to ensure a blending.

Spreading in pastures Spreading manure in pastures appears to be common practice. Seventeen

percent indicated that they spread manure to decompose while about 10% of these people

indicated that they worked the manure into the soil or piled it to be spread at a later date. In a few

cases they noted that they attempt to do some form of composting prior to spreading. A number

of owners indicated that they actively spread their waste manure in pastures on a rotational basis.

Also, most harrowed their field to assist in decomposition.


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Stock piling for later recycling Stock piling of manure was reported by 8.2% or 100

respondents. They consistently indicated that they are recycling the manure to be spread in their

fields in spring or fall. They consistently reported that they were piling manure away from water

sources to avoid contamination.

Composting of manure A significant number (16.6%) of horse owners reported actively

composting their manure for later use. They reported the process could be as short as six months

or as long as five years. A small number indicated that the composted product was to be sold;

however, most often the composted waste was spread in their fields.

Manure used for gardens, flower bed and trees Some respondents (45.0%) indicated that they

used their manure for fertilizer in their own gardens, flower beds and trees. The data indicated

that these owners usually had only one to three horses. There was no indication if they had

composted this waste material. A small number reported giving away some manure to other local

people for their use.

Manure burnt off A small number (11.0 or 0.9%) indicated that they generally burnt off their

manure as a disposal method. It was noted that most of these respondents also indicated owning

one to three horses. Some noted that they spread their by-product in the fields or gardens.

Shipping out of waste manure One point nine percent of owners indicated that they contracted

waste removal companies to remove their manure on a periodic basis. Some of these people were

riding stables, corrals, small farms or acreages.

Manure sold to others One point nine percent of owners indicated that they sold their horse

manure to nurseries, tree farms, greenhouses and mushroom growers. While not a wide spread

practice, it does offer a disposal method as well as a cost recovery process.

Reclamation A small number of respondents (14.0%) indicated that they disposed of their

manure by using it to fill-in low areas or reclaim specific areas of their property. In some cases

they indicated that they mix in straw or hay to supplement the manure for added bulk.

Other means of disposal A few respondents indicated a concern about the disposal of the manure

but considered it as “some other persons responsibility” as they were boarding their horse on a

farm or stable or have agreements to dispose of it in local gravel pits or dumps.


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The issue of manure waste management confronts all horse owners. However, the results indicate that a

waste management process ranges from spreading raw manure on the fields to composting and resale.

Notwithstanding the differences between commercial and non-commercial settings, there are a number of

important environmental issues present such a number of respondents reporting that they disposed of

waste manure into local pits or dumps, or dumping into land reclamation sites. In some cases, they

reported that this was a requirement of the local municipality/county; in other cases, it is an attempt to

reclaim/restore land sites. It appears that the waste products disposed of at the latter locations are in a raw

state, thus a potential for interaction with other waste products or diseases. Is there a potential and

opportunity for the individuals and industry to do a lot better?

Where stock piling of manure waste was cited as a common practice, owners generally indicated that their

process was sensitive to water and other environmental issues. Observations and comments suggest that

commercial or large ranch/farm operations are likely to be large producers of manure waste and that they

need to be vigilant and continue to examine their methods to ensure sound environmental practices are

practiced.

Bedding. Bedding is a key item in the maintenance of equine stock. The survey sought to assess if

owners purchased bedding and if so, what type. Over one-half (55.6%) of horse owners reported

purchasing one or more types of bedding for their horses. Of those who did respond, 66.0% purchased

straw while 59.3% preferred using shavings or sawdust. Respondents who reported “other” bedding

identified straw, peat moss, shaving/sawdust, or shredded paper as well as home-grown straw (not

purchased), woody peat, wheat straw, wood chips, and sawdust pellets. The statistics are reported in the

following two graphs.

DO YOU NORMALLY BUY BEDDING FOR YOUR HORSE(S)?(n=1,592)

No44.4%

Yes55.6%

Graph 70. Do You Normally Buy Bedding For Your Horse(s)?


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2.4

0.0

59.3

1.2

66.0Straw

Peat Moss

Shaving/saw dust

Shredded paper

Other

TYPE OF BEDDING USED(n=940)

(Percentage Frequency by Selection)

Graph 71. Type of Bedding Used

Water. The issue of water availability is a critical issue within the province. Respondents were asked if

they were experiencing a water shortage and if so, when during the course of the year. The majority of

respondents reported that they were not experiencing a water shortage, however, when given the

opportunity to comment through an open-ended question (see environment issues), respondents did report

that water shortage was a problem. It might also be noted that people who have a dedicated pasture and

water supply or those who board their horses where water and feed are supplied to them may not perceive

that there is a water shortage, thus the large “No” response. The majority of respondents (71.8%) to the

direct question of water shortage reported that they were not experiencing a water shortage, while 28.2%

were experiencing a water shortage. Summer was the season which most owners had difficulty, with fall

being reported as the second highest season of concern as indicated in the following charts (respondents

could select more than one season).

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING A WATER SHORTAGE?(n=1,583)

Yes28.2%

No71.8%

Graph 72. Are You Experiencing A Water Shortage?


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45.8

62.0

85.2

52.3

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

SEASON WATER SHORTAGE REPORTED(n=426)

Percentage Frequency of Selection

Graph 73. Season Water Shortage Reported

Conclusions

Pasture management and all that it entails, is an ongoing concern for the majority of respondents. The

issues of management includes such areas as feed, pasture usage, public lands, grazing lands, manure

waste management, bedding and water.

A large majority of respondents reported using supplemental feeds with the majority of this supplement

being nutrition, such as vitamins, minerals and/or proteins. Other supplements utilized are energy

supplements, joint care supplements and performance enhancements. Again, the majority of horse

owners indicated that they do purchase and feed a commercial feed to their horses. The commercial feed

could be: sweet feed, grain, pellets, complete feed pellets/cubes, forage pellets/cubes, with the largest

group reporting that they purchase grain for their horses. There were numerous “other” responses where

beet pulp was most frequently cited.

