Whoa Nelly, it’s time to check out the states that produce the most horses in America.
I almost went horseback riding this summer. I had been camping upstate and there was actually a horse farm next to the campsite. They looked so cool. I pictured myself atop a gentle steed. I always look fantastic in my imagination–what can I say? It’s a gift. Unfortunately, by the time we got there they were closed for the day. The horses had already taken people on the mile-long trot through the woods dozens of times that day.
Actually, I HAVE owned a horse. Or a horse-like object. It was a stick with a horse’s head on it. It matches perfectly with my plastic red cowboy hat. I also had a rocking horse that was on springs! Is that even legal? It seems like something Xzhibit would’ve pimped out. I remember “galloping” on it in the living room of our apartment, even though I was pretty young I was still somewhat concerned with the fact that it seems as though I would be catapulting out the window at any moment.
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Horses, organic, plastic or otherwise, are beautiful creatures. My wife is obsessed with the way their hooves strike the ground when they run. You might think I am exaggerating but she just watched 5 YouTube videos about it yesterday. She started with camels, but when she got to horses, she found the sweet spot. To each his own when it comes to nature videos.
As you can probably tell from the title, the methodology for states that produce the most horses in America is going to be quite straight forward. We take the number of horses of each state and the ones that have a higher number will be ranked higher and vice-versa. What do you think, are some of the Largest Cattle Producing States in the US also part of this list? We’ll see in a minute.
Of course, we had to delve deep into the database of several websites. We sought help from websites like HorseCouncil, HumaneSociety and a report published by horsecouncil, which you can find here. Hopefully, you will find our article quite entertaining. Especially if you love horses, then we can guarantee your enjoyment.
10. Colorado
Horse Population: 255,503
Horses per square mile: 2.5
Number of People/Horses: 18.0
At the 10th place of our today’s list, we have Colorado. A state filled with beautiful vistas and breathtaking scenery. But, everything looks even better when you add a horse to the frame. It is a great state to live in, if you like horses and mountains and perhaps skiiing, or weed or both.
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9. Pennsylvania
Horse Population: 255,763
Horses per square mile: 5.7
Number of People/Horses: 48.5
At number 9 position in our list of states that produce the most horses in America we have Pennsylvania. The horse industry in Pennsylvania is pretty robust and thriving. Pennsylvanian horses have made a name for themselves throughout the country for their stamina and power. As you can see, Pennsylvania managed to beat Colorado just by a couple of hundred horses. The margin was pretty slim indeed. You could call it a horserace. It is estimated that the Pennsylvania economy is heavily reliant on the horse industry, if you wish to read more on the matter, you can click here.
8. North Carolina
Horse Population: 256,269
Horses per square mile: 5.3
Number of People/Horses: 33.3
At the number 8th spot in our list of states that produce the most horses in America we have North Carolina. Once the wild horses of North Carolina’s outer banks roamed freely along the coastal areas. However, with time these horses have been tamed and are very well-known throughout America. The Spanish Mustang horses are the most prolific among all the other breeds of horses found in North Carolina. The rugged landscape of North Carolina produced a rugged and agile beast, and that is why we love them so much.
7. Missouri
Horse Population: 281,255
Horses per square mile: 4.1
Number of People/Horses: 20.5
If you are familiar with Missouri, then you are probably already know about the Missouri Fox Trotter. This horse was developed in the rugged and mountainous region of Ozark hills during the 19th century from saddle horses. Back in the day, the settlers heavily relied upon these surefooted horses who could cover a huge stretch of rough ground with ease. Missouri is still very well-known for its elaborate horse production industry.
6. Ohio
Horse Population: 281,255
Horses per square mile: 7.5
Number of People/Horses: 37.3
Ohio’s horse industry fell into a slump a few years back, but the industry recovered soon after. Ohio’s horse production industry is growing significantly for the past few years and the growth is expected to last for the foreseeable future. As you can see from the number provided above, Ohio has quite a lot of horses per square mile. Highest thus far in the list of 10 states that produce most horses in America. Also, Ohio is home to almost three hundred thousand horses that’s a pretty big number by itself.
5. Kentucky
Horse Population: 320,173
Horses per square mile: 8.0
Number of People/Horses: 12.9
Comparatively, the horse breeding industry in Kentucky that ranks 5th in our list of states that produce the most horses in America is rather new. The Kentucky horse breeding industry was not established until 1850. However, once everything started, Kentucky horse industry swiftly came into the spotlight. Thanks to the horse enthusiasts and master horse breeders of the state. We are at the half way mark of our list today, and we hope you are liking our article so far. From here on, things will get even crazier. Because, the top three states that crown our top three positions actually hosts the majority of entire horse population of America.
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4. Oklahoma
Horse Population: 320,173
Horses per square mile: 8.0
Number of People/Horses: 12.9
The horse industry in Oklahoma is one of the oldest in the country. The Oklahoma inhabitants started relying on horses since the beginning of the 18th century. But now as you can imagine, the industry has grown out of mere farm-work and traveling. Oklahoma hosts several horse-related shows and expos of the national and international level every year. Oklahoma horse industry is quite big and is growing rapidly. As is evident by the numbers given above.
3. Florida
Horse Population: 500,124
Horses per square mile: 9.3
Number of People/Horses: 34.8
Now we step into the leading horse producing states in the US. At the 3rd place in our list of states that produce the most horses in America, we have Florida. As you can see from the number that Florida is home to over half a million horses, an impressive number. The awesome weather, lack of personal income tax, and low cost of living make Florida the prime location for horse racing. Florida’s horse industry contributes an estimated 3.2 billion dollars each year to the state’s dynamic economy. No wonder Florida is so passionate about its horses, and the thriving industry.
2. California
Horse Population: 698,345
Horses per square mile: 4.5
Number of People/Horses: 51.4
California, the number two in our list of states that produce the most horses in America is home to about three-quarters of a million horses. In this thriving industry, the major contributor is horse racing, which contributes an estimated 2.5 billion to the state’s economy. It should also be mentioned that California’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is the highest compared to all the other states listed here. And one of the major contributors to all that GDP is the horse industry.
1. Texas
Horse Population: 978,822
Horses per square mile: 3.7
Number of People/Horses: 23.0
The lone star state is the crown jewel of our rather unique list today. With about a million horses, Texas is home to more horses than any other state in America. I think, you probably guessed that Texas would be at the top of list even before you began reading this article. The word Texas alone conjures up an image of a cowboy on horseback, and there you have it. The rugged countryside and harsh conditions have made the Texas horses beasts of true endurance and stamina.
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We have arrived at the end of our list of states that produce the most horses in America. We had a lot of fun working on this list, and hope you have enjoyed reading it as well. Do not forget to leave a comment, and help us improve our article, giddyup.
