1. U.S. Equine Industry

2. Main Idea
How has the equine industry evolved in the United States?

3. The golden age of horses
From the 1890s to 1915, before the mechanization of agriculture began
Demand and use was driven by an expanding country and a growing economy
Many associated industries like harness makers, saddle makers, carriage makers, wagon factories, wheel wrights, farriers and blacksmiths

4. Motorized vehicles brought changes
In 1908 Henry Ford started producing a car that more people could afford
Trucks, tractors and improved roads followed
As automobile, truck and tractor numbers increased horse number declined
By 1954 there were more tractors on farms than horses for the first time

5. The role of horses today
Recreation and organized competition
Many breeds
Selective breeding to improve quality
Major industry combining business, sport and recreation

6. Using horses and mules in the United States
Spanish conquistadors in the early 1500s, used horses in exploration
Colonists brought more horses
Cities and towns has hitching posts, mounting blocks, water troughs, stables and carriage houses
In the 1800s the horse was central to city and rural life

7. Versatile horse power Draft horses powered mass transit systems
By 1886, over 100,000 horses and mules on 500 street railways in 300 cities
Draft horses hauled cargo
Businesses used brightly painted delivery wagons
Horses pulled fire pumpers and ladder trucks

8. Fire Truck Horses

9. Horses for transportation
In the 1800s, travel by horseback or horse-drawn vehicles
Better roads meant lighter wagons, carriages and shays
Stage coaches with 4-6 horses on regular routes
Pony express carried mail for 18 months
Draft horse crosses and mules for railroad construction
Horses plowed fields and pulled wagons and carriages in rural America

10. Shay

11. Horses in agriculture
1700s and early 1800s – oxen were preferred draft animal
Cheaper, less feed, and could be eaten
Oxen were slow
No longer suitable with better designs in farm equipment
1830: hours of labor to produce 100 bushels of wheat on 5 acres using a walking plow and brush harrow with oxen, hand broadcasting of the seed, and harvesting with a sickle and flail

12. Harvesting with a sickle

13. Horses in agriculture Draft horses became principal work animal
Better technology
Western expansion
Growth of cities
1890: hours of labor to produce 100 bushels of wheat on 5 acres using a gang plow, seeder, harrow, binder, thresher, wagons and horses
Begin period 1

14. Mccormick reaper

15. More early uses for animals
Ponies (Shetlands) and mules used in mines
Cowboys in cattle drives, utilized railheads
Rodeos and wild west shows
Organized racing and betting
Horses in military cavalry units
Mules for transportation in U.S. army

16. Horses in entertainment
Motion pictures
Television
Circuses
Parades

17. Draft horse decline Late 1830s – draft horses imported from Europe
After WWI, registered draft horses declines from 95,000 in 1920 to under 2,000 in 1945
Draft horses now used for parades, show hitches, living history demonstrations

18. The horse industry today
U.S. horse industry contributes about $16 billion annually to the economy
Direct revenue: horse sales, breeding, races, shows, rodeos and entertainment
Indirect revenue: feed, training, veterinary and farrier services, transportation, labor and equipment

19. Sport are big businesses
Horses sports: 110 million spectators/year
Race track attendance: exceeds 70 million/year
Races at small tracks, county fairs and more
Three most famous races:
Kentucky derby
Preakness
Belmont stakes

20. American Pharoah

21. More horse facts
U.S. annually has 800+ rodeos with over 2,000 performances
Horse shows have increased in size and number in the last years
More than 27 million people ride horses each year
Horseback riding is the third most popular activity in national forests
Horse project are popular in 4-H and FFA
Horses are the 4th most popular family pet behind the dog, cat and bird

22. Some jobs suited for horses
Forest service
Packing and travel in remote areas
Mounted patrols in crowds and riots

23. Looking ahead
Horses are becoming more important in recreation and sports
National Horse Show began in 1883 and is held annually in Madison Square Garden in New York City
Many horse shows and equine events around the U.S. each year
Great variety of equestrian activities
Horse riding a popular sport growing among all ages

24. National Horse Show in 1937

25. Evidence of horse popularity
Growing membership in equine organizations
Breed magazines and newsletters
Organizations for many equestrian activities
Books, videos and web pages about horses
Catalogs and stores selling tack, equipment and apparel
Horses primarily used for recreation
Promising future for horses in the U.S.