Horses every where..

I came across an interesting map today. I thought I would share it with you.
This is the horse map of the US, showing the populated area's in the states of horses.

http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Online_Highlights/Ag_Atlas_Maps/Livestock_and_Animals/Livestock,_Poultry_and_Other_Animals/07-M159-RGBDot1-largetext.pdf
The total number of horses and ponies in the U.S. in 2007 as found by the Census is 4,028,827, with 575,942 of those animals residing on farms. That is up nearly 385,000 from the 3,644,278 horses and ponies that were counted when the last Census was taken in 2002.
The total number of mules, burros and donkeys in the U.S. in 2007 as found by the Census is 283,806, with 99,746 of those animals residing on farms. That is up nearly 180,000 from the 105,358 mules, burros and donkeys that were counted when the last Census was taken in 2002.



In Canada, the number of horses in 1981 was 358,122, then continued to raise in 1986 to 394,953, 1991- 356,204, 1996- 443,889, 2001 460,569, then the latest numbers from 2006 go down to 453,965 horses
Number of farms reporting (this is raised on farm)1981- 69,178, 1986-69,148, 1991-58,509, 1996-56,707, 2001-53,925, 2006-54,169
interesting that the number of farm horse(work horses, meat horses, PMU) have gone down, while the number of horses continue to rise.
No pretty map for us Canadians, just hard facts. We don't need a picture..

I think the "message" is getting out, that breeding is just not viable anymore and maybe in the future we will continue to see the numbers drop, breeding programs getting better and more focused, and hopefuly people will feel more preasurred not to breed thier mare, just because they want to have a foal.
Stepping off the pearchin box.. and turning the silent key on my mouth.

have a great weekend - see you in the barn.