Indiana Equine Survey Cover Letter - 2010

Indiana Racing &

Breeding Industry Survey

JUNE 2010

The Indiana equine racing and breeding industry survey is an ambitious undertaking by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, Indiana HBPA, Indiana Standardbred Association, Indiana Thoroughbred Owner’s and Breeder’s Association, Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana, Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University Calumet Equine Business Management program and USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. We hope to determine the economic impact of equine racing and breeding industry and establish the importance of this industry to the local, regional and state economy.

Whether you own or train a single horse, maintain a small or large farm, or run a breeding operation; if you are financially involved with horse racing in Indiana, then we need your input to give us an accurate representation of the industry. If the Indiana horse racing industry is important to you, either through racing or breeding, you can help us gain vital information in order show the importance of this industry to Indiana's economy. Your answers will help guide the policies, fiscal appropriations and decisions that shape this industry.

Please complete this questionnaire and return it as soon as possible. If there are multiple industry participants at this address, you may receive only one questionnaire. Please include all economic information from all participants at this household in your response. If you are unable to answer all of the questions, please answer as many as possible. Your questionnaire will contain useful information, even if only partially completed, so please return the form with whatever information you may be able to provide. You must be 18 years older or older to complete the survey.

It is important to note that responses to this equine survey questionnaire, as well as information concerning individual survey participants, will be confidentially protected, and used for only compiling statewide data concerning the industry. Your answers as an individual will not be made available to any governmental entity or additional mailing or marketing organization.

This survey is the first step in an overall equine industry survey to be completed over the next two years. You will receive another survey in the early months of 2011. We appreciate your efforts to complete both surveys.

Response to this survey is voluntary and not required by law. However, your cooperation is vital to the development of the Indiana racing and breeding industry. If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 363-0469.

Regards,

Robert N. Jackman, DVM

Retired State Senator