Kathy Hawke of the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce adds, “Many people who visit The Chamber are looking specifically for information related to our Horse Industry…Most of the time, it’s parents wanting riding lessons for their kids but we get many inquiries regarding stalls as well.” She said that The Chamber has a rodeo packet which is distributed at rodeo events and it contains western stores, tack, ferriers, veterinarians, etc., and added, “the participants at these rodeo events have informed us of how grateful they are that The Chamber, as well as the promoters and the arenas themselves, care enough to cater to this need when they get to town.” Hawke added that her own uncle owns cutting horses in here in Texas while living and working a China-based corporation.

It all adds up to an industry with a multi-billion dollar impact on the economy that has a significant impact on the lives of many Texans, including those in and around Stephenville. Joe Bob Huddleston, Chairman of the Stephenville Chamber’s Agricultural Committee, says, “The horse industry has been apart of this community for a long time and because of its continued growth in our area, it now has some very deep roots that have made a significant impact on our local economy. Every year, thousands of visitors visit our community participating and attending various events related to the horse industry. With all this momentum, I foresee only continued growth as folks continue to visit, and move, to Erath County.”

JUST GOOD PROMOTIONAL HORSE SENSE

When people see emerging trends, they tend to sit up and take notice. According to Pope, Stephenville is home to some very world renown horse trainers as well, including Kobie Wood and Scot Jackson. With such international notoriety, these people wind up serving as local ambassadors for our region, bringing attention to what’s happening locally and ultimately doing their share to boost the local economy. Pope added that several of the county’s dairies have recently been converted into horse stalls and acreage.

This kind of attention cannot be overlooked from a marketing perspective. The wise local business should take a look at the large dollar amounts being generated by the local Horse Industry and do all they can to get in front of that market through sponsorship. I don’t know where the notion comes from that there’s a ‘Horse Dollar’ or a ‘Livestock Dollar’ or even an investment or entertainment dollar. Fact is, there’s just ONE dollar and we’re all competing for it. People who love horses also eat food, pump gas, wear clothes and stay in hotels so, the audience is right there, seated in rows. Businesses should be pursuing these equine markets for the ever-increasing number of eyes that will be staring at their brand. There’s a particular soft drink that was so dominant as a sponsor at the 2004 Olympics, you may not be allowed in if you’re sipping another beverage. That same attitude should belong to local businesses as well and the local Horse Industry is providing the audience.