South Carolina Equine Industry Perceptions and Actions
February 8, 2025 | Duration: 44 minutes
Course Description
A recent survey of South Carolina's equine industry stakeholders revealed widespread concerns about the current state of the industry and the need for significant change. This breakout session held at the 2025 YF&R Conference provides an in-depth analysis of the survey findings and explores collaborative strategies to shape a stronger, more sustainable future for South Carolina's equine community and industry
Learning Objectives
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Economic Impact of the Equine Industry
- Understanding the significant economic contributions of the equine industry to South Carolina, including financial figures and the role of horse owners and professionals.
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Current Challenges and Perceptions
- Identifying the primary challenges faced by the equine industry, such as lack of resources, education, state support, and quality facilities, as highlighted by survey respondents.
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Importance of Education and Professional Development
- Recognizing the need for improved education and training for equine professionals and the role of programs like 4H in fostering future industry leaders.
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Strategies for Industry Improvement
- Learning about proposed strategies to enhance the equine industry, including increasing resources, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and advocating for state support.
Credit Hours
This course does not include continuing educational credits.
Pricing
Member Price - Free | Non-member - $0
Presenters
Leona Ransdell, Clemson University
Leona Ransdell, the South Carolina 4-H Horse Program Coordinator graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, with an Equine Business concentration in 2012 from Clemson University. She has served a 4-H Agent with Clemson Cooperative Extension and with Virginia Cooperative Extension as the 4-H Equine Program Director. In Virginia, Leona led educational teams to multiple wins at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Championships and managed one of the largest youth-only horse shows on the East Coast. She also coached the Virginia Tech Western and Horse Judging teams and taught equine science courses. Additionally, she earned her AQHA Level 1 Judging Card.
Returning to her home program in April of 2024, she hopes to build on the past successes of the 4-H program in South Carolina with a special focus on the educational events and programs to help mitigate the lack of large animal veterinarians. She is excited to further the interests of the equine industry and bring together stakeholders to address and build a strong future for the equine industry in South Carolina.