Due to changing climate conditions in Alberta over the past two to three years, horse owners concerns

over the quality and quantity of feed was very apparent. Throughout this study, horse owners have

identified the drought as the cause for exorbitant prices for hay and escalating prices for feed

supplements.

Relating to the feed issue, horse owners have indicated that the vast majority of them utilize pastures,

ranges or grazing as a feed source. Primarily they used property they owned or rented/leased land. Many

indicated that they board their horses and did not have pastures, range land or grazing fields of their own.


______________________________________________________________________________ 87

The issue of public land use was an issue with the responding horse owners observing ATV’s as the

specific concern. They indicated that horses and motorized vehicles “do not mix” and that some

compromise must be met, i.e., separate trails for each. Many horse owners commented that there is more

intervention with the government on behalf of the ATV sector than with the horse industry and that the

number of riding trails once assigned to the horse industry is diminishing. Leaseholders were also

mentioned as another concern, wherein some horse owners condemned leaseholders for locking them out.

Leaseholders on the other hand, described riders as irresponsible individuals who take no responsibility

for their actions, such as leaving gates open which make it very hard to manage a herd, whether cattle,

horses, sheep, etc. Leaseholders spoke often of the liability they face by allowing riders onto their land.

Several respondents, who were also leaseholders, reported that several fires had been caused by riders

thus, a serious concern. Various respondents are very concerned about liability issues and potential legal

liability action(s) which may arise from accidents, negligence, etc.

Pasture management programs were deemed to be important by those who already have a program in

effect as well as those who are aware that such a program needs to be implemented. Again, the arid

conditions over the past two to three years has hindered many individuals in implementing and

maintaining a pasture management program. Of those who have implemented a pasture management

program, rotation seems to be the most popular management technique. Individuals are aware of the

importance of a manure management program, the need to not overgraze and the value of taking proactive

measures against weeds.

The management of waste manure elicited a great number or responses. Methods used by the majority of

respondents included: spreading manure in fields (non designated), spreading manure in grain fields,

spreading manure in hay fields, spreading manure in pastures, piling for later recycling, shipping out

manure, composting or later spreading or reuse, manure given away for use in flower beds, gardens,

manure burnt off, manure sold to mushroom growers, greenhouses, nurseries or as fertilizer or manure to

help reclaim land. While manure is dealt with differently by individuals, the majority agreed that the

environmental concerns relating to waste manure was a concern, especially with large scale operations,

who must continue to be vigilant in their efforts to ensure sound environmental practices. Parts of Alberta

have a very high concentration of fecal chloroform in ground water, some of which may be attributed to

the livestock industry and related commercial operations. There are a number of pilot projects reported in

other sources, dealing with ways and means of handling this problem.


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A very slight majority of horse owners purchase bedding for their horses. Of those who purchased

bedding, straw appears to be the number one choice, with shavings/sawdust second. Only 1.2% of the

respondents indicated using peat moss.

Water, probably the most significant factor in this survey relating to feed, pasture management and health

of the horse, has been addressed by many throughout this survey, evidencing that there is a water

shortage. However, when asked directly whether or not they thought there was a water shortage, 71.8%

reported that they did not think so. This contradiction may be because respondents have enough water to

sustain their horses but not enough for effective pastureland maintenance and crop development. The

summer months appear to be the heaviest affected months of the year.

Environmental Issues

Environmental issues are becoming more and more the norm for environmental groups and individuals.

Many stakeholders have taken it upon themselves to develop and maintain some type of program to

protect their horses and the environment. Using an open-ended question, participants were asked to

elaborate on what they perceived the environmental issues to be in the horse industry. The following

table highlights the themes identified.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND CONCERNS (Frequency of percentage by selection, n=1,009)

# Respondents % Respondents Drought (lack of moisture, land erosion) 279 27.6 Water (quality/quantity of water, contamination) 200 19.8 Feed (availability, quality and growth) 131 12.9 Pasture management 128 12.7 Pollution 108 10.7 Open public land access 33 3.3 ATV, bikers, hikers, quads 32 3.2 Urban users 29 2.9 Health conditions 28 2.8 Oil industry 18 1.8 Access to public facilities/land 11 1.1 Greenhouse effect 6 .6 Breeding 4 .4 Migration of wild fowl 2 .2 1,009 100.0

Table 38. Environmental Issues and Concerns

The most often remarked-upon issue, as reported previously, was that of water and/or drought [this

portion of the question has been broken down into two components as respondents listed drought and

water as two different issues, i.e., lack of water vs. water quality]. Respondents reported that arid


______________________________________________________________________________ 89

conditions and water availability issues are an ever-growing concern, not only because of the shortage of

good clean quality water, but through the lack of moisture to produce hay, grain crops and natural and/or

seeded grasses. It should be noted that 15 respondents mentioned drought and in the same context, the

extent of damage dust was causing their horses. Health related issues such as intestinal problems and

coughing were cited as two of the most problematic areas due to arid conditions and polluted water.

Moisture also has a huge impact on feed. Without the moisture, hay crops are poor, cereal and forage

crops are poor, pastureland is becoming non-existent and to rent/lease or purchase pastureland is

becoming too costly and difficult. Of the 131 respondents reporting that feed was an issue, 28 mentioned

that they had to supplement the feeding regime as hay was in short demand or not available at all. They

also observed that they could not afford to purchase hay, and that pastureland and/or grass lands did not

have enough grass to sustain their herd through the fall and winter months. Many respondents

commented that they had to supplement their feed with grain or a feed supplement of one kind or the

other.

