Center for Equine Business Studies - Texas A&M University





	CEBS Announces Continuing Education Courses For Spring 2008 USTRC Contracts Research Services with CEBS Survey Services Available Through the CEBS Distance Learning Program Offers Ease of Training Center for Equine Business Studies Gains Industry Support Affordable Survey Services Available Through the CEBS Center for Equine Business Studies Gains Industry Support Distance Learning Program Offers Ease of Training Charitable Trust Will Fund Equine Business Studies at Texas A&M Center for Equine Business Studies to Focus on Cattle in Equine Competition Equine Business Summit Draws Enthusiastic Audience Summit To Assist Development of Proposed Equine Business Center at Texas A&M Industry Leaders Focus on Center for Equine Business Studies Equine Business Center Under Development

The horse livestock and its related lifestyle industries are a diverse and evolving industry group with a spirit not unlike the creature it seeks to represent. Encompassing the elements of a livestock commodity group, the attraction of entertainment and competition, the legislative demands of a large constituency, and the emotional compassion of pet ownership, the industry has challenged many entities that have tried to capture and train that spirit on an international scale.

The Texas A&M University Department of Agricultural Economics recognizes the value of providing a constant and reliable source of economic data to the horse livestock and its related lifestyle industries. Already a nationally recognized leader in the development of research and information related to agribusiness, agriculture and natural resources, the Department has an outstanding reputation based on a history of serving state and national government, including the U.S. Congress, as well as a long list of industry groups who have turned to Texas A&M for answers.

Ross Hecox photo

The horse livestock and its related lifestyle industries group includes many different facets, including breeding, training, racetracks, horse shows, and riding for work, sport, and recreation. It also has important dimensions. Horses are a significant investment, considering all of the related activities, and have a large economic impact. The industry also faces many issues and challenges, and there are important needs for research and education to include the following:

1. A fundamental need for date to guide private and public decisions relating to equine enterprises. A comprehensive database of information on the equine industry is needed to analyze trends and assess changes and impacts.

2. Understanding and communicating the broad scope and impact of equine business to government officials, media and the public is an important challenge.

3. Horse ownership and related service industries are dominated by small businesses. Training in entrepreneurship and small business management would serve the industry well in helping to assure the success of these investors and operators.

4. The industry is impacted by a wide range of policies ranging from taxes on wagering or pari-mutuel betting to income taxes and sales taxes. Potential impacts of proposed changes need to be well understood by industry leaders and public officials.

5. Equine-related enterprises are land intensive. Significant land investments are required for housing, pasture, training, and riding. Thus, understanding real estate markets and trends, zoning regulations, and real estate taxes are crucial to maintaining a viable equine industry.

6. Environmental regulations, including manure disposal and water management, also have important implications for the industry.

7. Understanding the consumer is the key to success for any industry. For the equine industry, it involves understanding the various types of consumers and their changing demands for recreation, entertainment, and other equine-related activities.