The Economic Impact of Commercial Equestrian Trail Rides in the South Central Missouri Area

Date of Graduation

Spring 2007

Degree

Master of Natural and Applied Science in Agriculture

Department

College of Agriculture

Committee Chair

Arbindra Rimal

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate, in terms of output, employment, and income, the economic impact of commercial trail riding on South Central Missouri. Subjects: Commercial trail ride participants were surveyed while attending a trail ride. Methods: The counties included in the study were Carter, Dent, Reynolds, Shannon, and Texas. Fifteen hundred questionnaires were distributed at two commercial trail riding facilities. Researchers collected 930 surveys, 706 of which were deemed complete and usable for the study. Implan (Impact Planning) software was used to determine direct, indirect, induced and total effect on employment, total value added, and output. Results: In terms of output, results indicated a total output impact of $15.2 million and a direct output impact of $11.7 million. There were 303.7 job units directly created and 350.7 job units were created directly due to the activities relating to commercial equestrian trail rides. Total value added showed a direct impact of almost $7 million and a total impact of over $9 million. Discussion: Results suggest that commercial equestrian trail riding has a significant impact on the South Central Missouri economy, and legislatures, local officials, and the general public should be able to make more informed decisions regarding the commercial trail ride facilities in their area.

Keywords

horses, tourism, economic impact, equestrian, commercial trail ride

Subject Categories

Agriculture

Copyright

© Katie E. Welker

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

Share

COinS