Highlights of the REIN Horse Survey

Just how much money do Ramona residents spend on their beloved equines? And how much of that money is spent in Ramona? REIN - the Ramona Equine Industry Network- found out through a recent survey.

REIN is a volunteer organization formed in 2000 to protect and promote the equine interests in Ramona. Information for the survey was collected from horse owners to provide a summary of responses reflecting the different horse disciplines and activities in Ramona.

The survey represented 1,025 equines or 11 percent of the horses in Ramona. It is estimated that Ramona residents own a total of 9,563 horses; large ranches (more than 20 horses) were not included in this survey.

Results indicated that respondents own 3.92 equines per household, with the number ranging from one to 20. Seventy-six percent of the respondents live on five acres or less. The vast majority stated that they have horses for recreation, with the most frequent equine activity being trail riding, followed by dressage, showing, ranch work, training clinics and camping/ packing.

Three themes were indicated in the survey: The importance of Ramona's quality of life; the importance of trails; and the importance of the contribution of horse owners to Ramona's economy.

When asked about Ramona, 95 percent of the respondents said it was very important to have their horses at home. Eighty-eight percent said that they keep their horses at home.

When asked why they choose to live in Ramona, respondents gave the highest response to four options: could have horses and other animals at home, access to riding trails, affordability as compared to other communities and country atmosphere.

The second theme was the importance of trails. Easy access to adequate riding/hiking trails from home was very important to 93 percent of respondents, with 96 percent stating they feel that direct trail access from a home or land increases its desirability or monetary value.

A third theme was the amount of money that Ramona's horse owners spend annually; Ramona residents spend an estimated $1,110 per horse per year.

Ramona residents spend an estimated $10 million per year on their horses for horse related goods; about $8.2 million of this is spent with Ramona businesses. It is estimated that Ramona residents spend a total of $11 million each year for horse related services; about $7.9 million is spent with Ramona businesses and service providers.

These numbers do not include the amount spent by the large ranches.

The REIN survey results will be shared with both local and county decision-makers with the hope that the desires of Ramona's horse owners will be considered in planning decisions. Also, REIN will be conducting a study with the large ranches, local businesses and local service providers to obtain additional information about the impact of Ramona's horse community on Ramona's business sector.

The information included here is just a small part of the entire survey. For more information about REIN or the Economic Impact Survey, visit www.reinramona.org.