Denton County is home to more than 26,000 horses and the equine industry generates $55.2 million to the local economy annually. Why are there so many horses in the county? Eddie Baggs
One of the main reasons for the large horse population is location. Location can have different meanings. The physical location to Interstate 35W and Fort Worth, where numerous state, regional and national premier equine events are conducted, provides a shorter hauling distance. This causes less stress on the horses, lower travel expenses and allows the owners to commute from their homes during a 10-day-long event.
Denton County also offers an attractive climate for training operations and breeding farms. There is also a band of "fine sandy loam" that stretches 6.5 miles from north to south through the middle of the county. This soil type is excellent for the horses' hooves and lessens the stress on joints during riding and training activities.
Once a horse population is established in a particular area, the related support industry usually follows, such as: feed stores, hay production, veterinary clinics, truck and trailer sales, barn construction, fencing, field equipment, Western wear and tack retail - the list goes on. Not only does the horse industry support these related industries but it also gives a boost to tourism. A number of these horse ranches are home to some of the most recognized horses in the world and very well maintained, which adds aesthetic value to the area while attracting out-of-county visitors and their dollars.
However, not all horses that reside in Denton County are on large, famous farms. Some are backyard horses that aren't used for competition or breeding.
These are just a few of the reasons there are so many horses in Denton County, but the underlying reason was best said by the great Will Rogers: "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man."
The Denton County Horse Committee will have a two-day horsemanship clinic for riders 12 and older June 17-18 at Wallace's Hanging W Ranch in Drop, west of Dish.
The clinic is limited to the first 30 paid registered participants by June 10. Cost is $60 per adult rider and $40 for youths. For more information or to register, call 940-349-2880 or e-mail pamela.hill@dentoncounty.com.
EDDIE BAGGS, Denton County agriculture extension agent with Texas AgriLife Extension, can be reached at 940-349-2880 or metro 972-434-8812.
