By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

The equine industry is a national economic driver, according to the 2023 American Horse Council (AHC) National Economic Impact Study.

The survey offers a comprehensive overview of horse industry impacts, involvement, trends and economic contributions.

Results indicated the equine industry contributed $177 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, up from $122 billion in 2017. This shows the equine industry’s reach from agriculture to tourism to veterinary science and how the equine sector influences with the economy.

The equine industry also has a substantial impact on employment. The national horse survey revealed 2.2 million jobs are linked directly and indirectly to the industry. That includes breeders, trainers, veterinarians and farriers, but the industry is also represented by truck drivers, nutritionists, chemists, police officers and journalists, according to the survey.

However, there is a slight decrease in the total population of horses. The 2023 study revealed there are 6.6 million horses in the U.S. compared to 7.2 million horses in 2017.

“The Economic Impact Study is the most effective tool in our advocacy quiver,” Julie Broadway, AHC president, said. “When the industry needs to take aim at an issue, this data is invaluable in helping us paint the picture of the contributions the industry makes and the breadth and depth of its composition.”

The purpose of the survey is to demonstrate the equine industry’s value to national and state economies by analyzing direct, indirect and induced economic impacts of horse ownership, recreation and equine-related services.

Data collected will guide both public and private investments in equine-related businesses, equine health care, education, land use decisions, tax policy and more moving forward.

The 2023 Equine Economic Impact Study can be purchased as a digital download from the AHC website.