Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Heres What You Should Know. Credit video to the Bureau of Land Management. It remains unclear what exactly drove the population decline but there are likely many factors. Terms & Conditions Each year, approximately seven million Americans go horseback riding. Privacy Policy The average household income of a US horse owner is $60,000. [16], The other hypothesis suggests extinction was linked to overexploitation of native prey by newly arrived humans. The 28 States represented 71.8 percent of all equids in the United States and 72.1 percent of all U.S. farms with equids. Texas has the highest horse population per US state 767,100. A separate independent study by the American Horse Council (AHC) in 2005 (based on 2004 statistics) showed a U.S. horse population of 9,223,000, which would indicate that U.S. equine numbers rose by nearly 300,000 in just over a year. It does, however, have the highest exportation value in the world. Lastly, North Carolina has a horse population of 256,000. While theyre now improving, we need to do more to stop cruel treatment in the industry and zoos around the world. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Each of our 50 states possess fine equine property - browse through the states below to learn about horse population by State, climate, and other horse-related facts. But humans quickly realized these animals could do the work of many men in about half the time due to their strength and stamina. For information regardingpublic policy, government relations and advocacy, please contact Bryan. Animals in more remote herds where darting is impractical are first gathered, treated and then released back to their home range. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That number is 1,914,394. Program Data | Bureau of Land Management Only an additional 500 or so animals were counted across the 10 Western states that wild horses and burros call home. Delaware is a small state that is big on horses. These numbers are from 2016 because they are based on periodic farm surveys, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture only conducts a census every 5 years. (LogOut/ WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Always be safe and wear the right gear when riding or being around a horse. During the same time period, the BLM also significantly increased the number of animals placed into private care, finding homes for more than 26,500 animals in support of its efforts to reduce overpopulation on the range. AHP Equine Industry Survey At HorseProperties.net, we understand that searching for the perfect horse property is a unique and rewarding experience. The Food and Drug Administration utilized both the AVMA survey and information from USDAs periodic surveys of farm animal populations to estimate the U.S. horse population at 3.8 million. Half work animal and half pet, the horse holds a unique position in North American culture. The state hosts several major steeplechase and other horse-related events every year. In 1493, on Christopher Columbus' second voyage to the Americas, Spanish horses, representing E. caballus, were brought back to North America, first to the Virgin Islands; they were introduced to the continental mainland by Hernn Corts in 1519. An official website of the United States government. Read more aboutWhy Do Horses Chew On Wood? But, horse racing has had some terrible stats throughout history. The males are there to protect the herd and mate with the other mares. But theres a lot more to it than that. So, if a person wants to move, they're not going to pay to move their horse along with them. The survey collected 8,029 responses, of which 7,267 were useable. In conclusion, The state with the highest number of horses per capita was Vermont. While the number of riders in the U.K. is increasing, the number of horse owners is declining. This means that the average domestic horse consumes approximately 20 pounds of forage a day. Now-a-days horses are kept for exercising and riding activities, games and horse racing purposes, many police departments and armies also have horse riding divisions. The US horse industry is worth over $40 billion a year. Texas is known for its cowboy culture and agricultural products, including beef, cotton, and poultry. Its fascinating to see how horses evolved throughout history, but what can we learn about the different breeds? These creatures have played an essential role in human lives for thousands of years, so hopefully, we can appreciate them for many more years to come. Most government agencies agree that if possible, euthanasia should be avoided as a means of population control. horse The origins of the American Quarter Horse date back to the mid-1600s. These animals often live under harsh conditions and endure long working hours. [29] By 1742, there were reports by white explorers that the Crow and Blackfoot people had horses, and probably had had them for a considerable time. WebThe 2021 survey was limited to those who currently own or manage at least one horse, are 18 years of age or older and live in the United States. The upturn in riders is great news for equestrian businesses because they can continue to support a sizable market. There are several places to see wild horses: Thank you for reading! For information regarding any equine health issues, welfare issues, and state, federal and international requirements regarding the movement of horses, please contact Cliff. The US alone makes $40 billion annually, and it also employs millions of people worldwide. They have relatively small stomachs in comparison to their body size and must eat small, frequent meals. Horse breeding isnt regulated or monitored, with the exception of tracking bloodlines on registered individuals. Its important to note that these population