Respondents also indicated that the quality of pastureland was important but was not being addressed by a

number of horse owners who do not utilize appropriate manure control methods, thus, are unable to

control weeds. Fifty-three of the 128 respondents who mentioned pasture land as an environmental

concern addressed the issue of manure (disposal, composting and pollution). Of these 53 respondents, 28

felt that a total pasture maintenance program should be implemented throughout Alberta, possibly under

the jurisdiction of Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. It should address such issues as

overgrazing, overstocking, weed control, rotation, fertilization, harrowing and a general educational

program that would apply to small herds, business operations, and breeders. Many respondents cited

overgrazing and overstocking on small acreages as another issue. In order to sustain existing

pasturelands, horse owners, boarders, and breeders will have to take the initiative to implement and

maintain strong pasture management practices.

The issues and concerns of horse owners within this survey are similar throughout the entire province.

The vast majority of respondents reported that more attention should be paid to environmental issues

ranging from how to maintain a herd through drought conditions, to pasture management, to feed related

problems (i.e., lack of feed, poor quality of feed, cost of feed), to diseases and pollution.


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Taxation

Many horse owners within Alberta utilize their herd in a business capacity while others who are not

business operators are simply looking for a tax break related to their on-going costs.

Respondents were asked whether or not they filed income tax returns on their horse related activities. The

majority (53.3%) responded “no”.

DO YOU NORMALLY FILE A TAX RETURNON YOUR HORSE RELATED ACTIVITIES?

(n=647)

46.7%

53.3%

Yes No

Graph 74. Do You Normally File a Tax Return on Your Horse Related Activities?

Respondents were asked if they had experienced any tax issues or problems related to their horse

activities, such as claiming horses as a business. The following graph illustrates that the majority of horse

owners (88.3%) do not have any tax issues or problems, with 11.7% indicating that they have experienced

tax related issues or problems.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ANY TAX ISSUES OR PROBLEMS RELATED TO YOUR HORSE ACTIVITIES

(n=1,341)

No88.3%

Yes11.7%

Graph 75. Are You Experiencing Any Tax Issues or Problems Related to Your Horse Activities


______________________________________________________________________________ 91

When these results were referenced to the type of horse owners (business or sport-recreation owner), it

was found there was very little difference between a business owner (6.3%) or a sport-recreation owner

(5.4%) when they advised “yes” to having tax related problems.

Those respondents who answered “yes” commented that their tax issues or problems were related to the

following (number of respondents shown in ()):

⇒ Limited allowable expense and write-offs (62)

⇒ Subject to minimum requirements by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, considered small

farm, not a business (44)

⇒ Horse vs. Cattle (i.e., no horse incentives while cattle owners receive incentives, horse products

more expensive than cattle products) (14)

⇒ Not considered as agriculture, i.e., compensation, hay, fuel taxes (7)

⇒ Being audited regarding large ticket items and/or expenses (6)

⇒ Horse industry becoming a bad investment (investment write-offs) (5)

⇒ Lack of educated accountants, need for education on tax issues (4)

⇒ Financing (1)

⇒ Tourism (re: trail rides) (1)

On tax related issues or problems, there is very little difference between sport-recreation owners and

business owners when compared with the issue of filing a tax return. Of the 1,793 survey respondents,

647 (36.1%) respondents indicated that they filed a tax return on their horse related activities. Of those

that filed, 53.8% of these are sport-recreation owners while 46.2% were business owners. The low

number of respondents who file a tax return may be due to the fact that the majority of owners own and

use their horses for sport-recreational purposes, thus, feel no need to file a tax return. It may also be due

to the fact that horse owners receive very few tax incentives/deductions from the government, therefore

no need for a return.


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Industry Trends

The past year. Environmental and economical issues directly impacted the trends over the last year.

Respondents believe arid conditions have created downward pressure on the market value of horses.

There has been an ever-increasing trend for the cost of feed and a concern about the availability of feed.

Horse owners are using more feed supplements because of the feed shortages and costs.

All the results indicate that the arid climate condition has affected the price of recreational horses. There

has been a drop in the price of horses sold due to the increased supply of horses in the marketplace as

many owners continue to cull their herds. There is a large spread in the prices between horses. The

quality horses still maintain value and perhaps prices are even escalating. Well broke, well-bred horses

continue to hold their value. There is less disposable income being spent on lessons and boarding.

People are considering the cost of training and breeding versus the cost of upkeep. Even the value of

slaughtered horses is down. People continue to sell to meat processors to reduce stock numbers. High

cost of maintenance and lack of feed is causing people not to buy as many horses for pleasure purposes.

Of great concern is the availability of public lands as demand for recreational riding continues to expand.

Horse owners are aware of industry changes. There has been an increase in the number of people

involved with performance horses. Team penning, reining and cutting horse activities are on the rise.

There seems to be a subtle increase in popularity of horse related activities for very specific events.

Special events such as racing and showing appear to be drawing a broader and perhaps more sophisticated

audience than other events such as a rodeo or reining. There is a belief that a stronger emphasis should be

placed on promotion of the industry to the next generation to ensure that the ongoing need for

experienced, knowledgeable and interested horse owners is sustained.

Higher purses are encouraging a revitalization of the racing industry. According to respondents, in the

past Thoroughbred horse racing has deteriorated at an accelerated rate in Alberta, although it has

continued to improve on the east coast. There are a number of new initiatives by Horse Racing Alberta.

If new racing facilities are built, focus more effectively upon increasing the racing industry profile and

business opportunities to grow the racing industry. People continue to invest in Thoroughbreds as this

breed continues to maintain a strong resale value and popularity for its performance, as well as the

opportunity to earn significant revenue from racing and breeding. Unfortunately, the response rate may

not represent the overall population of Standardbreds in Alberta.


______________________________________________________________________________ 93

There is a heightened public awareness of infectious diseases. More horse owners are administering

vaccines, shots, etc. The West Nile virus is currently the highest and most formidable as well as most

cited health concern.

More specialized health services and products are now available with alternative type medicines such as

horse chiropractic, horse massage and horse psychoanalysis being used for the care of horses. This

strongly indicates a general concern and awareness for the well being of today’s horse.

