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                       December 4, 2007

Oldham Equine Council Releases First County-Wide Equine Study

CRESTWOOD, KY (December 4, 2007)  The Oldham County, Kentucky equine industry is a major contributor to Oldham County’s economy, according to a equine survey commissioned by the Oldham County Equine Council and Oldham Ahead. 

Ken Heppermann of Equine Business Resources LLC conducted the first Oldham County-wide survey and one of the few county-wide equine economic impact studies in Kentucky and in the United States. 

The breeding, raising, training, showing, racing, riding, and care of thousands of equine each year in Oldham County collectively make a significant contribution to the Oldham County economy.  The equine industry is a thriving part of the Oldham County economic landscape and has the potential to grow even larger according to the study.

The equine industry is a leading component of the Oldham County agricultural sector.  The study reflects that as of December 31, 2006, there were approximately 377 equine operations housing 3,186 equine, situated on more than 10,000 acres of the county.  These operations generate an estimated 388 jobs and have an economic impact of more than $48.9 million. 

The equine operations in the county represent a major land use in the county, providing necessary acreage for the equine industry while providing intangible benefits to residents and visitors.   Tertiary benefits of horse property include the provision of open spaces and scenic vistas in one of the fastest growing counties in Kentucky.  The 13,929 acres associated with equine operations represent 22 percent of the total of 62,500 acres of agricultural land in the county recorded during the 2002 Census of Agriculture.  

The study affirms that Oldham County is a leading equine county in Kentucky and the nation.  The 2002 Census of Agriculture reflected the county’s 2002 equine inventory of 2,959 placed Oldham County eighth in Kentucky and in the top seven percent of counties nationwide.  Based on this year’s survey, the horse inventory continues to grow in the county.

Mary Lowry, president of the Oldham County Equine Council  believes the results of the study will be useful to local and state elected leaders in making land-use decisions and developing equine related legislation.  The results should also be useful for regional and state equine organizations in their efforts to quantify the economic impacts Kentucky’s signature industry.

The breadth and depth of Oldham County’s equine industry suggest that there is significant untapped potential for equine related tourism in the county and that efforts to establish a regional horse park should be pursued.

 Download the report to see the full impact of Oldham County's equine industry on the county's economy. 

Download the highlights from the report (a PowerPoint presentation)

Download the press release

Oldham County Equine Council

March 2007

Oldham Ahead, in partnership with interested parties in the Oldham County equine community, has formed an Oldham County Equine Council.  Mary Lowry, who owns and operates Altavista Farm in Oldham County, announced the formation of the Oldham County Equine Council at a recent University of Kentucky Horse College Continues seminar held at the Oldham County Cooperative Extension Service office in Buckner on Thursday evening, January 25.  The council is open to all persons with an interest in the Oldham County equine industry.

The proposed mission of the Oldham County Equine Council is to build a county-wide, broad-based educational and professional forum to increase awareness of the impact of the equine industry within Oldham County; to develop a comprehensive directory of equine businesses, services, and support businesses, to promote jobs and economic opportunities for equine operations and related support businesses.  Additionally, the Council will work with Oldham County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky governments and equine organizations to support state-wide equine initiatives and industry best practices.

Council membership is free and open to all individuals, families, companies, students, and organizations with an interest in the Oldham County equine business and recreation areas.  Membership forms are available on the Council’s website.

Ms. Lowry has recruited an impressive initial Board that represents a broad cross-section of Oldham County equine interests—from the thoroughbred, saddlebred, morgan, and other breed communities; boarding and lesson operations, fox hunters and trail riders. Board members include Betsy Lavin, Sara Rankin, Susan Harris, Alf Caldwell, Emily Ragan, Traci Missun, Del Lowell, Sandy Gerbino, Lori Osborne, Maggie Rataj, Kathy Hockersmith, and Diana Hinto-Beard.  Others that would like to serve on the board or serve on committees that will be formed should contact Mary Lowry at (502) 228-9539.

The Oldham County Cooperative Extension Service is assembling an Oldham County Equine Directory.  The directory provides a means for equine related businesses to advertise for free and for individuals to easily locate equine service providers.  This free directory will be available in print and online at the council’s web site, www.oldhamequinecouncil.org.   

Businesses and individuals can download the directory form on the equine council website and return it to the UK Cooperative Extension Service, 1815 N. Hwy 393, LaGrange, KY 40031.  For additional information, contact Traci Missun, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent at (502) 222-9453, or email her at traci.missun@uky.edu.

 Oldham County Commercial Horse Survey by Ken Heppermann, Revised 2002 :  This study by Oldham County resident Ken Heppermann explores the economic impact of the equine industry in Oldham County.