Losing horse industry would help cripple N.J. economy

With all due respect to John Filipek's opinion regarding the horse racing industry ("Time for Horse Racing Industry to Face Reality," News Transcript, Letters to the Editor, Feb. 13, 2008), his statement both frightened and saddened me, and I hope it is not one shared by the majority.

My husband is a farrier, horseshoer. We as a family operate a carriage business where we get to share our wonderful horses with many who otherwise do not have the opportunity to see and touch the magnificent horses of our state.

I operate a mobile tack store at Monmouth Park race track from April until December. So you see, your thoughts pertaining to the equine industry would impact us greatly if we were not to stand up and fight for this industry.

Did you know that the horse is our state animal? Do you realize how many would be affected if we were just to let your thoughts come to fruition?

Do you know how many of these wonderful retired race horses, both thoroughbred and standardbred, go to children in pony clubs, 4-H groups as well as handicapped programs?

Yes, many of the horse farms would cease to exist and what do you really think would take their place? Let's be honest - more housing, more community needs as well as traffic and overcrowding.

Do you know how many farriers, veterinarians, hay and feed growers, hay and feed stores, track suppliers and stores, equine dentists, trainers, assistant trainers, grooms, race track employees, horse transporters, etc., would eventually be lost to our economy?

Not to mention truck and trailer sales as well as their maintenance? We horse people purchase fencing for our horses as well as pay people to install it.

We pay agricultural agencies to seed and fertilize our pastures. All of us shop for food and everyday living needs as well as the rest of the population.

The trickle-down effect of what your opinion suggests could adversely affect our state and cripple the economy here further. I ask you to rethink your opinion and understand what this wonderful animal means both to our humble hearts as well as our financial future.

Elaine McMinn Upper Freehold Township