2023 National Economic Impact Study Results Update
Over the course of its 50-plus year history, the American Horse Council has conducted numerous national economic impact studies for the U.S. horse industry, which has included such pivotal years as 1987, 1997, 2007 and, the most recent study, 2017. “The challenges of the last few years with the pandemic and its economic impacts on all aspects of our industry make the 2023 study all that more important and necessary,” states Dr. Rick Mitchell, Chairman of the AHC Board.
Data collected will inform public and private investments in equine-related businesses, equine health care, education, land use decisions, tax policy, tourism, employment incentives, etc.
Horse Owner and Supplier surveys launched April 3 and remained open till September 29, 2023. Twenty specialty surveys were also deployed including racing, equine-assisted services, academia, import/export, rescues, associations, show organizers, mounted police, polo, and federal Government partnerships including the Bureau of Land Management, National Forestry Service and United States Postal Service. Specialty surveys closed October 15, 2023.
The AHC anticipates the final results to be received in late December 2023 or early January 2024.
These reports include: the national study as well as the specially targeted state studies for California, Florida, Maryland, New York, North Carolina and Texas. Community Reports include Long Island New York; Marion County, Florida and Jacksboro, Texas.
The United States Trotting Association also commissioned a Standardbred racing report that includes all harness racing tracks.
For more information and the 2023 Economic Impact Study can be found on the AHC website:
https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/
If you have questions, contact American Horse Council President Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org
About the American Horse CouncilAs the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities.
The American Horse Council (AHC) and AHC Foundation are proud to release the 2023 National Economic Impact Study Technical Appendix (also known as Report #2). The original report, released in January 2024, contained national statistics and economic impact data, while report #2 offers demographics, consumer data and detailed tables from the study that were not contained in Report #1. This includes responses to questions on purchasing patterns and future involvement.
This supporting report is available for purchase on the AHC website for $50.00. A two-page PDF of the Report #1 results is available for FREE on the AHC website, and the full report is available for purchase for $100.
“We are very excited that, for the first time, we can offer some additional insights and trends obtained during the course of the study,” states AHC President Julie Broadway. “We believe you will find this data very useful and fascinating.”
Broadway added that because AHC staff and board have had the time to process the results and the numbers, there was one noted correction, which is as follows:
Page 40 on horse acreage should state … If 62% of the horse owners reported owning or leasing a farm, barn, or stable this results in ~2 acres per horse.
The supporting report looks to highlight more details relating to the horse industry’s increased contribution to the gross distribution product (GDP) and can be a valuable tool for business owners and professionals alike.
For more information and to purchase the overall National Equine Economic Impact Study (Report #1) or the supporting report (Report #2), see the AHC website.