Keynote speaker touches on equine industry impact

CAMDEN -- It was a chance to learn about the importance of the state's equine industry, and how individuals can make a difference. This weekend's Equine Industry Conference served as a forum for people who are involved with equestrian activities to share ideas and learn more about the importance of how horses impact and benefit their communities.

The keynote opening address was delivered by Dan Rosenberg, president of Rosenberg Thoroughbred Consulting. His presentation was entitled "Why We Need Horses."

"The fact that we need horses is very important to me, and it's a love affair between humans and horses," said Rosenberg, who said the love affair is two sided.

Both humans and horses are highly competitive species, he said.

Among the topics the keynote speaker addressed were the significant economic impact the horse industry has on the nation's gross domestic product, generating a total contribution of $102 billion dollars annually, which rivals that of the garment and the motion picture industries, said Rosenberg.

Equestrian economic impact analyses demonstrate that the equine industry is responsible for environmentally clean jobs, plays a large role in land conservation and preservation and in state tourism. Rosenberg pointed out that some people plan their vacation around equine events, in some cases to see prominent horses.

Many businesses benefit directly and indirectly from the equine industry.

"The equine industry is an environmentally sound economic engine," said Rosenberg. He also emphasized the importance of solidarity among horsemen within communities, and the impact they can play by educating people about the benefits and significance the equine industry plays within their community.

Farmland protection and equine land conservation is paramount, said Rosenberg. The nation is losing 250 acres of green space per hour, 6,000 acres a day and 2,190,000 acres per year.

Horses can change lives, and that theme resonated throughout Rosenberg's oration. He talked about the therapeutic benefits of horses and how hippotherapy as a therapeutic treatment uses the multidimensional movement of the horse. It can help improve balance, posture, mobility and function. Hippotherapy can also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions.

The therapeutic value of horses have played a role in helping to rehabilitate those incarcerated in the prison system, providing people who may not have had hope with a second chance. They've also given at-risk youth a chance to build a future.

Young people have learned life lessons from horses, said Rosenberg. They learn about responsibility, humility, patience, sacrifice, disappointment, kindness, sportsmanship, and they become detail-oriented.