National Industry Study
The Canadian equine sector contributes over $8.7 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while also benefitting Canadians and the environment, a recent report from Equestrian Canada (EC) has found.
EC collaborated with Wilton Consulting Group (WCG) and Serecon to examine the socio-economic impact of the sector. The consultants conducted an environmental scan, completed 40 key informant interviews, and surveyed over 4,200 people involved in the equine sector across Canada. Serecon created a model to analyze the economic impacts of the sector. An Advisory Committee provided additional insights into findings and supported with sector engagement.
“We are thankful to everyone in the equine sector who shared their insights for this project,” says Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, the Principal and Lead Consultant at WCG. “Horses benefit our health and wellbeing, and some organizations and equine facilities across Canada use innovative strategies to attract and retain participants. The sector should continue to build on these efforts to ensure that everyone – regardless of income, race, ethnicity, or location – can participate in equine activities.”
The sector has a significant impact on the Canadian economy. For example,
- Nationally, Canadians spend more than $8.3 billion on equine keeping,
- The equine sector contributed over 70,000 full-time equivalent jobs in 2022, and
- Larger equine sport venues can serve as economic drivers in rural communities.
The report highlights the benefits of horses for people. Equines can contribute to positive health benefits, and 96% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that interaction with horses contributes to human health and well-being. Participation in sector activities can put children and youth on a positive course towards lifelong healthy habits.
In 2021, the report estimates that Canada had over 509,000 equines. Over 155,000 acres of land are used for equine facilities, farms, and/or ranches. These businesses often serve buffering roles, increasing urban residents’ awareness of normal farming activities.
The report identifies the challenges and risks that the sector faces, and highlights opportunities for the sector to leverage its strengths.
THE CANADIAN EQUINE SECTOR
Socio-Economic Insights 2023
The report also presents the following recommendations:
Develop a plan to conduct a regular ‘census’ and economic impact study of the Canadian equine herd.
Explore opportunities to work with academic partners such as the University of Guelph or Olds College to develop a standardized survey that could be deployed every five years.
Lead opportunities to improve inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in the Canadian equine sector.
Host a series of dialogues with Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) to determine opportunities to improve IDEA in the Canadian equine sector.
Initiate a brainstorming workshop with the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) to identify opportunities for collaboration on cross-promotion and IDEA initiatives.
Collaborate with the PTSOs to support grassroots initiatives and youth participation to grow the love for equine sports and activities amongst Canadians.
Support programs including the Canadian Pony Club, 4-H, and other youth-oriented opportunities.
Continue to work with multiple levels of government to ensure the classification of equines and equine barns as an active component of the Canadian agricultural industry.
Ensure equine operations can access relevant government programs for the agricultural industry (e.g., Business Risk Management programs, environmental sustainability programs, etc.).
Conduct a follow-up study to better understand the current state of the Canadian equestrian competition landscape, and to identify opportunities to strengthen the vibrancy and resiliency of this landscape.
Engage with a diversity of individual and organizations involved in planning, developing, hosting, and officiating equestrian competitions across Canada.
Continue to champion increased traceability of equines within Canada to support biosecurity, and accurate and up-to-date population figures.
Learn from the experiences of other livestock sectors.
Financial and Business Resources
EC recommends that all businesses take the time to ensure your administrative records are up-to-date and ready to submit for potential financial resources and programming that may become available.
For financial and business resources at the provincial/territorial level, please visit your PTSO website.
For Disaster Relief Funding by the Government of Canada or Provincial Governments, please contact your provincial agriculture office.
Agriculture Business Operating Credit Resources:
- Farm Credit Canada Agriculture Financing
- RBC Farm Management Line of Credit
- TD Agriculture Borrowing Solutions
- Scotiabank Credit Line for Agriculture
Insurance Resources:
Pandemic Resources:
- Return to Business Operations Framework
- Sample Self-Declaration Form
- Equine Service Providers – Maintaining biosecurity
- Facility Signage
- What can you do to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the barn?
- Keeping safe at the barn
- Return to Competition Guidelines for the Sport Horse Following a Break in Training Due to COVID-19
- Sample Documents for Competition Operations During COVID-19: Checklists, Waivers, Attestations and Assumptions of Risk
- Guidelines for Competition Operations During COVID-19
EC EQUINE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Equine Industry Development Committee is the committee of EC responsible for advocating on behalf of the active equine industry sector in Canada.