Featured Article (January 2003)

Virginia Ranked 5th Largest Equine State in the Nation

Survey Supports Economic Significance of Horses to Virginia's Economy

A new report, released by the Virginia Agricultural Statistics Service (VASS), places equine inventory in Virginia at 170,000 head, making the Commonwealth the 5th largest equine state. These results came from a survey conducted by VASS as part of a state-funded program administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

VASS, a U.S. Department of Agriculture statistical agency, conducted the survey covering the calendar year 2001 and released the results on December 10, 2002. At 170,000 head, only Texas, California, Missouri, and Tennessee have recorded larger equine inventory numbers. Virginia is tied for 5th with Pennsylvania, Florida, and Oklahoma.

Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses were the two leading breeds in Virginia at 36,300 and 32,500 head, respectively. The two largest equine counties in the Commonwealth were Loudoun and Fauquier at 15,800 and 13,700 head, respectively. The survey indicated there were 29,000 equine operations throughout the Commonwealth.

There were 12,800 equine sold in Virginia during 2001, representing a sales value of nearly $99.4 million. These sales place equine as the 7th largest agricultural commodity in Virginia based on cash receipts. More than 60 percent of all sales occurred in the Northern District of the State.

Equine enthusiasts indicated the total value of all equine was $1.46 billion in 2001 or an average value of $8,599 per equine. The two highest valued breeds were Hanoverian and Thoroughbred averaging $21,703 and $21,430 per equine, respectively. Equine located in the Northern and Central Districts of the State accounted for nearly 77 percent of the total value of all equine.

Pleasure usage was by far the most predominant use of equine in Virginia. A total of 45 percent of all equine were primarily used for pleasure and trail riding activities. Breeding accounted for the next highest usage at 19 percent. Equine enthusiasts spent an enormous amount caring for their animals. A total of nearly $505 million was spent in 2001 or $2,969 per equine. Equine purchases were the largest expense item at $60.9 million. Paid labor and feed and bedding expenses followed at $57.4 million and $55.2 million, respectively. Equine expenses covering upkeep-related items accounted for 66 percent of all expenses in 2001.

The Virginia Horse Industry Board has made a grant to the Wessex Corporation, which will produce an economic impact study of the horse industry in Virginia. The Wessex Group will base their study on the data from the 2001 Virginia Equine Report. The report should be completed by the middle of 2003.

Highlights of the Virginia Equine Survey:

There are an estimated 170,000 horses in Virginia as of June 1, 2001. These 170,000 horses are located on 29,000 operations in Virginia.

Value and Sales of Equine

The value of all equine in Virginia as of June 1, 2001 was $1.46 billion or $8,599 per equine. The Hanoverian breed had the highest average value of $21,703 per head followed by Thoroughbreds at $21,430 per head.

There were 12,800 equine sold in 2001, representing sales value of nearly $99.4 million. These sales place equine as Virginia's 7th largest agricultural commodity based on cash receipts. More than 60 percent of the total sales value occurred in the Northern District of the State.

Primary Use

Trail riding/pleasure was by far the most predominant use of equine in 2001 followed by breeding. Respondents indicated that 45 percent of their horses were primarily for trail riding and pleasure purposes. Breeding usage accounted for 19 percent of all equine. Other uses included competition/show (17%), racing/racing stock (7%) and other uses (12%).

Equine Expenditures

Virginia equine operations spent a total of nearly $505 million during 2001 caring for equine. Total expenses per equine averaged $2,969 and total expenses per operation averaged $17,406. The top five expense categories were:

$60,878,000 Equipment purchases
$57,404,000 Paid labor
$55,185,000 Feed and Bedding
$50,391,000 Equine Purchases
$35,679,000 Capital improvements

Equine Inventory and Value by District

Numbers on other breeds:

For a complete copy of the 2001 Virginia Equine Report, contact VASS at (800) 772-0670. For an Internet copy, visit the VASS web site at www.nass.usda.gov/va.