OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Horse Alliance is asking horse owners and industry workers to participate in a national survey on behalf of our very own Horse Capital of the World here in Ocala, Marion County and surrounding areas.
Each year, the American Horse Council (AHC) runs a national economic impact study to count horses in each state and region. This includes information about horse breeds, disciplines and, most importantly, economic impact.
It isn’t only for record-keeping: The data will be used for sponsorship and grant proposals, which could financially support the Ocala area’s local equine industry. Incentive prizes may also be available to survey takers, including a year of horse feed or even a $7,500 John Deere ride-on mower. The data also spurs media attention, and well-performing areas will of course get bragging rights.
“We cannot afford to miss being counted,” said the Ocala Horse Alliance in a newsletter. “We are the Horse Capital of the World and now is our time to prove it.”
AHC says its 2023 study could be the most important in more than 50 years due to historic changes made to the horse industry tax code since 2017.
This year’s survey closes next Friday, Sept. 29. The Ocala Horse Alliance is urging horse owners and equine industry workers to complete the survey soon. Take the survey here.