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 Council
As 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.
American Horse Council
Contact: Julie Broadway
Phone: 202-296-4031
jbroadway@horsecouncil.org