A group of dedicated equine stakeholders came together and formed a Steering Committee to launch an economic impact study of the overall Ontario equine industry. They are pleased to announce the completion and public release of the Ontario Equine Agricultural Economic Impact Study Report, the first comprehensive assessment of the province’s agricultural equine sector since 2010. The final report provides an updated, evidence‑based picture of the sector’s economic, environmental, and social contributions, filling a long‑standing data gap for policymakers, industry leaders, and the public.
A sector with broad provincial impact
Ontario’s agricultural equine industry spans farming, racing, performance, sport, recreation, therapy, tourism, and education. Horses also contribute meaningful environmental benefits by grazing land unsuitable for crop production, supporting natural land management, rural greenspace, and long‑term agricultural sustainability. Despite this wide footprint, credible and current data has been limited for more than a decade.
The newly-released report updates the values from the 2010 report and provides a modern, detailed understanding of the sector’s scale and economic significance. The study found that Ontario’s equine agricultural sector supports 35,739 full-time equivalent jobs and contributes $4.4 billion to Ontario’s GDP. Total economic output generated by the sector is $8.2 billion.
Strong engagement from Ontario’s equine community
The study received strong engagement from the equine community, with 1,207 horse owners and 506 equine agricultural‑related businesses completing the survey phase. Their contributions form the foundation of the final analysis and recommendations.
A resource for policy, planning, and public awareness
The final report highlights the sector’s economic footprint, environmental value, and role in sustaining rural communities. It also provides transparent, credible data to support future planning, investment, and advocacy.
“The equine sector is a vital part of Ontario’s agricultural landscape,” said James Whelan, President of the Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program and Chair of the Project Steering Committee. “This report gives the province the up‑to‑date information needed to understand the sector’s true value and to support informed decision‑making for years to come.”
SUMMARY:
The Ontario equine agricultural sector is a significant and diverse contributor to the provincial economy, encompassing racing, sport, recreation, breeding, training, and a wide range of supporting businesses and services. Rooted in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, the sector connects rural and urban communities, supports skilled employment across the province, and delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits that extend well beyond the sector itself.
Economic Significance
- Supports approximately 35,700 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across Ontario
- Contributes an estimated $4.4 billion to provincial GDP
- Generates $8.2 billion in total economic activity
- Produces approximately $1.5–1.7 billion in government revenues across all levels
- Employment levels are comparable to Ontario’s dairy industry, underscoring the sector’s scale within the agri-food and rural economy
Employment and Workforce
- Employment spans agriculture, sport and recreation, tourism, professional services, skilled trades, and small businesses
- Jobs are predominantly skilled and semi-skilled, requiring specialized training and hands-on experience
- Many roles cannot be readily filled through the general labour market
- Like other agricultural and animal-care industries, the sector faces emerging labour supply and succession challenges
- Targeted workforce initiatives, including the Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program, play a key role in supporting skills development, labour force entry, and employment stability
Rural, Urban, and Community Benefits
- Sustains rural and peri-urban employment and supports regional economic resilience
- Helps preserve agricultural land, trails, and green space, particularly near growing population centres
- Delivers public benefits related to:
– mental and physical health and therapy
– youth development and life skills
– community connection and volunteerism
– active living and sport participation
These benefits align with provincial objectives related to health, community well-being, and sustainable land use.
Why This Matters for Ontario
- The equine agricultural sector generates economic and public value that is not fully captured by market transactions alone
- Loss of sector capacity would result in:
– erosion of skilled employment
– reduced rural and peri-urban economic activity
– loss of institutional knowledge and workforce capacity - Rebuilding lost capacity would be costly and time-intensive
Policy Considerations
- Recognize the equine sector as a strategic contributor to Ontario’s agri-food system and rural economy
- Support evidence-based labour market planning and workforce development
- Improve data collection and visibility to better reflect the sector’s full economic and social footprint
- Leverage the sector’s contributions to economic resilience, community well-being, and sustainable land use.
The full Ontario Equine Agricultural Economic Impact Study report is now available HERE. The project was funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the Ontario equine agricultural industry.
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