St. Landry Parish Students Learn the Ins & Outs of the Horse Industry at Equine Day Event

The equine industry’s importance in Louisiana cannot be overstated. From the parish to the state level, horses are a critical component of Louisiana’s culture and economy. Per the 2024 Louisiana Summary on Agriculture & Natural Resources, put together by the LSU Agricultural Center, there are over 110,000 horses in the Pelican State, owned by nearly 41,000 people. 

Combining the overall gross farm value with the revenues of prominent equine sectors, such as racing, show/competition, and recreation, the industry as a whole was valued at over $518 million last year.

In St. Landry Parish, recognized in 2022 by Gov. John Bel Edwards as the Equine Capital of Louisiana, horses are a huge part of the community. On September 25, the Louisiana Equine Sales & Events Center in Opelousas hosted its annual Equine Day, attracting 117 high school seniors from the parish who were taught the ins and outs of the sector, particularly about its diverse career options.

“The horse industry overall is very important,” said Wendy Fryer, Event Coordinator at the Equine Center. “St. Landry Parish is one of the top parishes in the state as far as equines go,  bringing in quite a bit of revenue. The purpose of Equine Day was to get the younger generation involved.

“The equine industry is not just about riding or selling a horse,” said Fryer. “There are so many different areas of the industry. You have grooming, dentistry, farriers that take care of the shoes, there’s chiropractors, massage therapists – it’s not just one thing, like jockeying or breeding. There are so many parts to being in the equine industry.”

Impactful Equine Careers

Attendees to the 2025 Equine Day were treated to a busy and instructive day, as students learned from professionals about what it takes to enter and succeed in the industry. Experts in the sector were also on hand to offer their wisdom, while participants were able to get up close and personal with horses, gaining useful knowledge about equine care and training.

Fryer sought to emphasize the various career paths available to those interested in working with horses, particularly fields that may be less apparent to those unfamiliar with the industry.

“There was one girl, we were braiding manes, and she was like, ‘I’d love to do this,’” but she didn’t realize it was a job, Fryer recalled. “Then I told her that horse stylists are hired to braid manes and tails for shows that pay $150 an hour. For a four-day show, they have to be braided every day, so that’s $150 times four for just one horse.

This student called me the next week and was like, ‘Can you hook me up with someone who does this? Because I want to learn how to do it.’”

Workforce Development in a Key Louisiana Industry

Events like Equine Day are crucial in spreading awareness about one of Louisiana’s most significant industries, which has deep roots in St. Landry Parish. After it ended, Fryer was thrilled to have about half a dozen students get in contact with her, seeking further information about specific careers with horses.

“If you even got one kid interested in this industry and doing some kind of job, that’s a win,” Fryer said. “That’s one more person who’s exposed and will continue in the trade.”

In an industry that demands hard work, attention to detail, and respect, Fryer relishes the opportunity to pass on its virtues to the next generation of horse enthusiasts.

“It’s important that the tradition, the jobs, the impact you have on the care and the horses’ well-being continue,” Fryer said. “It was nice to be a part of it, plan it and develop the event. Next year, I hope to do it again with even more workshops and students.”

For more information on the equine industry, contact St. Landry Economic Development.