numbers dont include new foals from 2021 which could total between 14,000 and 18,000. From the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters, the US boasts an array of landscapes and climates perfectly suited for horses and horse aficionados. The tallest horse currently alive is a Belgian named Big Jake. This means the population will double every 4 to 5 years. There are an estimated 82,000 feral horses that roam freely in the wild in certain parts of the country, mostly in the Western United States. Total expenditures:$138.462 million, Download the FY2021 Wild Horse and Burro Program Highlights Fact Sheet, Nationwide population estimate:86,189 wild horses and burros, as of March 1, 2021Download the full 2021 population estimate data set WebHorse Population: 256,000 horses, which includes 17,800 Thoroughbreds, 106,400 Quarter Horses, and 131,800 Other Horses. [24][25], European settlers brought a variety of horses to the Americas. New estimates affirm continued overpopulation of wild Three horse populations of this area are located WebFrom coast to coast, there are more than nine million horses in the US. Romania has the highest horse population in the European Union, with a population of around 447,000. This law authorizes the BLM to remove excess wild horses and burros from the range to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands. [17][18] Several studies have indicated humans probably arrived in Alaska at the same time or shortly before the local extinction of horses. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Herd Area and Herd Management Area Statistics as The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act directs the BLM (and the U.S. Forest Service) to manage wild horse and burro populations so as to achieve and maintain a thriving natural ecological balance. To achieve and maintain this balance, the BLM is focused on gathering excess animals from overpopulated herds and finding good private care for them through adoptions and sales, while at the same time expanding fertility control treatments to slow herd growth. Horses While most people dont own horses, these graceful creatures are part of a prominent industry with significant economic impacts. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 4. More complete information, including historical figures, can be found as part of annual Public Lands Statistics reported by the BLM. Horse and Mule Population WebResident population of each U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau Average annual population growth rate in each U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico between 2020 and 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau So lets dive right in. While getting exact figures of wild animals can be difficult, getting exact counts of domestic animals is comparatively easy. But throughout the West, horse and burro Yes, they do, but not all the time. Remains attributed to a variety of species and lumped as New World stilt-legged horses belong to a second species that was endemic to North America,[10] now called Haringtonhippus francisci. The total capacity of all BLM off-range holding facilities is82,778animals. That said, its not unusual for horses to be over or under this range. Horses categorized by activities include racing (13%), showing (36%), recreation (36%), and other (15%). The Bureau manages wild horses and burros as part of this multiple-use mandate. In 2008, there were an estimated 9.2million horses in the United States,[1] with 4.6million citizens involved in businesses related to horses. There are presently three major organizations that collect and publish data regarding the US horse population, albeit with different target audiences and different definitions. However, the vast majority of horse farms are located in just three states: California, Texas, and Florida. From coast to coast, there are more than nine million horsesin the US. [9], Equidae in North America ultimately became extinct, along with most of the other New World megafauna during the Quaternary extinction event during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. In the west, they were ridden by cowboys for handling cattle on the large ranches of the region and on cattle drives. St. Petersburg, Florida, home of the Ice Palace, has almost 50, while West Palm Beach has around 100. As prey animals, horses need to be able to respond quickly in the presence of a predator, and sleeping upright allows them to do this. There are approximately 350 recognized horse breeds. Horses are fascinating creatures. The state is home to two major horse farms, and even more stables, as well as breeders and trainers. Texas has a strong cultural identity, a distinctive regional dialect, and a rich history. Among U. S. states, the AHC report puts Texas in the lead with 978,822 horses, followed by California with 698,345, Florida with 500,124, Oklahoma with WebAccording to their Pet Ownership Statistics study, there are actually 85 million households in the US keeping pets, which means 67% of American homes included a pet in 2020: (Image Source: Spots.com Most states include plenty of pet parents, but there are some differences in pet ownership depending on where you look. There are only published estimates, and they may not all be accurate. