December 13 is National Day of the Horse in the United States

First recognized by Congress in 2004, National Day of the Horse honors the contributions of horses to the development and culture of the United States.

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National Day of the Horse

 

In 2004, Congress recognized the first official National Day of the Horse. Read on to learn more about the 2018 National Day of the Horse.

The text of the resolution states:

Encouraging citizens to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States and expressing the sense of Congress that a National Day of the Horse should be established.

Whereas the horse is a living link to the history of the United States;

Whereas, without horses, the economy, history, and character of the United States would be profoundly different;

Whereas horses continue to permeate the society of the United States, as witnessed on movie screens, on open land, and in our own backyards;

Whereas horses are a vital part of the collective experience of the United States and deserve protection and compassion;

Whereas, because of increasing pressure from modern society, wild and domestic horses rely on humans for adequate food, water, and shelter; and

Whereas the Congressional Horse Caucus estimates that the horse industry contributes well over $100,000,000,000 each year to the economy of the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress–

(1) encourages all citizens to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States;

(2) expresses its sense that a National Day of the Horse should be established in recognition of the importance of horses to the Nation’s security, economy, recreation, and heritage; and

(3) urges the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States and interested organizations to observe National Day of the Horse with appropriate programs and activities.


On the anniversary of the first official National Day of the Horse, horse enthusiasts are encouraged to celebrate the horse’s contribution to the United States.

According to the American Horse Council:

  • There are 9.2 million horses in the United States.
  • 4.6 million Americans are involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers.
  • 2 million people own horses.
  • The horse industry has a direct economic effect on the U.S.of $39 billion annually.
  • The industry has a $102 billion impact on the U.S.economy when the multiplier effect of spending by industry suppliers and employees is taken into account.
  • The industry directly provides 460,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.

Further Reading
2010 National Day of the Horse

19 COMMENTS

  1. The horse in general deserves all this and more. Everyone should be aware and appreciate the horse’s contribution to our states development and the contribution they make in our lives now. I have heard people say “stinky nasty horses” but they need to know and appreciate how horses have improved our way of life through many sacrifices they had no control over. I love horses forever.

  2. I am so so happy to hear that you as Congress has excepted the fact that HORSES were here and contribute to a large part of are heritage and still is for the most part, I like to think they represent us as a strong country!! Thanks Horse Channel for informing us and to help us remember this time every year!!

  3. I’ll believe in the existence of a National Day of the Horse when the US bans transport to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. When all the meat auctions are closed, and the kill buyers gainfully employed in real jobs. And the mustangs safe on the wild ranges, not harassed and tortured by BLM contractors. Until then, the National Day of the Horse is just a fuzzy feel good idea.

  4. Could the date be changed to something in another season so there could be actual activities scheduled? In December the weather is too cold to do outside activities and many of us don’t have indoor arenas. We can’t count on roads being good to trailer horses and could have snowstorms, icy roads, and below zero temperatures. I love the idea of a national horse day and think we’d get more response if we could have actual activities with horses and let interested members of the public attend. Create interest in horses for everyone. Decdember is also a busy month with a lot of holiday stuff to do and attend and most people will have so much going on they won’t participate in horse day activities. Just too busy a time in December as well as too cold in the winter. Another date would be much better! Thanks.
    Kay Barrett

  5. I love it, I have enjoyed showing horses my whole life and always said horses have been a major part of history. Also wonderful it falls on my birthday!!!

  6. The horse is an important part of our history, I believe some have forgotten what the Horse represents. They are the back bone of our Country. They was our only means of transportation, they plowed our fields to food on our families tables and fought in the war of battle. Tomorrow is my
    B-Day and will be @ the Barn with my Horse Celebrating his life! The best gift I could ever have.

  7. I love the idea of Day of the Horse. I also agree with “Kay” that having it during a warmer season would allow more opportunities for advocates to celebrate it. I live in Kansas, and December is not a friendly time to plan horse events.

  8. OMG – This is sooo unbelievable. I never realized there was a ‘Day of the Horse’. It is truly amazing because when I got married, I told my intended that: ‘Horses come 1st, then you’, with the disclaimer that if he didn’t like it..then he shouldn’t marry me! Well, guess what are wedding anniversary is? December 14th..I can’t wait to send him this link..This IS Priceless! Thank you for posting..you’ve made my whole next 2 weeks!

  9. I agree with this comment left by a previous reader.
    I’ll believe in the existence of a National Day of the Horse when the US bans transport to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. When all the meat auctions are closed, and the kill buyers gainfully employed in real jobs. And the mustangs safe on the wild ranges, not harassed and tortured by BLM contractors. Until then, the National Day of the Horse is just a fuzzy feel good idea.

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