The past five years. Horse owners were asked through an open-ended question, to provide their thoughts,

views, attitudes and opinions on what they believed were industry related trends over the past five years.

The following theme areas emerged from the various comments:

Environmental Issues

Many respondents reported that difficulties within the equine industry over the last five years were

directly linked to environmental shortfalls such as arid conditions.

Demographics

Information derived from comments by respondents showed that individuals in the 40+ age group are

becoming involved with horses for the first time. Many of these individuals reported having little or no

background and/or experience. Comments were also made that there is an increased involvement in the

industry by baby boomers and women.

Further comments reported a trend towards more youth involvement in 4-H and other related programs

while seniors were more interested in pursuing reining and cattle related sports.

Industry Promotion

A large number of respondents stated that there is a growing and concerted demand from stakeholders for

government assistance. This includes increased research both in medical and supplemental feed areas.

There is also a need for greater recognition of associations within the province

There is an increased demand that the equine industry be recognized and provided with the same

concessions which are afforded to the cattle industry. A number of comments were made that horses

should be defined as “livestock”. According to Alberta Horse Industry Section horses are within the

definition of “livestock”.


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Marketing

Numerous comments were made that promotion of the equine industry to the public, the government, and

between breed associations has been minimal and of poor quality.

As echoed by more than one stakeholder, more horses are being sold in the US as opposed to Canada.

More promotion of Canadian horses should be directed at the United States and Europe, as there is strong

potential for growth.

Breeding

The following quotes related to breeding in Alberta are documented as follows:

Ø “Good horses always sell well”

Ø “We are raising a better breed of horse”

Ø “This is a competitive industry with excellent quality of horses to choose from”

Ø “Better sport horses are being bred in Alberta; taller horses are being produced with a

direction to sport horses”

Ø “Horses with better bloodlines are becoming more popular”

Ø “Money spent on the whole industry is increasing”

Ø “There is an increased interest in the horse industry; however, higher input costs have

caused some producers to leave the industry”

Ø “More acreage owners getting into the horse industry for recreational purposes”

Events

It was reported on numerous occasions that there is an increased interest in high-level competitions such

as Dressage, jumping, etc. There is also more interest being expressed in specialty events such as cattle

penning, reining and working cow horse events, and rodeos. Driving is seeing a revival especially among

the older people who have had to give up riding.


______________________________________________________________________________ 95

The need for high quality horses for utilization in a variety of events and competitions has risen

dramatically. There appears to be a greater interest in recreational riding versus show riding.

Respondents reported an increased number of inquiries from buyers interested in purchasing

mules/donkeys for work purposes. Endurance and trail riding are becoming a highly rated and popular

sport and pressure is being applied to preserve wilderness trails for recreational riding.

Facilities

Many comments were provided that there is a high demand for boarding services; however, not enough

facilities are available. Good quality boarding stables with responsible dependable owner/managers are

hard to find.

Professional Services

Holistic medicines are used and required for the general populous of today’s horses and veterinarians are

meeting this need by becoming more open minded to new techniques and methodologies, as reported by a

variety of respondents.

Several respondents reported that there is more emphasis being placed on gentler training methods

through the pursuit of more knowledge. There is also an increased focus on holistic forms of training and

care.

Future Outlook. What does the future hold? Stakeholders were asked to gaze into their crystal ball and

1,196 comments were provided about the future of their horse industry within Alberta. Although the

comments were varied and wide ranging, the overall view is that the outlook for the future of the horse

industry is positive, although guarded and qualified by the premise that the industry is heavily reliant on

many factors including environmental influences over which they have little control nor can they be

reliably predicted.

Respondents indicated that there is optimism for the horse industry to expand; however, reduced value of

horses and increased costs of horse related paraphernalia and upkeep is slowing the growth of the market.

The results and comments point to an increase within the sport/recreation part of the industry of people

who are now retiring and have disposable income. These individuals have realized the importance of

leisure and recreational times.


______________________________________________________________________________ 96

According to respondents the arid conditions have led to a large number of horses being disposed of or

slaughtered. They further observed that this may be a positive event in that there could be a reduction in

the number of low quality horses. If arid conditions continue to occur over a prolonged length of time,

overall growth in the industry will be unattainable. The climate will continue to be a factor as to whether

or not a sport-recreation or pleasure horses will be kept or not.

A general outlook to the future is that a regulated and monitored breeding program would benefit the

industry. One respondent stated, “Excellence promotes selection”. There were many concerns raised

about the future outlook of the industry in relation to PMU operations. A number of respondents reported

that they are concerned and perceived that there is an overproduction as well as poor breeding and

management programs resulting in a lower quality of horses. They linked this issue to some breeders and

business operations including the PMU industry. Respondents focused on and perceived that PMU

operators are flooding the equine market with horses that will inevitably end up in the meat plant. This,

they suggested, may reduce the sale prices of horses as well as elicit concerns about “humanitarian”

issues. However, further discussion suggested that this may not be the case as many PMU operators do

safeguard the quality of stock. If this is indeed the case, then the PMU operators, other operators, as well

as the horse industry, need to do a better job of educating the public and horse owners.

If arid conditions persist, respondents indicated that there might be a substantial reduction in the number

and quality of pleasure horses. The issue of costs will encourage the continued marketing of animals for

reduced prices. The selling price of foals and average quality horses will remain low while the market for

specialized and well bred and trained horses will increase. Conversely, this situation may also elicit more

interest in sales and ownership.

Comments were repeatedly echoed that tax concessions are needed from the government. If horses were

recognized as the agricultural product they are, “livestock”, benefits received through tax concessions and

subsidizations would provide a more promising future.

Publicity and information is the process creating awareness and mental images within people about the

essence of the industry. There are a number of local and international magazines, papers and publications

conveying information to many stakeholders. Yet to the general public, it is usually limited and

perceived, according to some respondents, as negative and is beginning to create an awareness of the

plight of horses and owners to the general public. In the future, the stakeholders within the industry need

to provide leadership and mechanisms to develop alternate marketing strategies to reach the various

publics.


