Economic Impact Exceeds Over $102 Billion Dollars Annually

Statistics:

 Economic impact exceeds over $102 Billion Dollars Annually.  Includes over $40 Billion in Goods & Services.  1.9 Million Americans own over 9.2 million steeds.  Both large and economically diverse, this is a key contributor to the overall fabric of the U.S. economy.  Owners and suppliers, racetracks, and off-track betting operations, shows and other segments all generate discrete economic activity contributing to the vibrancy of the overall economy.  Of the total economic impacts reported, approximately $32.0 billion is generated from the recreational segment; $28.8 billion from the showing segment and $26.1 billion is generated from the racing segment.  Well over seven million U.S. citizens participate in the field as owners, employees and volunteers. It is estimated that one in every 35 Americans is involved in some way.  Average household income for owners is $60,000 a year as compared to $36,000 for the general populace.  Tens of millions of Americans participate as spectators at various events.  Over 100 breeds are known to be represented in the U.S.  In the U.S. alone, over 14,000 shows are sanctioned nationwide every year with thousands more unsanctioned.

Some of the key statistics and indicators reflected in the study include:

Estimated number in the U.S.

 9.2 million

Estimated number by Activity  Recreation, 3,906,923  Showing, 2,718,954  Racing, 844,531  Other, 1,752,439

Estimated number by Breed  American Quarter - AQHA, 3,288,203  Thoroughbred, 1,291,807  Other, 4,642,739

Estimated number in each of the 50 states.  Texas (one million), California (700,000) and Florida (500,000) are the leading states.  45 of 50 states have at least 20,000.

Number of people participating. By form of participation (e.g., owner, volunteer, etc.).  Owners, 2 million  Volunteers, 2 million

By demographic breakdown (age, income, etc.). Direct, indirect and induced economic impacts on U.S. and individual state economies. Contributions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  Nationally, $102 billion via direct, indirect and induced spending.

Number of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs produced.  1.4 million.

Did you know that over 76% of owners participate in showing and recreation?

Did you know that 15% of owners are involved in farm and ranch work, police work, rodeo events and polo?

Did you know that 9% of owners are in some way involved in racing?

Source: American Horse Council 2005 Economic Impact Study by Deloitte and Touche.