A recent survey of horse owners indicates 57% have nutritional concerns when it comes to the condition of the equine hoof. From a list of 30 categories, this concern was surpassed only by 62% of owners that are concerned about the impact of nutrition on joint longevity.

Among these owners and barn managers, 75% feed at least one type of nutritional supplement. This includes 49% that feed a hoof supplement, 9% that feed nutritional supplements to help prevent laminitis and 7% to help prevent Cushing’s disease.

Last spring, American Horse Publications, a non-profit association of equine information sources that includes American Farriers Journal as a member, conducted an online nationwide survey. Responses were obtained from 10,539 members of the equine industry, with 92% representing horse owners.

Families with combined annual incomes of less than $75,000 made up 50% of the responses. While 3% higher than in a similar study conducted in 2009, it demonstrates why backyard horses still make up a significant proportion of the equine economy. In fact, 73% of these owners use their horses for pleasure and trail riding.

Nearly two-thirds own the same number of horses this year as in 2011. While the majority expects to have the same number of horses next year, 19% expect to own more horses in 2013.

OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS...

• Scottsdale Farrier Supply in Cave Creek and Gilbert, Ariz., was recently purchased by Stockhoff’s Horseshoes and Supplies of La Grange, Ky. The company also owns Across the Anvil East in Freehold, N.J.
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