Campbellville, ON (March 6, 2026) – The agricultural equine sector makes a significant economic contribution nationally and provincially. The impact of the Ontario industry is diverse, with involvement in a variety of activities including, but not limited to farming, racing, performance, sport, recreation, therapy, tourism, education, pharmaceutical, and medical. In addition to the economic benefits, horses provide significant environmental advantages by grazing on land that is unsuitable for growing crops, thereby promoting natural land management, provincial greenspace, and sustainability of rural agricultural areas. 

However, current data on the size and contribution to the provincial economy was lacking. There had not been a comprehensive economic impact assessment conducted of the overall Ontario agricultural equine sector since 2010. 

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 a wide range of sectors and provides a multitude of benefits, yet despite this wide footprint, credible and current data has been limited.  

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.” 

Report Now Available 

The full Ontario Equine Agricultural Economic Impact Study report is now available at OAEEIS. The project was funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the Ontario equine agricultural industry. 

Photo: iStock/Fotografia