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  • Economics

ECONOMICS

Economic Impact of the United States Horse Industry*

As a large, economically diverse industry, the United States horse industry contributes significantly to the American economy. The following statistics are from the American Horse Council Foundation’s 2017 National Economic Impact Study.

The horse industry contributes approximately $50 billion in direct economic impact to the U.S. economy, and has a direct employment impact of 988,394 jobs. Additionally, the industry itself contributes $38 billion in direct wages, salaries, and benefits

From those direct effects, the horse industry’s contribution ripples out into other sectors of the economy. Adding these ripple effects results in an estimate of the total contribution of the horse industry to the U.S. economy of $122 billion, and a total employment impact of 1.7 million jobs.

Some key industry statistics and economic indicators:

Estimated number of horses in the U.S.

7.2 million

Estimated number of horses by activity

Recreation- 3,141,449

Showing- 1,227,986

Racing- 1,224,482

Working- 537,261

Estimated number of horses in each of the 50 states

#1- Texas, approximately 767,100 horses

#2- California, approximately 534,500 horses

#3- Florida, approximately 387,100 horses

Land Use by the Equine Industry

32 million acres of land owned

49 million acres of land leased for horse-related uses

To purchase the full Economic Impact of the United States Equine Industry, please click here: https://www.horsecouncil.org/product/2017-economic-impact-study-u-s-horse-industry/

*Please note, the following statistics may be used for informational purposes only, and credit must be given to the American Horse Council Foundation for use in articles online or in print. If you have any questions, please contact the AHC at info@horsecouncil.org

Ways to use the 2017 National Equine Economic Impact Study

An economic impact study examines the effect of an event or industry has on the economy and usually measures changes in business revenue, business profits, personal wages, and/or jobs.

The equine industry plays an important role in its communities. It directly or indirectly supports a broad set of local jobs and economic activity across a spectrum of businesses and occupations.

Public money invested in industry and related infrastructure returns to the community to generate more jobs and income.

Ways to use the study findings:

  • Used in conjunction with previous studies to help identify trends, and project/forecast indicators
  • To pinpoint areas of growth in the industry to foster, and identify gaps that need attention
  • To assess the demographics of the industry (age, income levels, etc.)
  • To educate decision makers on the impact of an industry to the national or local economy
  • Identify the monetary impacts the industry has on a community through tourism, jobs, etc.
  • Identify under-served geographic areas where riding lessons, veterinaries or other professionals might set up or expand their businesses
  • To help determine the need for equine studies programs at community colleges, universities
  • To inform young equestrians of various careers and organizations within the industry
  • To help inform general public of the level of involvement with horses in the US (owners, participants, spectators, etc.)
  • To help identify the impact of alternative revenue sources (slot machines, etc.) on live racing and the economic impacts that flow from that.
  • To identify the impacts of recessions on breeding and horse populations
  • To help inform possible decisions regarding business development such as construction or renovation of venues and trails, and determine viability of events
  • To help inform viability of product development and possible marketing plans and strategies
  • To help provide context to arguments and cases for legal defense, adverse legislation or regulation, or development or expansion that may negatively impact the industry
  • To identify prospective markets for membership, buyers, attendees
  • To help fight for green space and public lands
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    The AHC is the only national association exclusively representing every segment of the vast equine industry here in Washington, DC.We are deeply committed to serving the needs of our members and fulfilling our mission of advocating for the equine industry in the U.S.
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    The AHC believes that the more opportunities available to use horses in various activities, the better the overall health of the industry and those who participate.


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    Lynda is the membership and communications specialist for the American Horse Council. Lynda grew up in Pasadena, Maryland with a passion for horses. She relocated to San Diego, California, where her dream of owning and riding horses came true. Lynda has worked with several law enforcement mounted units and has participated in several national and international horse associations.

    Lynda believes horses play a major role in our society from therapy horses helping children learn to walk again, to helping military veterans and emergency service personnel learn to cope with stress, to keeping our parks and cities safe through law enforcement mounted units. Along with our equine partners assisting in burial services at Arlington National Cemetery. Horses impact our lives in ways others cannot.

    Lynda believes the horse industry as a whole needs to have a voice and working at the American Horse Council is a way for her to help and keep the industry alive and informed.

    Interested in a Free Microchip for your Horse?

    The United Horse Coalition is offering up to 5 free microchips (while supplies last). Click below for more info on how to get your free chip.

    Click here for more info (don’t worry, we made it easy!)
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    Cliff Williamson is the Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs for the American Horse Council based in Washington D.C.

    He grew up in Reva, VA on his family’s horse farm, participating in both horse and livestock 4-H activities. In 2008 he graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Science, where he was an active member of both the animal science club Block & Bridle as well as the agricultural fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. After graduation he spent 27 months in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps for their Food Security Program. Upon his return to the United States he spent four years in the animal export industry as the Director of Animal Logistics for T.K. Exports, Inc. In that time he was honored to be appointed to a seat on the Board of Directors for the Culpeper chapter of the Farm Bureau Federation.

    For information regarding any equine health issues, welfare issues, and state, federal and international requirements regarding the movement of horses, please contact Cliff. 

    cwilliamson@horsecouncil.org

    Bryan Brendle is the Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs for the AHC.

    For information regarding public policy, government relations and advocacy, please contact Bryan.

    bbrendle@horsecouncil.org

    With over 30 years of leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, Julie holds a BS, MBA, Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership  and is Certified Association Executive®. She’s a life-long horse enthusiast ranging from recreational rider, breeder, and show competitor. A native of NC, she and her husband now reside in DC along with their Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Morgan horses.

    In her down time she enjoys volunteering (she’s president of the board of PATH International), horseback riding, gardening and cooking. “I’m passionate about the equine industry because horses have enhanced my life and well-being so profoundly,” said Julie. “Working at the AHC is a way to give back to the equine community and ensure the long term health of the industry.”

    jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

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