It\u2019s no secret that horse riding is immensely popular among Americans. In addition to the joy of horse riding, the horse industry itself is a significant contributor to the American economy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what the latest research tells us about the horse industry statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlights of horse statistics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the American Horse Council Foundation\u2019s 2017 horse economy study, an estimate of the total contribution of the horse industry to the U.S. economy is $122 billion annually. (1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The horse industry produces goods and services of $50 billion as a direct economic impact on the U.S. economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, the industry contributes $38 billion in direct wages, salaries, and benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This economic contribution directly affects other sectors in the economy and by combining these effects, the estimated total contribution of the horse industry to the U.S. economy is $122 billion annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n States, where the horse industry contributes the most to the state GDP, are Kentucky (1%), Oklahoma (0.62%), and Florida (0.26%). (2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick overview (2) of horse industries’ impact on GDP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These numbers are interesting, as for example, the GDP of California, a state with the second-highest number of horses in the U.S., has one of the lowest GDP contribution shares from the horse industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, the GDP of Florida, a state with the third-highest number of horses, does rely more heavily on the horse industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The horse industry employment impact is bigger than it might seem at first glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the American Horse Council horse industry trends, the estimated total employment impact of the horse industry is 1,744,747 million jobs. (1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s interesting to see that the jobs in the equine industry are in demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The horse industry has a direct employment impact of 988,394 jobs and contributes $38 billion in direct wages, salaries, and benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Equestrian industry statistics also show that 1,370,000 people volunteer their time for horse-related activities annually. (3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interestingly enough, the horse industry directly employs more people than railroads, radio & television broadcasting, petroleum & coal products manufacturing, and tobacco product manufacturing. (4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to The American Horse Council (AHC), there has been some confusion in the past on exact U.S. horse population numbers. (9)<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because there are three main organizations (National Agriculture Statistic Service (NASS), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and AHC) that collect and publish data regarding the U.S. horse population and each organization counts the numbers differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why AHC has combined the data from all the available sources and offers the latest, most precise overview of the horse population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to AHC equine industry statistics (2017), there are 7,246,835 horses (9) in the U.S, including both recreational and commercial horses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick overview of the number of horses based on activities. (3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to USDA\/National Animal Health Monitoring System, the Quarter horse (39.5%) and Thoroughbred Horse (10.2%) are the most popular horse breeds in the U.S. (10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interestingly enough, between 1992 and 2005, the breeds with the highest number of new horse registrations were the Quarter horse and the Paint horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Global Databank for Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR), there are a total of 699 living horse breeds in the world. (11)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Europe makes up the highest number of 307 horse breeds and North America makes up a total of 26 horse breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. Equestrian Federation recognizes 11 horse breeds and 18 disciplines, including the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian disciplines. (12)<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to American Horse Council Foundation (2017) data, 45 states in America have over<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20,000 horses residing there. (3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top horse states with the highest number of horses are Texas with 767,100 horses, California with 534,500 horses, and Florida with 387,100 horses. (1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick overview of the top horse states with the highest and lowest horse populations. (13)<\/p>\n\n\n\n States with the lowest horse populations are Rhode Island with 2,600 horses, Hawaii with 6,100 horses, and Delaware with 8,000 horses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Horse ownership has been rather stable in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to American Horse Council equestrian statistics (2017), out of all U.S. households, only 1.3% own horses (1.6 million households). (3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research also found that 30.5% (38 million) of U.S. households hold horse enthusiasts and spectators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another interesting equine industry trend is that 16% of people who participate in horse-related activities actually do not own a horse. Additionally, 13.2% spectate at horse events but do not own or participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A recent study conducted in 2021 shows that the average U.S. horse owner owns 6 horses. 