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January 07, 2010

S.C. Equine Park reports strong economic impact

S.C. Equine Park reports strong economic impact

Staff Report
Published Jan. 7, 2009
Columbia Regional Business Report

After three months of operation, the 40-acre S.C. Equine Park in Kershaw County has generated more than $500,000 for the S.C. economy.

The influx came from four horse shows, one weekend event and one international company’s rental of the park for 10 days.

“We knew the South Carolina Equine Park would help our state’s economy, but we never expected the impact and interest to be so strong, so quickly,” said Laura Thiel Shull, chairwoman of the S.C. Equine Promotion Foundation nonprofit that manages the county-owned park.

In its first five weeks, the park drew local, regional, national and international groups, crossing over several disciplines including quarter horses, hunter jumpers, professional entertainers, bulls, cattle and more.

The park has held the following events since it opened Sept. 25:

· Carolina Starz Hunter Jumper Show.

· Southern Stockhorse Association.

· Private weeklong booking by Cavalia international equine entertainment company.

· Monster Mash Bulls and Barrels.

· Southern Stockhorse Association.

· S.C. Hunter and Jumper Association Palmetto medal finals.

The September grand opening weekend got the park off to a strong start, netting a $175,000 economic impact for the community.

“Those horse owners and trainers book hotel rooms, eat in our restaurants and buy show supplies while they are here” said John Cushman, owner of The Tack Room in Camden.

After the opening weekend, Cavalia spent 10 days at the Equine Park. The horse show was on a layover between shows in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Cavalia housed 58 horses at the Equine Park.

In October, more than 4,000 people turned out for the Monster Mash Bulls and Barrels weekend. The event, sanctioned by the National Bull Riding Association, brought in 46 bull riders from 11 states, 15 stock contractors from Ohio to Georgia and 25 barrel racers from across the region.

Currently, 10 available event dates remain through May. Seven of those are the first seven weeks of the year — typically a slow time for the equine industry.

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