National Economic Impact of the U.S. Horse Industry

excerpts from the 2005 economic study done by Deloitte Consulting LLP on behalf of the American Horse Council Foundation

Highlights: There are 9.2 million horses in the United States 4.6 million Americans are involved in the equine industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers which means that 1 out of every 63 Americans is involved with horses. 2 million people own horses The horse industry has a direct economic effect on the United States of $39 billion annually The industry provides 460,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs and spending by suppliers and employees generates additional jobs for a total employment impact of 1.4 million FTE jobs The horse industry pays $1.9 billion in taxes to all levels of government There are horses in every state. Forty-five states have at least 20,000 each Impact by activity: Number of Horses GDP in Billions of $ FTE Jobs Direct Total Direct Total Racing 844,531 $10.6 $26.10 146,625 383,826 Showing 2,718,954 10.8 28.70 99,051 380,416 Recreation 3,906,923 11.8 31.90 128,324 435,082 Other 1,752,439 5.5 14.60 79,612 212,010 Total 9,222,847 $38.8 $101.58 453,612 1,411,333 Diversity of the Industry Study results show that the horse industry is highly diverse and supports a wide variety of activities in all regions of the country. It combines the primarily rural activities of breeding, training, maintaining and riding horses with the more urban activities of operating racetracks, horse shows and public sales. Income Levels The study also dispels the misconception that the horse industry is an activity only for wealthy individuals. In fact, the industry is a diverse activity with stakeholders which include recreational and show horse riders, as well as show and stable employees and volunteers. Approximately 34% of horse owners have a household income of less than $50,000 and 28% have an annual income of over $100,000. In fact 46% of horse owners have an income between $25,000 and $75,000 Economic Impact for Ohio The Ohio horse industry has a significant impact on the economy in the State of Ohio producing goods and services valued at $1.4 billion and directly providing 16,600 full-time equivalent jobs. There are 307,000 horses in Ohio (70% of these are involved in showing and recreation) Number of Horses 1. Texas 979,000 2. California 698,000 3. Florida 500,000 4. Oklahoma 326,000 5. Ohio 307,000 6. Kentucky 256,000 and 181,700 Ohioans are involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers. Even more participate as spectators: Number of Participants 1. Texas 455,600 2. Florida 440,000 3. California 311,100 4. Kentucky 194,300 5. Ohio 181,700 6. New York 152,000