73% of horse owners expect to own\/manage the same number of horses in 2022 as well. (14)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast, the average showhorse owner owns more than 2 horses, typically valued at $10,000 or more each. (15)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The horse owning data shows that most horse owners are not just recreational owners but actively participate in economic activities as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to research, 20% of horse owners are involved as horse trainers and 17% give lessons and instruction. (16)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the most common activities by horse owners:<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the American Horse Council (AHC) equestrian demographics data, 92.6% of horse owners are female. (9) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another AHC study found that 52% of equestrians are married and 58% are college graduates. (4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The equestrian culture data also shows that 60% of equestrians work in managerial positions and 4 out of 5 individuals are members of at least 2 equestrian organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Data shows that the median age of horse owners is 38 years of age. (17) The highest number of horse owners are 45-59 years old. (3) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Millennials account for 42% of all horse owners and 41% of horse owners are over 45 years of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is surprising is that the age bracket of 18-24 has the lowest amount of horse owners and this number is declining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another study found that 53.4% of horse-owning households have only one member of the household being involved with horses and 35.7% have 2 household members being involved with horses. (18)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Horse owning and equestrianism is often referred to as a prestigious hobby and affordable only by the rich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The horse owner demographics data shows that the overall income distribution among people who ride horses is skewed towards the higher income brackets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to American Horse Council horse-riding figures, 50% of all horse owners earn over $100,000 annually. Horse owners with an income of $150,000 or more accounts for 28%. (19)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Annual income under $50,000 accounts for 15% of horse owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The typical U.S. Equestrian member has an average net worth of $1,504,051 (20) and a household income of $211,738 (21). The majority (84%) of members own the main residence and have an average of three vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Interestingly enough, equestrians are also active in the stock market. The data shows that 85% of equestrians own investments and the average investment portfolio is worth $724,791. (22) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like with anything in life, the average cost of a horse depends on a lot of factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the University of Maine, the price of a horse can vary from free to a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the pedigree, health, and level of training. (23)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The equine market data concludes that the average cost of a recreational horse is $3,444 (24). The cost of most recreational horses will be under $10,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to differentiate a $3,000 horse from a $10,000+ horse. The latter type is usually bred in top breeders for showhorses or racehorses. They usually have impressive bloodlines, are developed for specific purposes, and are imported from other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A typical showhorse costs over $11,248. (25) Showing a horse will usually have additional fees; a small local horse show can cost at least $15,446, even before the first horse has set a hoof on the grounds. (27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Keeneland equestrian industry data, the leading racehorse industry\u2019s auction house, the average racehorse sales price based on 1,045 horse sales in January 2022 is $45,532, the top price being $750,000. (28)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fact is that horse ownership is expensive, no matter how you look at it. But 10\/10 horse owners say it is worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Horse ownership costs will vary a lot depending on where you live, how many and what type of horses you have, and if you have housing capabilities or looking for a full boarding option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the American Horse Council, the annual horse ownership cost in the U.S. for a recreational horse is $7,896. (29)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most basic and common monthly horse expenses are board, feed, vet, and hoof care. These are costs most horse owners cannot avoid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick overview of horse ownership costs with rough price ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTotal Value Added to the U.S. Economy<\/strong><\/td> Direct Contribution to GDP<\/strong><\/td> Total Employment Impact<\/strong><\/td> Direct Employment Impact<\/strong><\/td> Number of Horses in the U.S.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> $122 Billion<\/td> $50 Billion<\/td> 1,744,747<\/td> 988,394<\/td> 7,200,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Rank<\/strong><\/td> State<\/strong><\/td> Industry Share of State GDP<\/strong><\/td> GDP Contribution from Horses (millions)<\/strong><\/td> State GDP in 2016 (millions)<\/strong><\/td> Total Number of Horses<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> #1 Highest<\/td> Kentucky<\/td> 1.00%<\/td> $1,941<\/td> $195,035<\/td> 238,000<\/td><\/tr> #2 Highest<\/td> Oklahoma<\/td> 0.62%<\/td> $1,109<\/td> $178,970<\/td> 252,700<\/td><\/tr> #3 Highest<\/td> Florida<\/td> 0.26%<\/td> $2,396<\/td> $938,086<\/td> 387,100<\/td><\/tr> #1 Lowest<\/td> New York<\/td> 0.08%<\/td> $1,206<\/td> $1,540,970<\/td> 154,000<\/td><\/tr> #2 Lowest<\/td> California<\/td> 0.11%<\/td> $2,813<\/td> $2,665,349<\/td> 534,500<\/td><\/tr> #3 Lowest<\/td> Illinois<\/td> 0.11%<\/td> $866<\/td> $803,680<\/td> 150,400<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 2. The U.S. horse industry employs 1.74 million people.