There has been an on-going discussion among all of the equine experts (ie all of us, all horse people are experts, right?) whether or not the dismal state of the horse economy is just a matter of the national economy rub-off.
Those in racing know it is more than that, with the lack of competitiveness with other states due to no gaming in Kentucky.
But putting the gaming issue aside, the question is: When the economy recovers in the U.S. (and abroad), will the horse industry bounce back to former levels?
Two schools of thought:
1. YES. Horses take money (as do all forms of recreation), therefore more jobs = more money = more horse buyers and riders= more customers for equine professionals (and increased prices for horses)
2. NO. Horses have been on a slow downward slide as a recreational pursuit even prior to the recession, and will continue that downward slide unless something is done.
Honestly, I would prefer the first answer. If it was just a matter of the economy, that would take some of the responsibility off of all of our shoulders, wouldn't it. It would require just a "grin and bear it" attitude, waiting out the economy, and hoping someone somewhere (Washington DC? Frankfort KY? Hong Kong?) would solve the fiscal problems on behalf of all of the world's citizens, and then - bingo - we are back in business with horses.
But honestly, I am afraid the answer might be #2. I'm not a pessimist but a realist. So the question is: What can we do to ensure that "horses as recreation and business opportunities" bounce back when the economy comes back? Whatever it is we do, we need to work on it now, so we are ready to hit the road running.
I have always liked that phrase "Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps." Where are our bootstraps, and can we work together on getting them pulled?
What does the horse community need to do for itself....to capitalize on the fact that most people are attracted to the beauty and power of a horse?
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2 comments:
I'm not really sure what needs to be done specifically, but I feel like the horse community could become a lot more mainstream. Most people simply don't know very much about the equestrian community unless they live in rural areas. I live in Los Angeles, and most people here 1) don't know there are horses here and 2) assume only rich people could every be involved in horses. Mainstreaming horse knowledge and activities would, to me, involve focusing less on the necessity of horse ownership and high-level showing (which typically requires horse ownership). Most people don't realize that it's possible to have fun with horses relatively inexpensively. Lessons twice a month (or even weekly for some) can be affordable and fun for children and adults, and really in many cases no more expensive than any other hobby. Most people don't realize that it's possible to lease horses, sometimes very inexpensively.
While for horse owners like me, the commitment is very strong and I couldn't expect most people to do it, low-key lessons and half leases are realistic goals as far as cost and time commitment for MANY people, they just don't realize it.
I agree with you Jessica. OUr public image is one of "exclusiveness" to the general public, and that the only way to get involved requires a LOT of money and a LOT of time. I agree that to get horses to the masses we need to make them accessible, convenient and affordable!
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