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Due to the decreased sale price of recreational horses, urban residents now have the opportunity to own

horses. In order to maintain this market, a stronger emphasis must be placed on both breed quality and

better access to recreational riding areas. There may be a need to come to an accord between the horse

industry, owners and perhaps the government with leaseholders, land owners and/or public areas to create

an increased accessibility to riding recreational areas.

The horse industry is well established and has many strong points; however, maintenance and upkeep

costs are limiting or excluding some owners and participants from pursuing their interests fully.

Respondents perceived that more owners should become more involved through education and active

participation in order to assist in the growth of the horse industry. Respondents urged the industry to

search for more efficient and effective training methods and programs.

Key issues, problems or concerns facing the horse industry

Horse owners, through an open-ended question, addressed key-issues, problems and concerns facing the

horse industry. Primary concerns expressed were:

Ø Animal rights groups

Ø Poor breeding management

Ø Higher incidents of disease

Ø Dishonest vendors

Ø Increased cost and shortage of feed

Ø Increased cost of board

Ø Increased cost of insurance

Ø Increased cost of utilities

Ø Increased cost of veterinary services and medications

Ø Lack of industry support

Ø Lack of government support

Ø Excessive importing and exporting of horses and horse related products

Ø Lack of owner and buyer experience and education

Ø Dropping price of horses

Ø Poor or non-existent facilities

Ø Lack of advertising

Ø Lack of industry standards


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In addition to the primary concern with the increasing cost, shortage and poor quality of feed related to

two years of arid conditions, other horse related items have also increased in price including board,

insurance costs, utilities, fuel, show and competition entry fees, veterinary service/supplies, etc.

Inappropriate breeding methods or weak management was believed to be a significant reason for the

decrease in the quality of some horses in Alberta. It was felt that prominent and respectable bloodlines

would be jeopardized by poor selection processes and that this would further decrease the already reduced

selling prices of horses. Lack of education and training were perceived as the primary factors that affect

this breeding issue.

The lack of positive publicity and lack of lobbying efforts were reported as a concern by a number of

owners. These owners believed that the government did not see the equine industry as a “legitimate

entity” and consequently the industry was not afforded the same support and respect that the cattle and

other industries receive. They also reported that the public needed to be enlightened about the industry in

order to garner support and to promote all aspects of the industry rather than just sport-recreation events

and image. This would encourage growth in the industry.

Animal rights groups and environmental activists were seen as a concern. Owners believed that these

organizations were poorly educated in the area of horse management and were not qualified to render

opinions or interfere with the industry. Concerns were also raised that disease and horse abuse would rise

because of the high levels of frustration caused by the high cost of daily maintenance. Some owners felt

that they might not be in a position to properly feed and/or medicate their horse(s) due to lack of funds,

indicating a need for more education on fiscal management.


Seven hundred and ninety-one horse owners provided 893 comments on areas in which they felt the

Association could provide assistance. The following table reflects the frequency with which items were

selected.


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HORSE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA (n=791)

(Frequency of selection percentage) Information 26.5

Liaison 22.3

Education 19.5

Promotion 15.2

Don’t know 12.0

Set Industry Standards 8.7

Funding 6.7

Facilities 4.5

Develop a Website 2.3

Price Controls 1.5

Incentive Program 0.9

Certification 0.4

Table 39. Horse Industry Association of Alberta

Primarily the Association could be of assistance to horse owners in the provision of information,

educational programs, industry studies, promotion and advertising for the industry and as a liaison

between governments, Associations, and horse owners and breeders.

The Association was felt to be a primary source of current and valuable information in relationship to

industry trends and concerns through the Horse Breeding and Owners Conference. Specific examples

related to health related issues, breeding information, business and management advice, and upcoming

events could be achieved through a regular newsletter, brochures and an interactive website. Horse

owners reported that they would like to see an interactive web-site with current information on issues

related to their industry. Owners indicated the desire to be able to post questions and receive responses

from other individuals involved in the industry. A provincially distributed directory of horse related

government agencies, breeders and horse related businesses was deemed to be a useful tool for the

industry.

Horse owners would also like to see the Association play a stronger role as the primary liaison between

the industry and the local, provincial and federal governments, both federally and provincially. A number

of owners felt that the goods and services tax (“GST”) should not be charged on horse sales and that horse


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owners were not afforded the same tax deductions as cattle farmers. It was believed that more positive

promotion would create a governmental and public awareness that the horse industry is a valid business

entity and that the individual horse owner should be regulated as such and receive the same tax benefits.

Education was a concern for many respondents and they believed that the Association should be

responsible for coordinating information gatherings such as workshops, clinics, conferences and seminars.

It was believed that as a result of uneducated horse owners, some animals were being put at risk, as they

were not appropriately cared for. This in turn affected the quality of horses in Alberta through improper

breeding methods and the use of poor quality and uncared for horses. It was also perceived that pastures

and recreational areas are at risk both qualitatively and quantitatively due to mismanagement. Specific

courses which respondents expressed interest in were:

Ø Pasture Management

Ø Manure Disposal Methods

Ø Nutrition

Ø Health

Ø Horsemanship

Ø Tax Regulations

Ø Horses in the Therapeutic Industry (for disabled riders)

Ø Feed Testing

Ø Soil Testing

Ø Business Management

Further to educating horse owners in the specific areas mentioned above, it was also suggested that

Trainer Certification and Breeder Certification be implemented and regulated by the Association. A

B.Sc. Equine Science Program could be offered at the University of Alberta or the University of

Lethbridge, similar to the Business Management, Horse Science program offered at Montana State

University, and should be promoted and marketed to all horse owners in Alberta to ensure the ongoing

viability of the horse industry.

Due to the higher costs of raising horses, it was believed that the Association should play a stronger role

in the advocacy of price controls for feed (hay and grains) and the creation of a cap on the rates for

veterinarian services. Show and competition fees were also believed to be too high.

