The Vital Role of Horse People and Equine Businesses in the Ontario Equine Agricultural Economic Impact Study
The equine industry is a cornerstone of Ontario’s agricultural landscape, contributing to the province’s economy, culture, and community vitality. With the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA), Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP), undertaking an economic impact study, financially supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), the participation of horse people and equine businesses across all disciplines— racing, show jumping, dressage, eventing, breeding, and more—is not just beneficial—it’s essential. This collaborative effort aims to quantify the industry’s value, advocate for its growth, and secure its future.
- Comprehensive Data Collection: Contributions of revenue, employment, and operational costs from all sectors (racing, show jumping, veterinary services, etc.) will reveal the industry’s direct, indirect, and induced economic effects, ensuring a complete picture of its impact.
- Strengthening Advocacy: Accurate data will empower OHHA/OEEEP to influence policymakers for tax incentives, facility improvements, and youth programs, ensuring all equine disciplines are represented.
- Securing Funding: Detailed data on horses, land use, and tourism (e.g., from events like the Royal Winter Fair) will attract public and private investment for facilities, programs, and business expansion.
- Supporting Rural Economies: The study will highlight how equine activities sustain jobs, preserve farmland, and boost local businesses, reinforcing the industry’s role in vibrant rural communities.
- Ensuring Sustainability: Participation will help identify challenges (e.g., rising costs, urbanization) and opportunities, guiding strategic initiatives to enhance competitiveness and resilience.
- Here’s why every stakeholder in Ontario’s diverse equine community should actively engage in this critical initiative.
Painting a Complete Picture of Economic Influence
The equine industry in Ontario spans a broad spectrum of activities, from racing and breeding to equestrian sports, trail riding, and supporting businesses like veterinary services and tack shops. However, without comprehensive data, the true scope of its economic contributions remains underrepresented. A holistic view ensures that every job created, from caretakers and coaches to farriers and feed delivery personnel, and every dollar spent, from hay purchases to competition fees, is accounted for. A robust dataset strengthens the case for the industry’s significance, demonstrating its ripple effect across Ontario’s economy.
Strengthening Advocacy and Policy Support
Accurate economic data is a powerful tool for advocacy. The OHHA/OEEEP, backed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, can leverage the study’s findings to influence policymakers and secure resources for the entire equine sector. Without widespread participation, the study risks underestimating the industry’s value, weakening its ability to compete for attention and support in a crowded agricultural landscape.
Securing Funding and Investment Opportunities
The financial backing of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness signals a commitment to understanding and bolstering Ontario’s equine industry. A well-executed economic impact study can unlock further public and private investment, from grants for equine facility upgrades and show grounds to loans for expanding equine businesses of all kinds.
Highlighting the Industry’s Role in Rural Communities
Ontario’s equine industry, encompassing racing and other disciplines, is deeply rooted in rural areas, where it serves as an economic driver and cultural anchor. The OHHA/OEEEP study offers a chance to quantify this impact, showcasing how equine activities sustain jobs, preserve farmland, and attract visitors—whether through race meets, horse shows, or trail riding tourism. Horsepeople and businesses participating in the study can highlight their contributions to local economies.
Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
The equine industry faces challenges, from rising costs to urbanization pressures that threaten agricultural land. An economic impact study provides a roadmap for addressing these issues by identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth across all equine disciplines.
A Collective Responsibility
The OHHA/OEEEP economic impact study is a collective endeavor, and its success hinges on broad participation from all corners of the equine world. Horsepeople and equine businesses are not just beneficiaries of the findings—they are co-creators of the story it tells. By sharing their data and perspectives, they help build a compelling case for the industry’s value, one that resonates with lawmakers, investors, and the wider community.
Conclusion
Participating in the OHHA/OEEEP economic impact study is more than a task—it’s an investment in the future of Ontario’s equine industry. For horse people and equine businesses across all disciplines, it’s a chance to showcase their economic contributions, advocate for their needs, and secure the support necessary to thrive.
Survey links for the equine study
Survey for horse associations / organizations / clubs:
For example, organizations that have members who are horse owners.
URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HorseAssociationsSurvey
QR code:
Survey for horse associations / organizations / clubs
Survey for horse owners:
URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Equine2025Survey
QR code:
Survey for horse owners
Survey for individuals who operate a business that provides products and/or services to the horse sector AND they also own a horse(s):
Examples of equine products and services include veterinary and other equine care and maintenance services, boarding, training, farrier, saddle and bit fitter services, tack equipment and apparel, horse feed and/or supplements, bedding, transportation / trailering services, truck and trailer sales and service, farm equipment / machinery sales and service, farm buildings and fencing, equine insurance, law services, accounting services, etc.
URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EquineRelatedBusiness-HorseOwner
QR code:
Survey for horse product or service businesses that also own a horse(s)
Survey for individuals who operate a business that provides products and/or services to the horse sector, BUT they do not own a horse(s):
URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EquineRelatedBusiness
QR code:
Survey for horse product or service business that do not own horses
Source: Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA), Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP)
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