In 1988 the Idaho Horse Council commissioned the University of Idaho to conduct and publish a horse census and economic impact statement.  The first survey findings published in the 1991 Idaho Agricultural Statistics magazine show just under one billion dollars spent in Idaho on horses, capital equipment, facilities, travel equipment, and related expenses: including farriers, hay, grain, veterinarians, training, insurance, and advertising.  The I.H.C. has made a commitment to update the equine census every five years.

2000- 2001 Survey
Equine-owners in Idaho show an estimated total more than $1.6 billion in assets related to their horses and other equine. Also contributed to this state’s economic wellbeing by an estimated $7.57 million in total sales in 2000 through the ownership and expenses related to owning equine. Equine ownership increased by 23 percent (23%) since the last equine census in 1995. Equine in Idaho are an important part of the state’s history and culture. Since the contemporary number of total equine in Idaho has grown significantly in recent decades, the relative value of those animals and equine related activities has become a vital economic contribution to the state.

Did you know?...

• In 2000 there were an estimated 234,600 equine in Idaho compared to 191,350 in 1995.
• In the year 2000 the Northern region had 23% of all equine, Southwestern region 30%, South-central 14%, and Southeastern 33% in Idaho.
• Personal use (56%) and use on a farm or ranch (34%) was the two primary functions of equine owner’s operations in Idaho.
• Almost half of Idaho’s riding horses were the American Quarter Horse (48%) followed by Paint (12%),and Arabian (8%).

© 2005 Idaho Horse Council