Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.

Horse Management Systems

Plan Goal

To provide New Mexico horse owners, both youth and adult, as well as those working in associated industries the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop skills that will better able them to provide proper care, management, and training of their horse(s).

Situation Statement

According to the most recent American Horse Council Economic Impact Study (released 2005), the New Mexico horse industry generates 45,000 jobs and an annual economic impact of $759 million. The study reported 147,000 horses and 32,400 horse owners in New Mexico. By activity, $154 million of the economic impact is attributed to racing, $119 million to showing, $ 134 million to recreation, and $96 million to other activities involving horses and horse owners. In terms of people involved in the New Mexico horse industry, 12,000 were employed in racing, 2,800 in showing, 27,900 in recreation, and 2,400 in other activities. In total, counting owners, service providers, employees, and volunteers 91,100 New Mexico residents were involved in the horse industry. According to the New Mexico Gaming Control Board, racetrack operators paid in $63.5 million in gaming taxes to the state in 2007, and the racetrack operators contributed $48.9 million of gaming revenue to race horse purses in 2007. In short, these data show that the horse industry is a leading agricultural source of revenue growth for the New Mexico economy.

Unlike traditional livestock enterprises, rarely are horses selected and/or raised from an efficiency of production standpoint. Rather, the horse is the original “value added” product. Horses are primarily marketed based upon their pedigree and performance potential/abilities. Many people in New Mexico, either directly or indirectly, derive their livelihood from the horse industry. However, others own horses to enhance their quality of life rather than their income. The horse is a conduit that allows people living in urban/suburban areas to retain their involvement with traditional farming or ranching enterprises. Horse ownership, and the activities associated with it, provides a source of recreation and a vehicle to teach life skills to their children. Therefore, it is important that these individuals be well educated and informed about all facets of horse management/production so they can minimize production costs while continuing to produce a quality product and enhance their quality of life as well as that of their children.

In recent years, the US horse industry has suffered three major setbacks. The first issue is that of horse slaughter. Although it is an issue that divides the horse owning public, unbiased data show that closure of US horse slaughter plants has had a significant impact on the economics of the US horse industry. Not only has the number of reported cases of equine abuse and neglect risen, but equine shelters and rescues are at maximum capacity with minimal operating budgets. In addition, the option of horse slaughter provided a base price to the traditional horse market. With the removal of this base price accompanied by an increase supply of horses to the market, many horse owners have come to the unfortunate realization that selling the “average horse” may actually be a net loss. This fallout from the horse slaughter issue has driven home the need for education on responsible horse ownership, breeding, and business management.

The second setback for the horse industry has been the increase in fuel prices. This not only increases the cost of transporting horses and attending equine activities, but it also raises the cost of production inputs such as feed, fertilizer, hay, etc. The third disaster for the horse industry has been the recent economic recession and increase in unemployment numbers. While this affects all US citizens, it is of great importance to the horse industry as the primary use of the horse in modern US culture is as a source of recreation. Therefore, when disposable household income declines, the horse industry suffers greatly. Although horses are commonly thought of as a luxury item, the 2005 American Horse Council survey reports that 72% of New Mexico horse owners have an annual household income of $75,000 or less. The report also states that the majority (76%) of these owners are 30 to 60 years of age with only 13% under the age of 30.

In summary, now more than ever, horse owners need education and science based information that can help them improve the efficiency of their horse enterprise whether their primary goal is business or hobby.

Target Audience and Actions

Adult and youth horse owners, potential horse owners, government and cooperative extension staff, and those working in allied industries in New Mexico are the target audience.

The action plan requires five major efforts for successful outcomes to be realized.

• The target audience will be surveyed to determine needed resources and programming.
• The specialist will partner with other extension professionals and industry groups to meet the diverse educational needs of the target audience.
• The specialist and partners will work to increase the availability of educational resources (print and online) as well as face-to-face extension programs (e.g., workshops, clinics, field days, trainings, etc.) for the target audience.
• The specialist will seek funding sources to provide resources and programs to the audience.
• The target audience will rate the resources and/or programs on their effectiveness of meeting the defined need using a variety of evaluation tools.

Short-Term Objectives

1. After preparing for and competing in their respective district and state contests (e.g., horse judging, horse bowl, and hippology), 4-H members will report a 20% increase in knowledge of horse management.

2. After attending a specific horse management program, 80% of horse owners will report a 10% increase in knowledge of horse management practices or horse training concepts.

3. Following specific horse subject matter training programs, 50% of county extension staff and adult volunteers in the extension service will report a 20% increase in knowledge and skill development related to horse management.

Medium-Term Objectives

1. During the course of training and competition in horse project contests and other events, 50% of county extension staff will report that youth enrolled in the local 4-H horse program have improved decision-making and public speaking skills.

2. As a result of knowledge gained through educational resources and face-to-face programs offered by this plan of work, 50% of county extension staff will report that 10% of horse owners in their county have altered their horse management or training practices.

3. As a result of this plan of work, 10% of county extension staff will report an increase in their involvement with local horse owners.

Long-Term Objectives

1. Horse owners will report enhanced quality of life and improvement in efficiency of their horse enterprise.

2. County extension staff will report enrollment growth in youth horse projects and/or programs as well as increased attendance at adult horse programs in their county.

Evaluation Plan

1. Individual conversations and online survey tools will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of resources and/or programs resulting from this plan of work.

2. Short-term objectives will be measured using pre- and post-training and/or event assessments where appropriate.

3. Medium-term objectives will be evaluated using survey tools and impact reports from county agents.

4. Long-term objectives will be evaluated using data from 4-H Horse Project enrollment data and impact reports from agents and specialists.