COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Officials said starting Thursday, a new specialty license plate recognizing the horse industry is available through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

House Bill 293 gave the BMV the authority to issue the Ohio Horse license plate through the Special Plates program. The plates will cost $30 annually, in addition to the usual registration fees. A portion of the plate fees, $20, will go to benefit the Ohio Coalition for Animals.

The Ohio Coalition for Animals will disperse the collected funds throughout the state to assist with the challenges facing the horse industry of Ohio. As with other special plates, the BMV supports legislatures’ implementation of this plate, said BMV Registrar Mike Rankin.

According to the Ohio Coalition of Animals, horses cost owners a minimum $1,825 a year not including the cost of veterinary care and farriers. Veterinary and farrier costs as well as boarding one horse can easily reach $5,000 annually.

Purchasing the Ohio Horse license plate will benefit horses in need around the state, from those coming off the race tracks to horses that are abandoned, abused, or neglected. Funds will also be used for owner education and scholarship opportunities.

Horse plates can be ordered online at www.oplates.com, or requests for special plates may be made at any Deputy Registrar office, or by calling the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 1-800-589-TAGS (1-800-589-8247).

These plates may also be ordered as reserved or personalized plates with additional applicable fees. They may be issued to passenger vehicles, non-commercial trucks, motor homes, house vehicles and non-commercial trailers.