REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — The Ohio Equine Task Force recently submitted recommendations to strengthen and promote Ohio’s equine industry.
Created by Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs, the task force, composed of 13 members who represent all facets of the industry, held its first meeting in November 2008.
The group is chaired by State Veterinarian Tony Forshey and continues to meet to discuss ideas and strategy implementation options focused on improving and enhancing Ohio’s horse industry.
Impact
Ohio’s equine industry contributes a total economic impact valued at approximately $2.2 billion in goods and services and is made up of more than 307,000 horses.
More than 16,000 Ohioans are employed by this sector.
Recommendations made by the task force include:
— Use the Ohio Equine Industry Coalition as a unified voice for the equine industry in Ohio.
— Work to define concepts and potential funding sources for an equine marketing program.
— Use the funds generated from this program to expand the general public’s knowledge of Ohio’s equine industry and motivate greater participation in the variety of equine activities throughout the state.
— Examine the necessity for infrastructure projects and support the industry in efforts to get such projects developed.
These projects will include, but are not limited to, the expansion of facilities for the Quarter Horse Congress and the building of a show facility in Northeast Ohio.
