Exciting New Equine Industry Career Book Published
The Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky has published a new book about careers in the equine industry by author Kathy Sheppard-Jones titled
“You Can Do So Many Things!”:
“The book is a delightful introduction to the world of horses, and possibilities for young children as they consider future work opportunities. You Can Do So Many Things! celebrates the horse industry and the endless possibilities for employment. It is written for young readers, to encourage children to think broadly about possible work in the equine industry – and starting at very young ages! Read the book online or download it for free”.
Find the book here: https://hdi.uky.edu/ecbook
Council of Bay Area Conservation Districts Equine Facilities Assistance Program
The following PDF fact sheets are available for download:
Composting Horse Manure
Conservation Measures to Reduce Non-Point Source Pollution
Photographic Monitoring
Horse Paddocks: Designed & Managed to Protect Water Quality
Controlling Yellow Starthistle
Dryland Pasture for Horses
Portable Backyard Garden
Horse Manure Management
Horse Owner's Guide to Water Quality Protection
Horse Keeping Guide
Seeding Recommendations for Horse Facilities in the Bay Area
More information is also available at Sonoma Resource Conservation District
The University of California Cooperative Extension
Visit the University of California Cooperative Extension website for a large number of fact sheets, useful information, and access to educational resources.
The US Government Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA has published a brochure entitled "Source Water Protection Practices Bulletin: Managing Livestock, Poultry and Horse Waste to Prevent Contamination of Drinking Water" in PDF available for download below.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES IN SONOMA COUNTY
The equine industry generates $613 million annually for Sonoma County businesses, supports over 7,700 jobs, and provides almost $12 million in annual local tax revenues for Sonoma County governments from direct spending on equine ownership totaling $464 million. There are ripple effects on Sonoma County that add to the equine industry’s local economic footprint.
This report summarizes information from a recent study of the economic impact of the equine industry on Sonoma County’s economy. Based on data from Sonoma County equine veterinarians, approximately 26,217 horses lived in Sonoma County in 2013. A survey conducted between November 2013 and March 2014 provided primary data on equine businesses and ownership. Additional information on spending by horse owners was also gathered from local businesses and equestrian operations. The resulting conglomerate data demonstrated that for every horse in Sonoma County, businesses earn $23,386 annually and for every 34 horses, 10 jobs are annually supported. Supporting a job means that the spending done by horse owners and allied businesses creates income for other businesses that allows them to retain their workers.