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, are put at heightened risk for food and water scarcity, based on data collected by field specialists using scientifically validated aerial survey techniques, Wild horse and burro herd size relatively unchanged since last year, The BLM announces their 2023 Conservation Award winners, Wild horse and burro adoptions remain important programs for the BLM, The BLMs 1971 all-women wildland firefighting crew, Womens History Month: Spotlight on BLM female employees in the field, Alaska Native Veteran Land Allotment Program reaching out, BLM biologists search Wild and Scenic Rivers in Oregon for three special species, New estimates affirm continued overpopulation of wild horses and burros roaming BLM-managed public lands. Horses have been used as means to transport people, build and carry heavy materials and structures, pull carts and carriages, and in agriculture. Language. The Washington Post", "Ocracoke Ponies: The Wild Bankers of Ocracoke Island", History of the horse in the Indian subcontinent, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Horses_in_the_United_States&oldid=1144787589, Wikipedia pending changes protected pages, Short description with empty Wikidata description, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 March 2023, at 15:34. While horses are defined as livestock, the AVMA study does Now she helps pet owners around the globe be the best caretakers for their most trusting companions by sharing her experience and spreading love. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Photographers Mate Mahlon K. Miller (RELEASED), Winnipeg Jets Dustin Byfuglien (33) hits Edmonton Oilers Luke Gazdic (20) during second period NHL hockey action in Winnipeg, Monday, February 16, 2015. Texas became a state on January 6, 1845. The reality is that other states have better horse-friendly environments than Vermont. With over 30 years of leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, Julie holds a BS, MBA, Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership and is Certified Association Executive. However, the videos must not be used to imply BLM endorsement of a product, service, organization or individual without permission from the BLM. Contact: Julie Broadway World Horse Population by Country | The MarkoZen Blog At the start of the 20th century, the United States Department of Agriculture began to establish breeding farms for research, to preserve American horse breeds, and to develop horses for military and agricultural purposes. 4727 NW 80th Ave. Ocala, FL 34482 352 369 1104 FAX 352 369 1521 Chronic overpopulation and on-going drought causes a scarcity of food and water on the range, which could impact mortality and fertility rates, or cause an increase in migration of animals outside normal herd ranges and survey boundaries. Nevadas wild horse population has exploded to an all-time high of more than 43,000 horses. Follow. Potential adopters can attend an off-siteadoption event, visit aBLMadoption center, or participate in anOnline Corral Adoptionevent. Kentuckys horse farms are famous for their beauty and the outstanding quality of horses they produce. (UMN Extension, Horse Council) The state of Texas has the most horses 767,100. Wild Horses and Burros on the Range (Nevada) - 307 MB, Wild Horses on the Range (Wyoming) - 34 MB, Wild Horses on the Range (Nevada) - 73 MB, Wild Horses and Burros on the Range (California) - 67 MB, Wild Horse Gather Operation (Utah and California) - 241 MB, Releasing Wild Horses back into HMA - 220 MB, Wild Horses Arriving at Off-Range Pasture - 113 MB, Wild Horses on Off-Range Pasture (Spring) - 160 MB, Wild Horses on Off-Range Pasture (Fall) - 80 MB, Wild Horse Inmate Training Program (Colorado) - 280 MB. This data set is useful for looking at the rise and fall of the horse population in the U.S., but it has its limits. But where did the relationship between man and horse begin? Zebra vs Horse: What Are the Differences? All video files in this archive are "public domain" images. Good business management skills are essential in the equine industry. There's long been controversy over just how to manage wild horses in Total expenditures:$112.273 million. [28] The horse became an integral part of the lives and culture of Native Americans, especially the Plains Indians, who viewed them as a source of wealth and used them for hunting, travel, and warfare.[30]. Speaking of competitions, lets have a deeper look at horse racing. US Horse Population Statistics The United Kingdom is home to approximately. Horses have been an important component of American life and culture since the founding of the nation. 9. Given the suddenness of the event and because these mammals had been flourishing for millions of years previously, something unusual must have happened. The US horse industry employs 1.74 million people. McLean VA, 22102 In 2004, Congress amended the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act(the so-called "Burns Amendment") to directthe BLM to sell certain wild horses and burros "without limitation" to any willing buyers animals that are either more than 10 years old or have been passed over for adoption at least three times. It also has many domesticated horses. The Bureau of Land Management manages, protects, and controls wild horses and burros under the authority of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (as amended by Congress in 1976, 1978, 1996, and 2004). By now, you might be wondering how dangerous horse riding actually is. Horses remained an integral part of American rural and urban life until the 20th century, when the widespread emergence of mechanization caused their use for industrial, economic, and transportation purposes to decline. North Carolinas Outer Banks are home to several herds of wild horses. Download the Wild Horse and Burro Program Infographic, Nationwide population estimate: 82,883 wild horses and burros, as of March 1, 2023Download the full 2023 population estimate data set, Nationwide population estimate: 82,384 wild horses and burros, as of March 1, 2022Download the full 2022 population estimate data set The horse population in the US counts over 7.2 million horses. horses Its not just ownership stats that intrigue us, but who the owners are. If youre curious about how many horses there are and how much of an impact they have on the