156 Availability of Tennessee equine veterinary and farrier services in relationship to economic and population estimations

The versatility of equids has created an expansive industry across Tennessee; however, there is minimal data about the economic impact, location, usage, and overall count of equids. A challenge in quantifying industry population, demographics, and available services for equine owners stems from a lack of record keeping and significant reporting differences between agencies. The objective of this study was to 1) determine population demographics and economic impact of the Tennessee Equine Industry and 2) garner an understanding of the availability and cost of veterinary and farrier services. As part of a larger subset, an online survey was developed (March–August 2022; Qualtrics, Provo, UT) to determine individual industry involvement, including equine ownership, veterinarians, and farriers, where respondents reported ownership expenditures, business services, and overall financial activity. Data was analyzed for descriptive statistics using the means and frequency procedures in SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC). Economic modeling was performed using IMPLAN, an input-output model, to analyze the data to estimate the total (multiplier-based) economic contribution of the industry. Of the 2,009 respondents, 97.7% (n = 1,962) were equine owners or leasers that identified 8,235 equids. Utilizing response results with previously estimated populations of 104,827 from the 2017 USDA Census and165,800 from the 2016 American Horse Council, a population of 140,000 was estimated for TN in 2021. The total impact of the industry is estimated to be $1.805 billion in total economic activity, 33,345 jobs (with 2.5% being veterinary related), and $1.032 billion in gross state product. An estimated $6,719 annually is spent on basic care per head, including $750 on basic veterinary care and $404 on farrier services. Farriers (n = 31) provided services to 54.7% (n = 52) counties with Knox County having the highest number of servicing farriers (n = 9 or 29%). Veterinarians (n = 24) reported that 75% (n = 18) provided services to equids, also with Knox County (n = 3 or 16.6%) having the highest number of clinicians providing services. When cross-referenced with a list of veterinarians provided by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), only 14/95 counties lack veterinary representation. The Tennessee equine population continues to make an economic and industry specific impact; however, a disparity between equine population and preventative care services exists. Based on information from this survey, there is substantial growth and development potential, which may include expansion of jobs, available services, and overall industry growth.