Why Ohio Horses First Was Started And Why Every Equestrian in Ohio Matters

Ohio Horses First was started for one simple reason: horses do not have a voice in the legislative process, but we do.

Across Ohio, horses are bred, trained, shown, raced, rescued, worked, and loved. They are athletes, companions, partners, and livelihoods. Yet decisions that directly impact their welfare, safety, and protection are often made without meaningful input from the people who know horses best.

Ohio Horses First exists to change that.

This group was created to unite all equestrians across the state, regardless of discipline, breed, or background, to ensure that Ohio’s laws reflect the reality of horse ownership and the responsibility that comes with it.

Introduction of Equine Cruelty Legislation

Ohio Horses First has formally introduced a bill that advances equine cruelty laws in the State of Ohio.

The proposed legislation is intended to:

• Strengthen protections for horses under Ohio law

• Close gaps in existing cruelty and neglect statutes

• Improve clarity and consistency in enforcement

• Ensure due process protections for responsible owners

  
  

This legislation reflects a balanced approach that protects horses while respecting Ohio’s agricultural and equestrian communities.

Why It’s Important to Get All Equestrians Involved—Across the Entire State

One of the biggest myths surrounding horse legislation is that it only affects “certain” barns, disciplines, or regions.

That simply isn’t true.

Ohio is one of the largest equine states in the country, and when laws change, they affect:

• Boarding barns and trainers

• Breeders and show barns

• 4-H families and youth programs

• Rescue organizations

• Backyard horse owners

• Veterinarians, farriers, and agricultural professionals

Fragmentation weakens our voice.Unity strengthens it.

When equestrians speak as one, legislators listen.

The Numbers Matter: Ohio’s Horse Population by the Facts

Ohio’s equine presence is not small — it is nationally significant.

Based on multiple reputable sources:

• Ohio has between 249,000 and over 300,000 horses statewide

• Recent data (2023–2025) places the number between 249,200 and 307,000 horses

• Ohio consistently ranks 4th to 6th nationally in total horse population

• Ohio also ranks among the top states for horses per square mile, with approximately 7.5 horses per square mile

• According to the American Quarter Horse Congress, over 70% of Ohio’s horses are used for showing and recreation

  
  

That means hundreds of thousands of horses — and hundreds of thousands of owners, families, and professionals — are directly affected by equine-related legislation in this state.

This is not a niche issue. This is a statewide agricultural, economic, and welfare issue.

Why Following Ohio Horses First on Facebook Matters

Grassroots advocacy only works when information moves quickly and accurately.

Following Ohio Horses First on Facebook helps:

• Keep the equestrian community informed

• Counter misinformation about proposed laws

• Show lawmakers that equestrians are paying attention

• Build visible public support for horse-focused legislation

Every follow, share, and comment strengthens our ability to advocate effectively.

Why Becoming a Member of Ohio Horses First Is Critical

Membership is how we demonstrate organized, statewide support.

When we meet with legislators, they don’t ask how passionate we are — they ask:

• How many people do you represent?

• Where are they located?

• Are they engaged?

Membership allows Ohio Horses First to:

• Identify advocates by region

• Mobilize members quickly when action is needed

• Coordinate testimony, letters, and outreach

• Show lawmakers that this issue has real constituents behind it

You don’t need to be a lawyer or lobbyist. You just need to care about horses.

A Clear Recap of the Ohio Horse Bill

The proposed Ohio horse bill is focused on closing long-standing gaps in how equine welfare cases are handled.

At its core, the bill aims to:

• Strengthen protections for horses under Ohio law

• Address inconsistencies in cruelty and neglect enforcement

• Provide clarity so responsible horse owners are protected

• Ensure due process while preventing harm during investigations

This bill is not anti-owner. It is pro-horse, pro-accountability, and pro-fairness. This defines what happens when you harm our partners.

Good laws protect good owners.Loopholes protect bad actors.

What Has Been Done So Far

Ohio Horses First has already taken meaningful steps forward.

To date, we have:

• Developed and refined draft legislative language

• Engaged directly with a state representative to advance the bill

• Worked through due-process concerns to ensure fairness

• Begun statewide outreach to equestrian groups and advocates

• Built a growing network ready to mobilize when needed

This is the foundation stage — and it matters.

Legislation is a process, not an event.Momentum comes from sustained engagement.

At the Heart of It All — The Horse

Every discussion, meeting, and draft comes back to one thing:the horse that depends on humans to do right by them.

Ohio Horses First is about:

• Responsibility over reaction

• Education over assumption

• Protection without punishment of good owners

  
  

If you love horses, this matters to you.

If you work with horses, this affects your future.

If you believe Ohio should lead, not lag, in equine welfare — we need you.

Follow. Join. Speak up.

Because at the end of the day, it’s all about the horse.