The American Horse Council will release a survey link on June 5 for the 2017 National Economic Impact Study for the U.S. horse industry. The survey will be available until Aug. 1.

According to a press release posted on their website on June 1, AHC will begin distributing the link through the American Quarter Horse Association, United States Equestrian Federation, Certified Horsemanship Organization and other equine organizations.

“We hope everyone that receives the survey link will participate,” says AHC President Julie Broadway.

The goal of the survey is to assess the influence of commercial and recreational horse owners, as well as industry suppliers of goods and services.

“This is an opportunity to showcase how important the vast equine industry is to the United States economy, and the more horse owners, breeders, riders, trainers, racetracks, shows, rodeos and other industry suppliers that participate, the better the data will be that is included in the final results,” Broadway continues in the announcement.

Separate requests for data will be sent to racetracks, advanced deposit wagering and off-track betting business.

The Innovation Group designed this year’s surveys with support from a group of equine industry experts. Several industry stakeholders and a steering committee comprised of AHC staff and outside experts also evaluated the survey.

The 2005 Economic Impact Study found that the horse industry—including showing, racing and recreation—involved 9.2 million horses and more than 4 million Americans while providing 1.4 million full-time jobs.

These findings provide insight to industry members and demonstrate the significance of equine-related industry to public officials and media personnel.

“Now more than ever, it’s important for the equine industry to have access to data from all segments to ensure the most comprehensive, impactful portrait possible of our diverse and long-standing industry,” according to the release.

The AHC advises members of equine associations to keep their eyes open for an email containing the survey link. If you would like to participate and are not a member of an equine association, or have not received the link by June 15, you can email economicimpactstudy@horsecouncil.org.

Questions regarding the confidential survey can be directed to AHC at info@horsecouncil.org.