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Total Volunteers<\/strong><\/td> Total Employment<\/strong><\/td> Direct Employment<\/strong><\/td> Direct Wages<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> 1,370,000<\/td> 1,744,747<\/td> 988,394<\/td> $38 billion<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Industry<\/strong><\/td> Direct Employment in the U.S.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Horse Industry (1)<\/td> 988,394<\/td><\/tr> Tobacco Product Manufacturing (5)<\/td> 271,400<\/td><\/tr> Radio & television broadcasting (6)<\/td> 248,400<\/td><\/tr> Rail Industry (7)<\/td> 135,000<\/td><\/tr> Petroleum & Coal Products Manufacturing (8)<\/td> 101,600<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3. There are 7.25 million horses in the U.S.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Activity<\/strong><\/td> Number of horses<\/strong><\/td> Percentage of horses<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Recreational Horses<\/td> 3,141,449<\/td> 43%<\/td><\/tr> Showhorses<\/td> 1,227,986<\/td> 17%<\/td><\/tr> Racing and Racehorse breeding<\/td> 1,224,482<\/td> 17%<\/td><\/tr> Workhorses in Farms, Ranches, Police Work, Rodeo, Polo, etc.<\/td> 537,261<\/td> 8%<\/td><\/tr> Amish Institutionally Owned<\/td> 156,430<\/td> 2%<\/td><\/tr> Other<\/td> 959,227<\/td> 13%<\/td><\/tr> Total Horses in the U.S.<\/strong><\/td> 7,246,835<\/strong><\/td> 100%<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Horse Breed<\/strong><\/td> Percentage of Population<\/strong><\/td> New Breed Registrations (1991-2005)<\/strong><\/td> Approximate Population (1998)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Quarter Horse<\/td> 39.5%<\/td> 2,844,273<\/td> 3,487,850<\/td><\/tr> Thoroughbred Horse<\/td> 10.2%<\/td> 506,333<\/td> 900,600<\/td><\/tr> Arabian Horse<\/td> 7.8%<\/td> 164,026<\/td> 688,740<\/td><\/tr> Appaloosa Horse<\/td> 5.9%<\/td> 145,037<\/td> 520,970<\/td><\/tr> Paint Horse<\/td> 5.4%<\/td> 663,512<\/td> 476,820<\/td><\/tr> Draft Horse<\/td> 4.8%<\/td> –<\/td> 423,840<\/td><\/tr> Tenn. Walking Horse<\/td> 4.8%<\/td> 178,112<\/td> 423,840<\/td><\/tr> Standardbred Horse<\/td> 3.5%<\/td> 174,634<\/td> 309,050<\/td><\/tr> Other Breeds<\/td> 18.1%<\/td> –<\/td> 1,598,230<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Horse Breeds<\/strong>
in the World<\/strong><\/td>Horse Breeds<\/strong>
in Europe<\/strong><\/td>Horse Breeds in<\/strong>
North America<\/strong><\/td>U.S. Recognized<\/strong>
Horse Breeds<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>699<\/td> 307<\/td> 26<\/td> 11<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 4. Texas has the highest horse population per state.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/td> State<\/strong><\/td> Number of Horses<\/strong><\/td> Decline Since 2003<\/strong><\/td> Percentage Decline<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> #1 Highest<\/td> Texas<\/td> 767,100<\/td> 211,722<\/td> 21.63%<\/td><\/tr> #2 Highest<\/td> California<\/td> 534,500<\/td> 163,845<\/td> 23.46%<\/td><\/tr> #3 Highest<\/td> Florida<\/td> 387,100<\/td> 113,024<\/td> 22.60%<\/td><\/tr> #1 Lowest<\/td> Rhode Island<\/td> 2,600<\/td> 909<\/td> 25.90%<\/td><\/tr> #2 Lowest<\/td> Hawaii<\/td> 6,100<\/td> 1,937<\/td> 24.10%<\/td><\/tr> #3 Lowest<\/td> Delaware<\/td> 8,000<\/td> 3,083<\/td> 27.82%<\/td><\/tr> Total Horses<\/strong><\/td> United States<\/strong><\/td> 7,246,835<\/strong><\/td> 1,976,012<\/strong><\/td> 21.43%<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 5. 1.6 million households in the U.S. own horses.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Horses per Owner (avg.)<\/strong><\/td> Horse Owning Households<\/strong><\/td> Total Number of Horses<\/strong><\/td> Horse Enthusiasts and Spectators<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> 6 horses<\/td> 1.6 million<\/td> 7.2 million<\/td> 38 million<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
6. 60% of equestrians work in managerial positions.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Gender<\/strong><\/td> Median Age<\/strong><\/td> Marital status<\/strong><\/td> Employment<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> 92.6% Female<\/td> 38 years of age<\/td> 52% Married<\/td> 60% Managerial<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Horse Owners Age<\/strong><\/td> Percentage of Owners<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Under 18<\/td> 12%<\/td><\/tr> 18-24<\/td> 5%<\/td><\/tr> 25-34<\/td> 22%<\/td><\/tr> 35-44<\/td> 20%<\/td><\/tr> 45-59<\/td> 23%<\/td><\/tr> 60+<\/td> 18%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 7. 50% of horse owners have an annual income of over $100,000.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Annual Income<\/strong><\/td> Percentage of Owners<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> $0 to $24,999<\/td> 3%<\/td><\/tr> $25,000 to $49,999<\/td> 12%<\/td><\/tr> $50,000 to $74,999<\/td> 19%<\/td><\/tr> $75,000 to $99,999<\/td> 16%<\/td><\/tr> $100,000 to $149,999<\/td> 22%<\/td><\/tr> $150,000 plus<\/td> 28%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 8. The average price of a riding horse is $3,444. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Recreational<\/strong>
Horse Price<\/strong><\/td>Showhorse<\/strong>
Price<\/strong><\/td>Racehorse<\/strong>
Price<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>$3,444<\/td> $11,248<\/td> $45,532<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 9. The annual ownership cost of a recreational horse in the U.S. is $7,896.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Horse Type<\/strong><\/td> Ownership Cost <\/strong>(2016)<\/td> Ownership Cost <\/strong>(2021)<\/td> Percentage Change<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Recreational Horse<\/td> $6,710<\/td> $7,896<\/td> +16%<\/td><\/tr> Showhorse<\/td> $24,239<\/td> $28,524<\/td> +16%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Cost Type<\/strong><\/td> Monthly Cost<\/strong><\/td>