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WENTWORTH — The equine  industry isn’t recognized as a major force in the state’s economy but should be, according to study results presented Tuesday  night to Rockingham County residents.

The N.C. Horse Council, along with other state agricultural and equine leaders, presented findings from the Equine Economic Impact Study. The study, which surveyed horse owners, participants in equine events and related businesses, revealed that the industry has an annual economic impact of $1.9 billion .

“That’s a very substantial number,” said Mike Yoder,  an extension horse specialist  at N.C. State, during a town hall meeting at RCC. 

The study also showed that horse owners spend $1.4 billion  annually on goods and services. Ninety  percent of those purchases are made within the state.

Yoder said the state’s equine industry, which also includes donkeys and mules, is diverse, dynamic and growing.

“At $1.9  billion annually, we are a solid agricultural commodity in North Carolina, and we need to remember that,” he said.

Recommendations from the study include the establishment of an equine industry commission to advocate for the industry.

There are bills in the state House and Senate that could fund such a commission, said Rep. Nelson Cole,  D-Rockingham,  who attended the meeting.

The N.C. General Assembly commissioned the study in 2007.  The results come at a critical time for Rockingham and Guilford counties.

Rockingham County is preparing to build the first phase of its equestrian center — the Horse Park of the South. N.C. A&T is a partner.

Rockingham County is hoping to pump life back into an economy that has been hard hit by the loss of the tobacco and manufacturing industries.

A&T officials want to grow an equine program still in its infancy. The university has a 21-credit-hour  certificate program in equine management but hopes to offer a major one day, said Rusty Miller,  equine program coordinator with the school’s department of animal science.

Phase one of the horse park costs $6.8 million  and will include 300 stalls, four outside show rings and classroom space for A&T. It will be built on 155  acres at Barnes Street and U.S. 29 in Reidsville.

When done, the horse park’s total project cost will be about $14 million. 

So far, the project has received $1.5 million  from the Golden Leaf Foundation and $2.4  million from the General Assembly. The county, the city of Reidsville and the Reidsville Area Foundation also are helping pay for the initial phase.

Rockingham County Manager Tom Robinson  said he’s gotten calls from businesses interested in opening in the county if the equestrian center becomes a reality.

“I think we’re going to develop a lot of friends once we break ground,” Robinson said Tuesday.

The meeting attracted about 75  people, including Garry and Lorrie Hutchens.  The couple own eight  horses and live about three miles from where the horse park will be built. They say they welcome the business traffic the park is likely to bring to their side of town.

“I’ll be there myself watching the horse shows,” Lorrie Hutchens  said.

Contact Jonnelle Davis at 627-4881, Ext. 126, or jonnelle.davis@news-record.com