NAEAA Announces Reciprocal Organization Membership

To facilitate a greater reach and membership growth for both the National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics (NAEAA) and reciprocal organizations, the NAEAA has created a Reciprocal Organization Membership, the group stated Monday.

The mission of the NAEAA is to strengthen post-secondary equine academic programs, provide networking opportunities, and facilitate increased cooperation and information sharing among their members from public and private institutions.

To further it, the group invites collaboration with other non-profit equine organizations centered around post-secondary education.

For more information and to see upcoming events, please visit their website.

The post NAEAA Announces Reciprocal Organization Membership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Amplify Horse Racing Launches Therapy Partnership with BetterHelp

Amplify Horse Racing will partner with leading online therapy platform BetterHelp to offer members of the equine industry one month of free therapy. This new benefit precedes an upcoming virtual event by Amplify Wednesday, May 24 that will include a discussion about mental health for future and current Thoroughbred industry employees. It can be attended via Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube from 12-1:00 p.m. and pre-registration is not required.

The partnership Amplify has arranged with BetterHelp will give users a free month of therapy (up to four (4) live sessions with a therapist that is specifically assigned to their individual preferences), and a discount to the platform thereafter. Any future or current equine industry participants or employees of all ages are welcomed to take advantage of this service through the use of code 9b8d2 on the website here. Amplify will not know who is receiving therapy, and won't have access to users personal data.

BetterHelp has over 25,000 therapists across the U.S., services in 50+ languages, and support in over 200 countries. Users can communicate with their therapist via phone, video and live chat, and can message their therapist at any time. Therapists on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD/PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW/LMSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All have a Master's or Doctorate Degree in their field, and have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training, and practice. While their experience, expertise and backgrounds vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience.

Please contact info@amplifyhorseracing.org for more information.

The post Amplify Horse Racing Launches Therapy Partnership with BetterHelp appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Economic Analysis: HHR To Help Grants Pass Downs Have $10.7 Billion Impact Over Next 30 Years

The highly anticipated gaming, entertainment and dining venue, The Flying Lark in Grants Pass, Ore., has released an economic impact study analyzing the horse racing industry in partnership with Grants Pass Downs. Independent agency Hunden Strategic Partners (HSP) identified a significant positive impact in job creation, tax and earnings impact to the local economy, as well as the opportunity to provide funding and stability to the equine industry throughout the region. 

The Economic Impact Analysis identified the positive impact to Southern Oregon over the next 30 years, including: 

  • $10.7 billion in net new spending 
  • $3.6 billion in net new earnings 
  • 2,007 net new full-time jobs 
  • $361.9 million in tax impact to Oregon 

HSP conducted market research and interviews with representatives from local, regional and national organizations to understand the horse racing industry and its impact through three primary components: Grants Pass Downs and the Flying Lark, fair meets, and horse-related spending. The study was designed to determine the economic impact of the horse racing industry in Oregon with the Flying Lark in operation and determine the value of the Flying Lark and Grants Pass Downs within the industry in Oregon. 

“The local community was surprised to learn of the significant economic impact the horse racing industry had in Oregon back in the 2012 economic impact study,” said Randy Evers, President of Grants Pass Downs. “While horse racing struggles to survive in other states, today the vision of leaders at both Grants Pass Downs and The Flying Lark will be a major factor for economic growth and stability, most importantly for Southern Oregon, but also the entire state.”

The study discloses the positive impact as industry-changing. The Flying Lark has the unique opportunity to create a legacy, putting Grants Pass and the Josephine County Fairgrounds on the map as a year-round destination. In collaboration with Grants Pass Downs, together they will help restore the horse racing industry, including horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, jockeys, and a wide range of partners, vendors, and suppliers across Oregon. There is a positive cycle of spending and impact between gaming and horse racing.  

Historic Horse Racing (HHR) revenues will supplement the industry, including:

  • Larger purses from pari-mutuel wagering, 
  • Boosted interest in the sport due to greater race quality, 
  • Rising visitation stemming from growing interest, 
  • Improved foal crops as horse ownership becomes more profitable, and
  • Overall positive trends within the industry. 

“The Flying Lark will have a substantial impact on Thoroughbred breeding in Oregon,” said Lynnelle Fox Smith, Executive Director for the Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “By knowing the purses will be sizable and the facility will be successful, breeders will continue investing in broodmares, stallions, and breeding to support Oregon's agriculture.” 