A number of owners suggested that the quality of horses in Alberta was dropping and by establishing and

managing breeding and operating standards, this decline could be slowed or reversed. Specifically,


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respondents believed the Association should help regulate: breeding, quality of facilities, land use

(recreational and pasture management), and the importing and exporting of horses. Respondents

perceived that without appropriate monitoring of breeding of lower quality horses, high quality bloodlines

would be affected. As an aside, it appears that those responding to this survey and specifically those who

feel that the Association has regulatory and legislative powers are unaware that the Association has

neither. The Association exists for its members as an information and advocacy organization.

Respondents believe that the government is enforcing too many regulations on land use and a number felt

that the Association should be directly involved in regulating the increased use of public lands for

recreational riding purposes. Respondents reported that ATV’s were given a higher priority on public

lands than horse owners. The poor quality and limited number of sport-recreation riding facilities/sites

was commented on. Respondents feel that the Association should not only play a role in the monitoring

and regulating but also contribute financially toward construction and maintenance of quality facilities.

While this is a desirable goal, the Association currently has little or no funds to allocate to the

construction and maintenance of facilities.

Twelve percent of the respondents indicated that they knew “nothing” about the Association with the

majority of those expressing an interest in learning more.

Horse Industry Section of Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

Respondents provided the following key areas within which the Horse Industry Section of Alberta

Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (“HISA”) could be and/or are of assistance. Specific themes

were determined and analyzed based on the frequency reported. Six hundred and thirty-six comments

were grouped into 10 distinct categories. They are listed in order of frequency reported:

THE ROLE OF THE HORSE INDUSTRY SECTION

(n=636 – Frequency of Selection) Information 40.4 Education 20.0 Promotion 10.5 Don’t Know 10.5 Liaison 9.8 Set Standards 7.3 Funding 6.4 Price controls 3.7 Web Site 3.0 Facilities 1.4

Table 40. The Role of the Horse Industry Section, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development


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The HISA is primarily viewed as an informational and educational resource to horse owners in Alberta.

Owners were satisfied with information they were provided when they had to contact the unit. They felt

responses were timely and accurate. Three respondents felt that staffing needed to be improved.

Specifically, horse owners commented on feeding requirements, water programs, funding available, land

available, services available, health issues and breeding. Educational needs could be met by providing a

larger number of workshops, conferences and seminars directly related to business management, health

issues, and marketing. Respondents suggested specifically more educational opportunities in Northern

Alberta to match the effort that had already been expended in the southern half of the province.

The HISA’s web site was seen as a useful tool; however, some respondents suggested that the site could

be kept more current and more focused on horse related issues. It was also suggested that the site could

be expanded to post products for sale or develop a registry for available pasture.

Nine point eight percent of owners believed that the HISA should be responsible for lobbying the local,

provincial and federal governments to obtain tax incentives in order to keep the horse industry active and

economically stable. Many individuals reported that the GST should not be applied to the sale of horses.

It was perceived by some that the government is unaware of the importance of this industry and that the

horse industry should be given the same respect, support and promotion that the cattle industry receives.

Horse industry standards were perceived as poorly regulated and that the HISA should play a more active

role in setting and policing standards within the industry i.e. breeding, facilities, and setting price

regulations for feed. It was also suggested that the HISA could be instrumental in developing a horse

identification system.

Six point four percent of respondents believed that funding and subsidization should be provided to horse

owners by the HISA in direct response to increases in feed, utility, and boarding costs.

Ten point five percent of respondents either did not know that the HISA existed or did not know what role

it played within the horse industry

General Comments and Observations

The majority (74.9%) of horse owners who took part in the Industry Profile and Economic Impact Survey

reported that their primary reason for being in the horse industry was their love of horses and for

recreational purposes. This is an expected result as 76% of horse owners reported being involved in the

industry strictly for sport and recreation purposes (see Demographics). Many comments reflected the


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positive impact that owning a horse had on their lives and the belief that it was a healthy lifestyle choice.

Some owners felt that their horse was their “companion and friend” and were not concerned about earning

an income.

Horses are being used for wellness programs and activities by developing the skills of the disabled, stress

relief, exercise, and mental health of individuals.

Business owners reported the following reasons for belonging to the equine industry:

³ Breeding ³ Breed extinction prevention

³ Training ³ Performing ³ Competing

³ Profit ³ Investment ³ Ranching

³ Family tradition and inheriting operations were also reported.

Understanding the Alberta horse industry – Additional Comments. Respondents were asked for any

additional comments that would enhance the understanding of the Alberta horse industry. The following

individual comments from respondents were provided, analyzed and reported in theme areas:

Alberta horse owners believe there is a requirement to better communicate and involve owners with the

Horse Industry Association of Alberta. The expectation of getting the results of this survey out to the

intended public is very high. There were indications through the Horse Breeders Conference that the

questionnaire was well received and informative. There is a perceived need for more funding and sources

for equine facilities as well as more information/courses/seminars/workshops throughout Alberta.

Owners remarked that they would like to be further involved in surveys and information gatherings.

There is a need to distribute information on associations affiliated with the horse industry. Alberta Horse

Improvement classes for breeders were appreciated and recognized for assessing and marketing the

breeder program.

Perhaps a blanket association for the horse industry could be created: what can the owners do to help and

be involved? The concern is that they are currently not informed, thus, creating a vacuum.


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Ethics need to be standardized. There needs to be direct input from the front line horse owners.

Participants in the industry need to develop an organized Alberta group that would exist by consensually

developed standards. The horse industry needs to be promoted with incentives. This should include

government promotion of shows, events and sponsorships. The provincial magazine is beneficial to

provide exposure to the horse industry. Horse owners should continue to have and express opinions on

healthcare for horses. Standards should encourage controlled breeding, i.e., there is a concern on how

PMU activities occur. Send more information to clubs like 4H so they are better informed. Alberta needs

to catch up to world markets and marketing, and is perceived to be significantly behind.

