The Equine Industry – Adding a Significant Contribution
to Virginia Agriculture and Its Economy
2006 Equine Survey Results:
The 2006 Equine Survey indicated there were an estimated 215,000 horses, ponies, and mules in Virginia on November 1, 2006, up 26 percent from the 170,000 on hand June 1, 2001. The equine industry adds a significant contribution to Virginia agriculture as well as the Commonwealth’s economy.
Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds were the two leading breeds in Virginia at 49,000 and 30,900 head, respectively. The two largest equine counties were Loudoun and Fauquier at 15,500 and 14,800 head, respectively.
The 215,000 equine were located on 41,000 equine operations throughout the Commonwealth, up 41 percent from 2001. Most of the operations are located in the Central and Northern parts of the state.
The total value of all equine on November 1, 2006 was $1.65 billion, up 13 percent from 2001. Average value per equine decreased 10 percent to $7,697 per equine. Equine located in the Northern and Central Districts accounted for nearly 74 percent of the total value of all equine.
Virginia equine operations spent $783 million during 2006 caring for equine, compared to $505 million during 2001. Feed and bedding was the largest expense category at $99.6 million. Equipment purchases and capital improvements followed at $92.0 million and $72.6 million, respectively. Equine expenses covering upkeep-related items accounted for 77 percent of all expenses.
There were 15,600 equine sold in Virginia during 2006, up 21 percent. The total sales value was over $107 million. These sales place equine as the 6th largest commodity in Virginia based on cash receipts. About 66 percent of the total value of sales occurred in the Northern District.
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Virginia Horse Board Displays at Colonial Downs & Welcome Centers
The Virginia Horse Industry Board has had additional copies of its "Virginia...Welcome to Horse Country" displays reproduced and made them available to Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent. Three of the displays are now at the racetrack and were posted before the beginning of the Thoroughbred meet. The displays will remain up through the harness meet this fall.
Copies of the displays have also been reproduced in poster size and are being made available to the 13 Virginia Tourism Corporation's "Welcome Centers" throughout the state.
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