Horse ownership in Connecticut is best described as a
personal recreational activity. Respondents were asked
to rate the reasons for owning a horse on a scale of
1 (least important) to 5 (most important). The first bar
corresponds to companionship. About 71% rated this
as the most important reason for owning a horse, while
18% considered it the second most important reason.
Similarly, the second bar shows that personal and family
use and recreation are considered most important by
67%. Work, racing and source of income are the least
important reasons for most people.

* Based on the American Horse Council Foundation’s study in 2005

Annual Horse Owner Expenses

• The majority of horses in Connecticut are 6-18 years of age

• The most popular breeds in Connecticut include Qarter Horses, grade horses, and Arabians

• Over half of owners in CT do not board their horses
  
  
• Horses are kept on an average of 13 acres of land, 7 acres owned by the horse owner, the rest leased
  
  
• Horse owners expressed concern about access to greenways and trails
  
  
• Horse owners travel on average 4 miles to ride, 11 miles for trails, 21 miles for camping, 70 miles for shows/competition