Factors Affecting Thoroughbred Online Auction Prices in Non/Post-Racing Careers.

Racehorse welfare is a prominent, public issue which affects nearly every aspect of the racing industry. Thoroughbred care after race career completion has garnered increasing attention from the equine industry, general public, and animal welfare groups alike. As the average racehorse's career lasts just 4.

Financial strain of COVID-19 and its impact on willingness-to-pay for equine care.

The novel COVID-19 virus caused a global pandemic disrupting lives, industries, and economies. The result was an impact on prices due to challenges with production and supply chain distribution. This study investigates the financial strain COVID-19 had on equine owners and leasers, what the market for equine care would bear if costs for care increased, and what factors contribute to their willingness to pay (WTP) for increasing cost of equine care.

Horse Owner Preferences for Equine Insurance Policies.

Equine life and health insurance policies provide coverage for veterinary expenses or the loss of use (or life) of a horse, making horse health care accessible to more owners. Utilizing a best-worst scaling choice experiment targeted to horse owners, the rate of insurance adoption is explored, along with factors influencing insurance decisions and willingness-to-pay for policy attributes. Results indicate owners with lower-valued horses prefer insurance policies which cover medical expenses and routine care, whereas owners with higher-valued horses are willing to pay higher premiums to insure the market value of a horse but are not willing to pay extra for programs covering routine care.

Characteristics of Adopted Thoroughbred Racehorses in Second Careers.

The unwanted horse issue continues to be a major concern in the U.S. equine industry.