Horse Owner's Virtual Webinar Series

Summary

The equine industry in Georgia has continuously grown in scope over the last decade and contributes significantly to the state economy. The majority of horse owners use their horses primarily for recreational purposes and may lack knowledge and guidance on best practices regarding equine management. The Lincoln County Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Agent developed curriculum and coordinated a virtual seminar series with guest presentations by a UGA Equine Specialist, the Morgan and Monroe County ANR Agents, an Equine Lawyer, and an Equine Insurance Representative.

Situation

The American Horse Council (AHC) Foundation conducted a survey in 2017 that found a U.S. horse population of 7.2 million animals owned by over 1 million horse owners. The majority of horses in the U.S. are not high-level competition horses but are instead used for pleasure riding (68%) or not in work (31%; 2018 AHP Equine Industry Survey). From 2009 to 2019, the economic impact of the equine industry in Georgia has increased from $394 million to $481 million- a 21% increase. Furthermore, the equine industry is 12th in the Georgia agricultural commodity rankings (2018 Farm Gate Value Report.) Despite this increase, Extension education opportunities in Georgia focused on horse owners and professionals are harder to come by than programs for other livestock species. Respondents to the AHP Equine Industry Survey indicated they get their equine education from magazines (67%), company/product websites (65%), and social media (60%). While some information in these sources can be research-based and accurate, many horse owners may be relying on out-of-date, opinion-based, ineffective or inaccurate information. The majority of Extension programming on horses that does exist in Georgia is primarily focused on 4-H horse programs and horse showing, not adult education. Lincoln County is experiencing increased interest in horse ownership and boarding, which is reflected in the presence of several boarding facilities, a rescue operation, several competitive training facilities, and the installment of a multi-billion-dollar equine rehabilitation center. A local agriculture needs assessment survey conducted in 2019 in Lincoln County showed that residents were interested in equine educational opportunities through UGA Cooperative Extension. The Lincoln County Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) agent led a five-week horse owner’s virtual webinar series in August of 2020.

Response

The Horse Owner’s Virtual Webinar Series was held weekly in August of 2020. There were a total of 283 online registrants from 30 states and 2 countries and the average weekly attendance was 58 participants. UGA Agriculture and Natural Resource agents from Lincoln, Monroe, and Morgan counties collaborated with a UGA Equine Specialist and two industry professionals to develop program topics and associated curricula. A voluntary post program assessment was conducted for each session. A second survey was required to access the webinar recordings, handouts, and other materials from the class.

Impact

Program participants were asked to complete a post survey at the end of each webinar to assess their experience with the program and change in knowledge on presented topics. The instructors and presentations were ranked excellent by 75% of participants. Overall satisfaction for the program was excellent, as noted by 79% of attendees. In addition to an overall attitude regarding the program, participants were asked their intention to use the presented information. On average across all five weeks, 82% of participants indicated they would definitely use the information provided, and 71% indicated they planned to soil test as a result of the forage management seminar. In addition to an overall perspective of the program, participants were also asked how their knowledge changed as a result of each presentation. Participants were least knowledgeable about the withers scoring system (67% had no knowledge prior to the program) and basic horse mortality and health insurance (47% had no knowledge prior to the program). Program attendees were most comfortable with the equine diet, with 32% of attendees stating they were very or extremely knowledgeable about the topic prior to the presentation. The greatest knowledge change occurred for the feed tag presentation, with 83% of attendees reporting they were very or extremely knowledgeable after the presentation compared to only 5% prior to the session. For all sessions, those participants who had no prior knowledge of the topic stated that they were more knowledgeable after the presentation. Changes in knowledge attributed to the seminar series showed, on average, 55% of the participants reporting they were very or extremely knowledgeable on the presented topics after the program compared to 28% prior to the program.

State Issue

Animal Production

Details

• Year: 2020
• Geographic Scope: National
• County: Lincoln
• Location: College Station, Athens
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources