Methodology of Connecticut's horse industry survey: Results and implications for future studies.

Surveys of the horse industry have been undertaken more frequently in recent years with the realization that it has a significant economic impact on individual states and the nation as a whole. Our survey of Connecticut's horse industry was designed to arrive at an accurate horse count and determine the demographic and economic characteristics of Connecticu'ts horse industry. In order to gather this data, three survey instruments were developed: one for veterinarians to determine the horse count, one for horse owners to describe the industry's demographic characteristics, and one for businesses to evaluate economic impact of the industry. Included in the horse owners' survey were questions about the owner's willingness to sell the horse at fair market value. One of the fundamental limitations of previous horse surveys is that enumeration of horses is based on a survey of owners. With the incomplete nature of mailing lists, it is difficult to predict the margin of error using this method. By surveying a complete mailing list of veterinarians obtained from the state veterinary association, we determined that there are approximately 43,059 horses in Connecticut. This number correlates well with anecdotal reports. Of horse owners surveyed, 80% would not be willing to sell their horses at fair market value. The implication is that any statewide value of horses based on market prices alone is likely to seriously underestimate the true social value of horses. The methodology used in our survey may be of use to other states in order to get accurate horse counts and true values of horses. In addition to surveying veterinarians, a cross check of results could be obtained by surveying other service providers such as farriers or feed stores. The inclusion of the question about willingness to sell at fair market value question is also justified based on our findings. Finally, even though our three survey instruments attempt to reach the major interest groups associated with the industry, a wider population may need to be included to more accurately estimate the aesthetic and recreational value of horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]