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American Horse Council Working To Fund Economic Impact Study
The American Horse Council is seeking funding for an updated economic impact study of the equine industry.

American Horse Council Working To Fund Economic Impact Study

WASHINGTON, DC—FEBRUARY 27, 2017— The American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF) has been working to secure pledges and funding necessary to update the National Economic Impact study, and it expresses its appreciation to all organizations and individuals that have contributed so far.

However, the funding is still $150,000 short of its goal, and the AHC is asking for help to ensure that this important update to economic data about the equine industry is completed.

"The Economic Impact Study is vital to telling the story of our industry, and we need this data more than ever now to be able to effectively continue our advocacy work at not only the federal level, but state and local levels as well," said AHC president Julie Broadway. "The inability to secure pledges for the full amount of the National Study will delay the start of data collection, which we had hoped to begin in March."

The equine industry is often overlooked when it comes to the importance of its economic impact, and it must be able to show its value to stress its benefit and importance to the U.S. economy.

Many segments of the industry have expressed support for the updated study.

"The Economic Impact Study being conducted by the American Horse Council will result in a wide array of benefits for all breeds and disciplines of Equestrian Sport," said United States Equestrian Federation CEO William Moroney. "Equestrian organizations, sponsors, Federal, State and Local government agencies, competition organizers, professional horsemen and horsewomen, riders at all levels or participation, suppliers and tradesman all need analytics on the impact of Equestrian Sport to achieve their personal and professional goals, preserve the space needed for our sport and secure support for the future."

"For more than 20 years, the American Horse Council's Economic Impact Study has been the leading source for high quality, reliable horse industry economic data," said Alex Waldrop, President & CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. "This much-needed update of the Study will provide the entire equine industry with the essential information needed for successful federal and state advocacy efforts."

"The Economic Impact Study contains essential demographic and economic information that is broadly used by the equine industry to educate the public both nationally and globally," said AHC Chairman Dr. Jerry Black of Colorado State University. "The Study contains pertinent information critical to understanding of the scope of the entire equine industry in the United States."

"Given the broad array of issues that the equine industry confronts, whether federal, state or local, a meaningful update of the demographic and economic information of the industry is critical," said Jim Gagliano, President & COO of The Jockey Club. "We urge our many colleagues in the industry to strongly support the American Horse Council's Economic Impact Study."

To make a contribution, contact the AHC at (202) 296-4031. Any person or organization wishing to make a large pledge amount, contact the AHC by March 10.