FTGU

Craig Huffhines, Director of the Texas A&M Institute for Equine Sciences, explains the role horses play in society has changed over time. He says in the past, horses were used for utilitarian purposes, whereas now, horses are often used in a recreational manner. Although the horse industry has shifted into more of a lifestyle industry, the impact is still substantial. Huffhines mentions an economic impact study by the American Horse Council revealed the equine industry showed a contribution of $12.5 billion to the Texas economy and over 255,000 job opportunities. Huffhines says the equine industry has surpassed the receipts of the cattle industry and is full of opportunities to support agriculture and the economy.