Early results from the new 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey (Phase 1), the first since 1977, indicate that Kentucky’s equine and equine-related assets are valued at $23.4 billion, with 1.1 million acres devoted to equine use (2011). Phase 2 of the report, to be released in mid-2013, will contain the economic impact analysis. More information about the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey can be found at these sites: http://www.kentuckyhorse.org/en/art/3162/; UK Ag Equine Programs website or on the Kentucky Horse Council's website. A copy of the complete Phase 1 results, including county-level breakdowns, will also be posted on both of these websites when they become available.

Read the story of the $50,000 pony

Cost of community services (COCS) is a term used to describe the relationship between local government taxation of, and community expenditures for, a variety of different land usages. There is a growing body of COCS literature that summarizes fiscal impact studies and determines whether various forms of land use either contribute to, or detract from, local government budgets.

Read and refer to this well-done study on the economic impact of one equine facility on the Saratoga community. Conducted in 2010 and released in November 2011 by the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency, Economic Analysis of the Saratoga Race Course updates a 2006 economic analysis that documented the over 200 million dollar economic impact of Saratoga Race Course not only on the economy of Saratoga county but throughout a nine county region. The 2010 study’s findings show that Saratoga Race Course generates an estimated $186 to $213 million in economic impact each year from track operations, expenditures from participants and spending by tourists and visitors to the region.

Here is the Montgomery County, MD equine and economic impact survey, a very useful example of tools and statistics form which your community could benefit.

The Kentucky equine economic cluster is founded on the confluence of important land resources...

This study examines recreational demand for equestrian trail riding in Kentucky.

Results from the 2007 Michigan Equine Survey have been compiled. The survey was conducted last summer...

Results from the 2004 South Carolina Equine Survey

Economic impact statistics from New Hampshire taken in late 2002 and early 2003.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, through the State Horse and Harness Racing Commissions, contracted with The Pennsylvania State University to conduct the 2002 Economic and Population Study of the Pennsylvania Equine Industry.

Agriculture has a lot to contribute to America's healthy soils, clean water, and clean air. Through implementing environmental conservation practices on farms...

Farms, ranches and forests provide food, fiber and fuel as well as important ecosystem services to the American people. But all too often,

The body of research regarding the economic benefits of trails and greenways is quite substantial.

This article contains a summary of the many benefits that non-motorized trails can provide in the state of Oregon.

A study on the economic impacts of the TransCanada Trail for hikers, horseback riders, snowmobilers, etc.