The Flying Lark was founded by Grants Pass Native, Travis Boersma, with a commitment to horse racing and Southern Oregon, opening in the winter of 2021.  The 35,000 square-foot destination has something for everyone; including Jacks, a full service family restaurant, Longshots sports bar, the Winner's Circle bar located in the center of the state-of-the-art historical horse racing (HHR) terminal floor, based on pari-mutuel wagering, and banquet facilities. 

Known for its beautiful natural scenery, parks, outdoor recreation, and wineries in Southern Oregon, The Flying Lark will also open The Wonder Walk. This world-class equine-based art walk will beautifully surround the facility and feature pieces by regional artists that celebrate horses' majestic nature, power and beauty. 

About The Flying Lark 

Proudly from Grants Pass, Oregon, The Flying Lark is Southern Oregon's premier  gaming and entertainment destination, including an inviting family culinary dining  experience and the inspiring Wonder Walk outdoor art display, featuring regional artists.  The Flying Lark, named after one of the most famous stallions in Oregon's history, was  designed for our customers, community and team members to celebrate the past, present and future, with the magic and beauty of horses. For more information and  regular updates, visit: TheFlyingLark.com 

The post Economic Analysis: HHR To Help Grants Pass Downs Have $10.7 Billion Impact Over Next 30 Years appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Survey Shows Equine Industry Stable Based On Number Of Horses Owned And Managed

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the equine industry is stable based on the number of horses owned/managed, according to the results of a survey1,2 by American Horse Publications (AHP) sponsored by Zoetis. The survey, which includes responses from 7,267 horse owners/managers, found that the top three issues facing the industry are land use issues, horses in transition or at risk and the increased cost of horsekeeping. And, while vaccination rates are stable, survey respondents indicated they are following updated deworming recommendations and adjusting their frequency if needed.

“The results from the 2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey reveal overall stability in the U.S. equine industry in spite of unique challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Jill Stowe, Ph.D., professor of agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky, who analyzed the data and consulted on the results. “Based on respondents' input on management and issues facing the industry, our leaders have helpful information to guide strategic planning and decision-making for the long-term benefit of the industry.”

[Story Continues Below]

The survey, which was conducted from January 18 through April 9, 2021, has three primary objectives: to gauge participation trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry, to identify critical issues facing the equine industry as perceived by those who own or manage horses, and to better understand approaches to horse health care. AHP conducted similar surveys in 2009-2010, 2012, 2015 and 2018.

Stability Through the Pandemic

The average respondent owns/manages about six horses and 75.2 percent of respondents indicate that the number of horses they currently own/manage is the same as in 2020; 10.4 percent own/manage more horses than they did in 2020. When asked about future expectations of ownership, 73 percent expect to own/manage the same number of horses in 2022, 17.3 percent expect to own/manage more horses and 9.7 percent expect to own/manage fewer horses. Comparing this to the 2018 survey, we see an increase in expected stability regarding the number of horses owned/managed.

Horse Ownership

Growth in the number of horses owned/managed is more prevalent among respondents in the youngest age group as compared to the oldest group. Similar to previous studies, the frequency of owning/managing more horses in the survey year (2021) than in the previous year (2020) is decreasing with age; 21.8 percent of respondents in the 18-24 age category report owning/managing more horses in 2021 than in 2020, while only 5.4 percent of respondents in the 65+ age category report owning/managing more horses. This pattern is also consistent with expectations on horse ownership/management one year in the future: 31.1 percent of respondents in the 18-24 age category expect to own/manage more horses in 2022 than they do this year, while only 10.2 percent of respondents in the 65+ age category report the same expectation.

Event Participation

Survey participants indicate that they expect to compete in an average of 4.3 events in 2021, which is less than the 5 competitions reported in the 2018 study. More than 45 percent of the respondents do not plan on competing at all in 2021, up from 38.7 percent in 2018.

Horsekeeping Costs

Feed (including both hay and concentrates) continues to be the most frequently identified area in which horsekeeping costs have increased. This is followed by costs of veterinary services (41 percent) and animal health products (39 percent), which are stable from the 2018 study.

However, the cost of barn supplies has significantly increased since 2018, from 12.2 percent to 22 percent. Frequently mentioned sources of increased costs in the “other” category were fencing, building materials and insurance. In addition, 22.2 percent of respondents identified fuel/transportation as a primary source of increased horsekeeping costs. It is important to note that if this survey had been conducted later in 2021, when there was a sharp increase in gas and lumber prices, this percentage may have been higher. The rise in horsekeeping costs could force businesses to raise prices even if they don't want to.

