This project was carried out in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the Commonwealth of Kentucky in order to evaluate demand for equine trail facilities in Kentucky for the purpose of conducting policy evaluation. In Kentucky there are various trail riding facilities, which naturally differ in characteristics, such as trail length, scenic vistas, trail markers, and camping facilities. We designed a survey instrument consistent with the travel cost model to collect data both at the trails and off-site through horse clubs. Spatial analysis was also incorporated into the study through the application of GIS data. The spatial data provided information about distance the survey respondents had to travel in order to get to the trail facility. This study showed that distance was the primary determining factor in an individual's choice to visit a particular equine trails facility. However, trail characteristics have a significant impact in the number of times an individual returns to a particular facility in a given year. Thus policymakers are encouraged to consider increasing and improving trail characteristics as a means of increasing visitation to these sites. The study suggests that riders may be willing to pay for these improvements.
Read the complete paper, published in Agricultural and Resource Economics Review.