“There needs to be increased power assigned to the ASPCA – promotion for care of abused and unwanted

horses. Alberta horse breeds are advancing so quickly that there is neglect in health and care”.

Small horse owners have a concern they will be pushed out by big business i.e., PMU barns. Concern for

publicity given to “drought victims” in Alberta, when in southern Alberta arid conditions are a way of

life. No subsidies or free hay was offered to them. Assistance to make feed less expensive and more

attainable would be well received in bad economical times.

A number of respondents echoed the following sentiments. There is no advertised direction to motivate

the industry; equine maintenance is a long-term commitment before you can render any results. Many

horse owners make major personal sacrifices to be part of the horse industry. Horses are seen as a luxury

item; it’s a tough way to make a living. No one but the rich is able to afford horses because of exorbitant

maintenance and health costs.

The horse industry linked with tourism has major economic potential. We must preserve our wilderness

areas. Hikers and mountain bike riders need to be better informed about environmental and legal

requirements and obligations. There are concerns for urban dwellers overtaking country folk style living

with their fast-paced don’t care attitude that horse people have to go. Alberta needs more trail riding

areas.

There is a lot of money tied up in horses and horse related requirements but very little money to be made

in the horse business.

Horses are a very important part of keeping youth off the street and learning life long values, developing

friendships and possibly becoming involved in a life-long career.


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Youth could become involved in High School Rodeo as it is one of many excellent organizations. This

helps interest the next generation, which ensures a prosperous future for this industry.

Alberta is well known for its horses and only getting better. Horse people are the most thoughtful people.

I couldn’t live without my horse and sport. These comments are all interrelated with horse owners and

sustaining both the industrial and recreational aspects of the horse industry. Horses are a part of our

heritage and a part of agriculture.

Knowledge/experience are being phased out by age i.e. farrier: There will be no ability to replace this

type of expertise until we educate the public.


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RECOMMENDATIONS


The role of the Association was defined as a primary source of current and valuable information in

relationship to industry trends and concerns. Examples related to health related issues, breeding

information, business and management advice, and upcoming events. This could be achieved through the

publication of informational materials such as newsletters, brochures, books, videos and an interactive

website. A provincial directory of important industry contacts was seen as being a necessity.

An interactive Web-site is recommended as another outreach process enabling horse owners to post sales

of horses and merchandise as well as to provide online registries for such things as available pasture and

industry services. Respondents also recommended that a room be made available to ask the experts and

to receive comments and recommendations [emphasis added].

There is a need for increased and improved promotion of the horse industry, particularly business, along

with the sport-recreation aspects.

The Association must act as an advocate and a liaison between the provincial and federal governments to

ensure recognition, support, and subsidization for the horse industry.

The Association should play a role in the coordination of educational and informational events such as

workshops, clinics, conferences, and seminars. Specific training programs such as trainer certification

and breeder certification should be implemented and regulated by the Association. It was also

recommended that the Association be instrumental in procuring more horse specific education in

secondary institutions.

The Association should be instrumental in developing and implementing regulations in the areas of

breeding, quality of facilities, land use (recreational and pasture management), and the importing and

exporting of horses.

Too many governmental regulations were believed to be associated with land use and horse owners felt

that the Association should advocate on their behalf, the increased use of public lands for recreational

riding purposes and that there should be a restriction put on motorized vehicles.

Of the 12.0% of respondents who reported knowing nothing about the Association the majority expressed

an interest in learning more. This could be achieved through publications and an active web site.


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Horse Industry Section of Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

From this survey, there is a strong demand for the HISA to play a larger role in advocacy with the

government. It is perceived that the government does not take the horse industry seriously and that

intervention by HISA is required to equalize equity with the cattle industry. There is a need to provide

the horse industry with a higher business profile and to decrease the image of sport-recreation.

HISA should also advocate with governments, locally, provincially and federally, for tax concessions,

subsidization, and regulation of the horse industry. Areas perceived as requiring intervention included,

withdrawal of GST on horses sold along with tax incentives and concessions (subsidization and price

capping of hay and grain may be necessary) due to the substantial increase in the price and limited

quantities of feed available due to the arid conditions.

HISA should monitor industry related products, merchandise suppliers and manufacturers to ensure fair

and ethical pricing and practices in such areas as veterinary services/products, equipment suppliers, trailer

suppliers, feed producers, etc.

There is a need for increased and improved promotion of the horse industry, particularly business, along

with the sport-recreation aspects.

Education and information sharing is crucial for the success of the horse industry. There must be greater

involvement by the HISA in the development and implementation of information resources. This is

achievable through workshops, seminars, and/or conferences. Supplemental information should be

provided through publications, books, videos and a current web site. Only a limited number of horse

owners are aware of the HISA web-site, which may need a stronger horse component.

Some respondents reported having direct contact with HISA and believed that the Unit provided accurate

and valuable information and felt that it was a positive and productive experience. Only a minimal

number of respondents (10.5%) reported knowing nothing or very little about HISA and felt that HISA

should promote themselves better through the development of a newsletter or brochure which could be

regularly published and/or distributed on their web site. Another resource that would be beneficial to

horse owners is an information publication which documents pertinent industry contacts containing

names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Frequent comments and observations about

the HISA held the staff in very high regard although they appeared short-staffed.


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Promotion and Awareness of the Horse Industry

It is perceived that the horse industry is seen as only a sport-recreation component of the agricultural

agriculture industry. The majority of horse owners “love their horse” or view their horse as a

“companion”, thus the community at large does not take the industry seriously. Some respondents

reported that they believed poor promotion and lack of education contributed to this stigma. Some

owners, although reporting only small numbers of horses, stated that they were a viable business and

should be seen as such.

The HISA and the Association should play a larger role in improving and validating the image of the

horse industry through both the coordination and implementation of promotional campaigns. They were

also seen as financial contributors to this venture. Poor perceptions about the horse industry could be

alleviated through active advertising campaigns that would incorporate various mediums such as

television, radio, newsletters, and the promotion of an educational web site.

