How Are Horses Actually Used In The United States?

Based on 2015 data,

47.2% are used for pleasure.

25.0% are used for farm and ranch work.

8.5% are used for breeding purposes.

8.1% are used for shows and competitions.

4.7% are retired.

3.2% are used for lessons and schooling.

1.6% are involved in racing.

1.7% are used in other ways.

— Changes in the U.S. Equine Industry Report, 1998-2015, U.S. Department of Agriculture

If Your Farrier Is Going To Be Late, Does He Or She Let You Know?

Category

% Of Horse Owners
Always 68.8%
Frequently 8.0%
Sometimes 13.9%
Never 5.4%
Don't Know 3.9%

— 2011 American Farriers Journal horse owner surveys


Friday's Farrier Facts & Figures is brought to you by Markel Insurance.

Markel Corporation (NYSE – MKL) is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, and investment operations around the world. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia and founded in 1930, Markel reports its ongoing underwriting operations in three segments, and products originate from four insurance divisions and one reinsurance division. Markel Ventures, a subsidiary that makes strategic investments in companies outside of the insurance marketplace, is another important component of our business.


In each of our businesses, we seek to deliver innovative products and responsive customer service so that we can be a market leader. Our time horizon is long-term, our underwriting approach is disciplined, and our focus is on continuously improving the quality of the customer experience. Our financial goals are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and to combine those profits with superior investment returns to build shareholder value.