Source: American Farriers
The horse industry is undergoing notable shifts amid growing scrutiny over equine welfare and changing public perceptions. According to the 2023 American Horse Council survey, the U.S. horse population declined to 6.7 million from 7.2 million in 2017. Only 1% of Americans own horses, and nearly 30% of those owners earn under $75,000 annually. While breed registrations rose by 8%, mainly among Quarter Horses, Standardbreds, and Morgans, welfare concerns dominate public and professional discourse.
Roughly 69% of Americans express concern over horses in sports, especially in endurance and carriage driving, and 87% of veterinarians echo those concerns. Welfare is increasingly judged by mental health, with 90% of surveyed individuals supporting this measure. Equine veterinarians—92% of whom are women—report long hours, gender discrimination, and lower earnings than other vets, leading to burnout and workforce shortages. Globally, most people view horses as partners or family, signaling a cultural shift in equine-human relationships.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/14991-12-equine-facts-to-share-with-your-hoof-care-clients