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I INTRODUCTION <br />OVERVIEW <br />The horse industry is highly diverse, supporting a wide range of activities In each region <br />of the country. A recent report prepared by the American Horse Council, "The <br />Economic Impact of the U.S. Horse Industry in the United States" estimated that the <br />horse industry contributes $40 billion annually to the gross domestic product and <br />provides 460,000 full time equivalent jobs. In Washington State, horse ownership is <br />woven into the fabric of the state's history and essence. In terms of horse ownership, <br />Washington, with over 250,000 horses. ranks eleventh among the states in the nation In <br />total number of horses and ranks among the top states In the number of horses per <br />capita. Annually Washington facilities host hundreds of Small, medium and large scale <br />events. The equestrian community finds that no satisfactory facilities exist to handle <br />the highest quality or multi --state events. Most existing facilities offer limited rapacity, <br />older buildings and poor access (WSPRC Memo.) <br />Horse shows and western events are basic parts of the horse industry. Shows vary by <br />breed and type of event, eaeh,requidng specific facilities In which to conduct the <br />activity. The shows range from small, one -day local shows to large, multi -day national <br />and International exhibitions and activities. In the past decade, new facillities have been <br />developed in many locations around the country. Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, <br />Colorado, Arizona, Oklahoma, and New Jersey. <br />National Trends <br />We have three sources for Nation Trends in horse shows; the number of horses and <br />horses involved in .shows for 1996 and 2005 (American Horse Council Foundation), <br />2000-2005 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) data (http:llwww.usef.org), and <br />8 <br />