Looking at how to accommodate for horsekeeping costs, most respondents reported they will reduce expenditures in other areas of their lives (60 percent), attend fewer competitions (22.2 percent) and pursue other income opportunities (21.3 percent).

Issues Facing the Equine Industry

The most frequently selected issue facing the equine industry was land use issues (43.5 percent), followed closely by horses in transition or at risk (43.1 percent), and cost of horsekeeping (42.8 percent). Frequently mentioned issues in the “other” category include animal rights activists, competition costs, liability and over-regulation.

Although there are overarching issues that span the entire equine industry, there are certain issues of heightened concern in particular areas of the country. For example, zip code regions 4 (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio) and 7 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas) had the highest percentage of respondents selecting illegal medication of performance horses and ineffective welfare laws. Respondents in zip code region 3, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee, were most likely to select the practice of soring as a key issue.

Horse Health Care

Veterinarians administer vaccines for 65.4 percent of respondents' horses, continuing a gradual upward trend from previous surveys (58.2 percent in 2012, 61.4 percent in 2015 and 63 percent in 2018). The percent of respondents who administer the vaccines themselves continues to decrease, standing at 28.5 percent compared to 29.7 percent in 2018, 31.5 percent in 2015 and 34.7 percent in 2012.

Of vaccination-related issues discussed with the veterinarian, the most common is what the horse is being vaccinated for (63.7 percent), followed by American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) vaccination recommendations (40.6 percent). Since the 2018 survey, horse owners and veterinarian conversations surrounding vaccination protocols have decreased.

More than 72 percent of respondents indicate that their veterinarian is the leading influence for where they purchase their equine vaccines, with price being the second leading influence (13.3 percent).

Deworming

Respondents indicate that they are adhering to new deworming recommendations. The percentage of horse owners who are deworming 1 to 3 times a year has increased, while the percentage of those who are deworming up to 6 times a year has decreased.

More than half of respondents (54.4 percent) indicate their veterinarian is involved in developing their horses' deworming schedules—the first time this figure has eclipsed the 50 percent mark. Survey results indicate that just under 60 percent of respondents report their veterinarians recommend a fecal egg count test, declining from nearly 78 percent in 2018.

Respondents indicate that they purchase dewormers from chain stores, local feed stores and online. Veterinarians are reported to have the most influence on dewormer purchasing decisions and their role has become more prominent than indicated in previous studies.

Timing of Surveys Can Be Meaningful

The 2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey continues to build upon the first four surveys (2009-2010, 2012, 2015 and 2018) to help understand dynamics within the equine industry. The initial survey was conducted as recovery from the Great Recession in '08 and '09 was underway, and the following two surveys were able to track recovery in the equine industry.

“The timing of the 2021 survey is fortuitous because it comes on the heels of a worldwide economic slowdown due to the global COVID-19 pandemic—a health event not seen in more than a century,” said Dr. Stowe. “Accordingly, it can serve as an important benchmark in the health of the equine industry now and in the future.”

About the Survey

The 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 survey collected 8,029 responses, of which 7,267 were useable.

“Zoetis is proud to support the ongoing work of American Horse Publications and its significant efforts to understand the trends impacting our industry,” said Jen Grant, head of marketing for U.S. equine, Zoetis. “To see a stable U.S. horse population despite the many challenges of COVID-19 is a testament to the powerful connection between horses and their caregivers—a bond we are committed to nurturing now and into the future through our trailblazing portfolio of horse care products.”

“AHP is grateful for its partnership with Zoetis to provide ongoing and vital data on the trends in horse care, management and welfare of horses in the U.S.,” said Christine W. Brune, AHP executive director. “We appreciate the cooperation of our members in promoting the survey and the expert analysis of Dr. Jill Stowe.”

Survey results will be released by Zoetis and AHP members through their own channels. Excerpts from this study must be referenced as “2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey sponsored by Zoetis.”

1 American Horse Publications. 2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey.

2 The 2021 survey faced a number of unique challenges in collecting responses due to changes in engagement on social media, increased privacy concerns, and the polar vortex that hit the Texas area and left millions without power.

Read more here.

The post Survey Shows Equine Industry Stable Based On Number Of Horses Owned And Managed appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights