Oklahoma

Oklahoma is in a position to become the top state in the nation for equine activities if steps are made to take advantage of its location and resources, according to the newly formed Oklahoma Equine Task Force.

Created through the office of Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach, the task force is intended to develop and promote the state's equine assets and opportunities. Peach said he believes Oklahoma could become the top location for equine events in the world.

"We have the infrastructure and resources to be to equine shows and events what Kentucky is to thoroughbred racing," he said. "The task force is defining and creating a leadership organization to identify our assets and correct any weaknesses we may have to get to that point."

Once the task force can accurately make those identifications, Oklahoma horsemen will be able to decide the best ways to position the state in the eyes of the international horse industry. Peach said he expects one of the results of this renewed enthusiasm to boost the horse industry will be an influx of horse breeders, trainers and related service industries.

"I think we'll see a number of people from other states want to relocate here when they realize that we're implementing projects and creating an environment to be the greatest place for equine events in the country," he said. "We're already known world-wide for events such as the American Quarter Horse Association's World Show and the International Reining Horse Futurity. We can build on these events and bring in even more events of their caliber."

Oklahoma has more horses per capita than any other state and ranks fourth in number of horses nationally. A study commissioned by the AQHA last year showed the state's equine industry added $766 million to its economy.

"The significant thing we learned from the AQHA economic study was that our state isn't keeping pace with other states in terms of economic growth in the industry," Peach said. "Less than a decade earlier a similar study showed the economic impact of the horse industry to be $762 million. Nationally, the economic impact grew from $26 billion to $39 billion during that time."

Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, Kathy Taylor, supports further development of the state's horse industry, he said. "Secretary Taylor is working with us on this project and believes it can be a great economic boost to our state."

In addition to creating a new leadership organization, task force subcommittees are also studying the best ways to market and promote Oklahoma both nationally and internationally. Peach said he expects a statewide organization or association of horsemen will ultimately be created.

"The entire industry is going to have to unite for this dream to be realized," he said. "I am confident we will be successful if everyone works together."

Date: 8/25/05