AHC President speaks at the 2024 Maryland Horse Forum

Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council, spoke at the 2024 Maryland Horse Forum on August 8, 2024.

Broadway briefed attendees on the 2023 Economic Impact Study of the U.S. Horse Industry conducted by the American Horse Council Foundation. She began her presentation by recognizing the Maryland equine industry for its support of the national study and funding a Maryland-specific analysis of the horse industry. “We have a good story to tell and with the data provided in the study, we have the stats to prove it,” said Broadway. “The equine industry is a powerful economic driver in Maryland. Nationally, it is a primary contributor to the U.S. agricultural sector significantly impacting GDP, employment, and quality of life. In 20203, the equine industry provided $177 billion in total value added to the U.S. economy, accounting for 2.2 million jobs in total employment impact.”

The impact of Maryland’s equine industry was carried through in the various sessions throughout the day. While celebrating the industry’s robustness, the challenges of operating and sustaining a horse business in Maryland were discussed. Attendees voiced concerns about insurance costs, labor shortages, land values, participation of unrepresented groups, and certifications for equine professionals. There were also breakout sessions on the Social License & Public Perception of the industry, Legislation and the Horse Industry, Marketing and Promotion of the industry, and Public Land Use.

AHC thanks the organizers and supporters of the Horse Forum and we look forward to continuing our collaboration.

Click HERE to purchase a copy of the 2023 Economic Impact Study of the U.S. Horse Industry. Contact www.mdhorsecouncil.org for the Maryland report.