Education and Training Needs

Ensuring the economic and environmental success of the horse industry is crucial. Respondents

throughout this survey repeatedly reported the desire and need for education and training of horse owners

and breeders. As is documented in other areas of this report, concerns were raised pertaining to the aging

population of horse owners and it is believed that education and training must be available to the new

generation. Those who are currently involved in the industry reported the need for upgrading in their

business skills as they believed that the future outlook for the horse industry should include greater

recognition for the industry as a business similar to cattle, from the public and the government, both

provincially and federally. Specific areas which were identified, were as follows:

Breeding

Horse owners are interested in information and education specifically related to breeding and

selection. In order to remain competitive within the local, national and international markets,

there must be specific information related to current and ongoing techniques and procedures.

Business

Horse owners must improve their business management skills through courses that would be

offered by the HISA to ensure they remain knowledgeable and up to date on current issues and

business practices.


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Owners must be made aware of the changing tax laws relating to the horse industry through tax

courses.

Environmental

Pasture management plays a vital role within the industry to ensure safe, effective and cost

efficient practices. Issues reported by respondents raised concerns about overgrazing, poor soil

quality, manure management, quality control and testing of feed and supplements. Education of

horse owners is the recommended solution to environmental concerns.

Health

Horse owners concerns were directly related to current health issues, the most notable at this time

is the West Nile Virus. Proactive education and information is required by horse owners to

determine the most effective practices for treating and eliminating illnesses to ensure that they do

not reach epidemic proportions.

Respondents have had to supplement their feed requirements thus they require information about

alternative feed products to ensure the good health and well being of their horses. Again, climate

change and lower natural water supplies are lending themselves to poor quality feed and water,

thus, leading to various health issues.

Training Skills

Horse owners see the lack of education about training techniques and horsemanship directly

contributing to the poor health and disposition of some animals to the point of bordering on

abuse. Information and courses specifically targeting this issue are necessary.

Therapeutic industry training, information and education is required. Trainers and horses dealing

specifically with disabled riders must be trained, skilled and certified to ensure the safety of the

horse, rider and trainer.

All of the above-mentioned courses could be provided to horse owners and trainers, both on a business

and sport-recreation level, through workshops, seminars, and/or conferences. Other viable means of

distributing information are through publications, books, video and a current web site.


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Government Intervention and Industry Regulations

Horse owners believe government regulations must recognize the horse industry as a viable agricultural

industry. This would allow the industry to receive the tax incentives and concessions that are perceived

within the cattle industry. To accomplish this end, the Association needs to be more proactive in the

political milieu.

Government regulations relating to riding trails throughout the province were seen as a major concern by

horse owners. Public lands for riding around major cities are becoming scarce with the expansion of

urban areas where, as noted by many of the respondents, city dwellers do not enjoy the smell of and waste

produced by horses. Trails within mountain districts are also becoming less feasible since the

introduction of ATV’s, quads and hikers. It was felt that the horse industry is not strong enough to

withstand lobbying by environmental groups and recreational groups (such as those that represent ATV’s

and hiker’s). The horse industry must lobby the government to retain and maintain riding trails only for

horses, not lose the trails that are utilized now. Ideally, many horse owners would prefer to see an

increase in space, which is utilized for recreational riding purposes, without an exorbitant cost attached.

Cost control is a necessity in order to improve profitability within the industry. Due to the poor weather

conditions (drought), the costs of feed, particularly hay and grain, prices have risen excessively.

Notwithstanding that the arid conditions may or may not be a short run phenomena, the government and

HISA must work in conjunction in order to develop and implement price regulations. They must also be

more actively involved in researching and providing information on other sources of feed and grain. In

the event that cost regulations could not be implemented, the government is seen as a source of financial

subsidization during times of crises.

Veterinary services and supplies must also be regulated. This will ensure that costs remain affordable and

supplies and medications are of a consistent and high quality. The availability of appropriate medications

and vaccines needs to be monitored in order to ensure that supply and demand needs are met during times

when specific diseases and viruses are prevalent.

Notwithstanding the fact that PMU producers are regulated, there is a perception that this is not the case.

The PMU producers within Alberta require the continuous monitoring and regulation compliance that is

in place to be more visible and transparent to the industry stakeholders. This will address concerns about

the number of foals being introduced into the marketplace, which appears to adversely influence pricing

and quality of horses. Questions were also raised about the quality of the horses being brought into the

market and stakeholders believed that these breeding procedures should be monitored. The industry


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needs to be more demonstrative and informative about the actual parameters of the PMU sector of the

industry. This will go a considerable distance in reducing the criticism and skepticism that currently

exists.

The various horse groups within the province must unite as one entity and present a unified solid group,

to achieve this end. The horse industry within Alberta is too fragmented and disjointed with many self-

interest groups as identified by many of the respondents in this survey.

Land Use and Management

Effective land use is necessary to ensure the ongoing productivity of pasture/range land within Alberta to

ensure that feed demands can be met through cost effective and environmentally friendly practices by

immediate and future generations.

Overgrazing was a problem on some smaller acreages who own a large number of horses. The

development of regulations that restrict the number of horses per acre is recommended as a solution to

this issue.

Poor soil quality and manure management are part of the same issue. Lack of education and information

about pasture management was seen as a contributor to poor quality of feed and reduced quantities.

Improper manure disposal directly affects water supplies, weed control, quality of pasture/range land, and

disease issues for both animals and owners. Regulations such as enforcing regular soil-testing for

contaminants should be enforced. Also, education through courses, workshops, seminars, conferences,

newsletters, books and publications are critical as a means to improve pasture management processes.

horse industry profile and economic impact

Documents

horse industry profile

equine industry

economic impact survey

alberta horse population

respondents live

respondent participation

length of participation

extent of involvement