Reason for optimism in Texas

For the first time in a long time, and despite some negative trends that have shoved the state’s horse industry into the ditch, there seems to be some optimism in Texas. And for good reason. At its 75th annual convention in Corpus Christi, the Texas Farm Bureau recently adopted a new policy to support the state’s horse industry, including a bill expected to be introduced in the legislature next year that could lead to video lottery terminals (VLTs) at racetracks.

The Farm Bureau’s support is significant because it makes clear that helping the horse industry isn’t about enriching millionaire racetrack owners but is instead about helping Texas ranchers, farmers and horsemen. Except for a provision to accommodate the Breeders’ Cup in 2004, virtually nothing has happened legislatively in Texas to benefit the horse industry since the early 1990s. And so Texas has no off-track betting, no account wagering and no gaming to enhance purses at racetracks. In Texas, it’s still 1993.

Meanwhile, in Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma purses have soared, augmented by gaming and by improved distribution. And so in large numbers, mainly out of necessity, horses and horsemen have been leaving Texas for neighboring states. When the horses leave, of course, the fans and horseplayers follow, or at least their interest and dollars follow. If the situation is allowed to continue much longer, little will remain of Texas horse racing or the state’s breeding industry.

Nevertheless, many in the industry are hopeful, largely because the bill that will be introduced next year, unlike past legislation, already has widespread support. And unlike past legislation, this bill is comprehensive, touching virtually every segment of the industry, with VLT revenue dedicated to all breeds and to equine research and retirement.

Keep in mind that in Texas the horse industry extends far beyond the Thoroughbred or even the racehorse. The horse industry in Texas has an economic impact of $5.2 billion, according to the American Horse Council, and employs more than 66,000 people. And the Texas Horse coalition has the support of the American Quarter Horse Association, the Paint Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, the Arabian Breeders and the Texas Thoroughbred Association.

And now the state’s horse industry has the support of the Texas Farm Bureau. Yes, for the first time in a long time, there’s reason to think something positive could happen for the Texas horse industry.