world, youve come to the right place! To support healthy conditions on public lands, the BLM determines what it calls the Appropriate Management Level (AML), which is the number of wild horses and burros that can thrive in balance with other public land resources and uses. A brave reporter leans over the edge of the catwalk during the media preview for the EdgeWalk on the CN Tower in Toronto, July 27, 2011. horses Favorite. Horse Population by State - Colorado Horse Property Many of the proceeds from these races go to various charities. The state of Texas has the most horses 767,100. The American Horse Council (AHC) wishes to clarify these statistics to avoid confusion and misunderstanding of the data. [8] The genus Equus, which includes all extant equines, was plentiful in North America and spread into the Old World by about 2.5 mya. After graduation he spent 27 months in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps for their Food Security Program. The first imports were smaller animals suited to the size restrictions imposed by ships. NASS reports a total of 459,526 horse farms in the US, with an agricultural population of 2,847,289 horses. The U.S. Thoroughbred population totals approximately 1.1 million. Legislative Process and How A Law is Enacted, RESCHEDULED AHCs National Issues Forum, Click here for more info (dont worry, we made it easy! The US horse population by state is as follows: Texas leads the remuda with 600,000 animals. Lynda believes the horse industry as a whole needs to have a voice and working at the American Horse Council is a way for her to help and keep the industry alive and informed. Emmas passion for animals started at a young age. It is unlikely that Native people obtained horses in significant numbers to become a horse culture any earlier than 1630. The U.S. Department of Agriculture collects equine data from farms that qualify. Note: This articles statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. Around the Rings 2023 Ozark QHA April Horse Show. Horses have been an important component of American life and culture since the founding of the nation. search today. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The most recent population estimates as of March 1, 2023are provided below. Horse slaughter statistics are improving. Vermonts state animal is the Morgan horse, which was bred in Vermont. Wild Horses and Burros on the Range (Nevada), Wild Horses and Burros on the Range (California), Wild Horse Gather Operation (Utah and California), Wild Horses Arriving at Off-Range Pasture, Wild Horses on Off-Range Pasture (Spring), Wild Horse Inmate Training Program (Colorado). Half (50%) of pet-owning households reported incomes of $55,000 or greater. It turns out that Vermont has the highest horse population per capita in the nation. California: 535,000; Florida: 387,100; Kentucky: 238,000; Ohio: 256,000; Oklahoma: 253,00; Texas: 767,000; What Is the But just because we know that doesnt mean we have to go there. Since 2017, Congress has provided authority to the BLM in its annual appropriations bills to transfer excess wild horses and burros to other government agencies for use as "work animals.". Wild horses and burros have virtually no natural predators and their herd sizes can double about every four years. Most of the 177 HMAs have been counted with this method. Shes a life-long horse enthusiast ranging from recreational rider, breeder, and show competitor. But that doesnt mean all four of those countries are just chock full of horses. In the United States, theyre an important part of the countrys history and culture. The equestrian industry is massive and growing with billions each year. Sitemap, Equine Property Information Across the US, Horse Property for Sale in Texas Hill Country. states and territories by population The horse industry is huge in the U.S., the U.K., and many other countries. Well, youre not alone. The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemens associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils. Have some feedback for us? New York is a close second, accounting for 4.6% of the countrys population and 1.9% of the nations horses. [35], In 1912, the United States and Russia held the most horses in the world, with the U.S. having the second-highest number. [9], A 2005 genetic study of fossils found evidence for three genetically divergent equid lineages in Pleistocene North and South America. Around 870,000 horses compete or train for track racing every year. Horse Population by State by State Web1Figures reflect elimination of all horses age 25 and over unless the owners(s) submitted documentation proving the horse is living. You can unsubscribe at any time. Vermont people are more likely than the average citizen to own horses than in any other state. This horse is well-known for its ability to sprint, easily outrunning other breeds in spans under a quarter-mile. Few states are as associated with horses and horse breeding as this one. Numbers began to rebound somewhat, and by 1968 there were about 7 million horses, mostly used for riding. At a local level, people cross bloodlines and breeds to develop new horses on a daily basis. VFC-12 is the Naval Reserves premier adversary squadron providing threat tactics training to all Navy fighter and strike fighter squadrons. These industry experts have raked in over $700 billion through equestrian sports coaching and training endeavors. [28] The Comanche people were thought to be among the first tribes to obtain horses and use them successfully. SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingCanada-AlbertaCanada-British ColumbiaCanada-ManitobaCanada-New BrunswickCanada-Newfoundland and LabradorCanada-Northwest TerritoriesCanada-Nova ScotiaCanada-NunavutCanada-OntarioCanada-Prince Edward IslandCanada-QuebecCanada-SaskatchewanCanada-Yukon