The Rutgers Equine Science Center, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board, the New Jersey Sire Stakes, the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, officers of all the major breed groups and disciplines, and many individuals throughout the horse industry support and endorse this survey, and urge anyone who receives the questionnaire to answer it completely and promptly.

Individual responses to the survey questionnaire will be compiled with all other responses so that complete anonymity will be maintained. Data will be analyzed by a reliable, respected, and experienced third party, and will be kept in the strictest confidence.

The survey is part of a larger study designed to measure the impact of horses in New Jersey. Rather than just a horse census, the study will determine the economic benefits horses bring to New Jersey; how supplier businesses and others (such as hay, straw and, grain farmers and other types of traditional agriculture) benefit from horses in New Jersey; how many acres of open space are devoted to keeping horses in New Jersey; what factors could negatively affect the horse industry; and similar information that will give a true picture of New Jersey’s “horse power.”

The results will be used to inform and educate the public and to provide an accurate picture of the scope and breadth of the horse industry. A report will be made available to groups and individuals looking to increase their voice with legislators, governing bodies, regulators, and various audiences.

For more information contact Diana Orban Brown by calling (732) 932-9419, or by sending e-mail to orban@aesop.rutgers.edu.

from the Rutgers University Equine Science Center

Courtesy of The USTA