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Our partners, the American Horse Council (AHC) and the AHC Foundation, recently released their highly-anticipated National Economic Impact Study of the US Horse Industry. AHC conducts the rigorous survey roughly every five years. BCHA is one of many organizations that provides financial contributions to assist the extensive research necessary to produce the report. The latest results highlight the significant and growing contributions to the US economy that result from the multi-faceted equine industry.
AHC’s report includes a comprehensive overview of economic benefits and trends within the recreation sector, which the report describes as “the largest sector of the horse industry”—larger than the US competition and racing sectors. The report will serve as an important frame of reference for AHC, BCHA and partners when shared with elected officials, state and federal land management agencies, and the tourism industry.
Importantly, the report notes that trail riding is enjoyed by 9.8% of the US population, or by about 13 million households. The vast majority of trail riders, 87%, utilize public lands. According to the report:
“The recreation sector supports more than 277,000 direct jobs and adds $14.5 billion in direct value to the national economy. These direct impacts drive a further $22 billion in added value to the economy and more than 189,000 jobs from indirect and induced effects.”
Click here to view highlights of the report or to order a copy. Note: The cost of the report is $100, although BCHA has been furnished a single copy as a result of our ongoing financial support of the survey.
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