The horse industry has a total impact on the US Gross Domestic Product of 112 billion. This is ~16% of the gross national product (GNP) of the Agriculture Forestry & Fisheries section of the U.S. economy. In comparison with specific sectors of the manufacturing sector, this industry is 83% of the GNP of the textile mill products sector, and 65% of the lumber & wood products sector. It equals the combined output of the tobacco and leather products industries. Over 70% of the 6.9 million horses in the United States are involved in either competitive showing or recreational use, with the balance in racing. The total employment impact is approximately 1.4 million jobs. The equine program is an integral part of the Animal Science Department. The demographics of Animal Science students will continue to shift toward increasing demand for a quality equine program. The equine program consists of a variety of classes and outreach activities designed to have each student increase their knowledge of the care of horses, have each student increase their knowledge on the management of horses and horse facilities and be competent in these skills, have each student increase their interpersonal skills, have graduates satisfied with their experience within the program, and to educate youth and horse owners in the state.