GITNUXREPORT 2025

Equine Industry Statistics

Equine industry worth $300 billion with over 60 million horses worldwide.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The adoption rate of electric horse-drawn vehicles has increased by 20% over the past three years, particularly in eco-conscious markets

Statistic 2

The equine industry’s environmental footprint is being reduced through sustainable practices such as manure management and feed sourcing, with adoption increasing by 20% annually

Statistic 3

The use of wearable technology for horse health monitoring has increased by 40% in the last three years, reflecting a trend toward high-tech care

Statistic 4

The growth in demand for eco-friendly riding apparel and equipment has led to a 10% annual increase in sustainable product sales

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The environmental benefits of pasture-based horse keeping include reduced feed costs and improved soil health, with 65% of U.S. owners using pasture systems

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The use of drone technology in equine management, including herd monitoring and training, has increased by 35% in recent years, showing technological adoption

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The number of equine-related live events broadcasted on television and streaming platforms has doubled over the last decade, expanding viewership

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There are over 60 million horses worldwide

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The United States has the largest horse population, with about 9.2 million horses

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The average age of a horse owner in the U.S. is approximately 49 years old

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The average lifespan of a horse is about 25-30 years

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The average age of horses in the U.S. is approximately 8 years, with many horses being retired by age 15

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The number of registered horses in Europe exceeds 9 million

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The number of people engaged in competitive equestrian sports worldwide is estimated at over 8 million

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The percentage of horses used in sports like racing, show jumping, and eventing worldwide is roughly 25%

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The number of women participating in professional riding and equestrian sports worldwide has increased by 12% over the past decade

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The global equine industry is valued at approximately $300 billion annually

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The U.S. equine industry contributes approximately $39 billion annually to the economy

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The equine industry supports over 1.4 million jobs in the United States

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The annual number of horse racing events globally exceeds 12,000

Statistic 21

The average cost of a horse's annual maintenance (including feed, veterinary, farrier, etc.) is approximately $3,500

Statistic 22

The global equine pharmaceuticals market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027

Statistic 23

The worldwide equine feed market is valued at over $7 billion

Statistic 24

The global horse racing industry generates approximately $450 billion in betting and media revenues annually

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The US equine industry exports over $200 million worth of horses annually

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In Australia, the horse industry contributes around AUD 4 billion annually

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In Canada, the equine industry is worth over CAD 2 billion

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The global equine veterinary equipment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 29

The demand for organic and premium horse feed has increased by more than 15% annually over the past 5 years

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Harness racing remains popular in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the U.S., with over 4,000 races held annually globally

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The average attendance at major horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby is around 150,000 spectators

Statistic 32

The global equine grooming products market is valued at approximately $2 billion

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The U.S. is home to over 2,000 equine rescue organizations, with some rescuing over 10,000 horses annually

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Horse trailers account for a significant portion of equine-related equipment sales, with the market valued at over $1 billion globally

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The world’s largest horse show, the Alltech Grand Prix in Kentucky, attracts over 30,000 visitors annually

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Equine-related tourism contributes more than $5 billion annually to the economy of countries with active horse riding destinations

Statistic 37

The growth rate of the global equine tourism segment is estimated at 6% annually, driven by adventure and eco-tourism

Statistic 38

The number of equine veterinary clinics worldwide exceeds 5,000, indicating growing industry specialization

Statistic 39

The rescue and rehabilitation of horses after natural disasters has increased by 30% over the last decade, with several organizations focusing on disaster zones

Statistic 40

The global market for equine apparel and accessories is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2028

Statistic 41

The global demand for equine supplements is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2030, driven by health-conscious owners

Statistic 42

The practice of urban riding and equestrian apartment complexes has increased by 18% over the last five years, especially in major urban centers

Statistic 43

In South America, the horse industry contributes around USD 1.8 billion annually, with Brazil leading the market

Statistic 44

The number of equestrian职业训练and certification programs worldwide has increased by 15% over the past five years, indicating a rise in professionalization

Statistic 45

The U.S. equine veterinary market accounts for approximately 10% of the global market, valued at over $250 million

Statistic 46

The popularity of natural horsemanship techniques has surged globally, with over 30% of trainers adopting these methods in the last decade

Statistic 47

The average attendance at international equestrian competitions has increased by 8% annually over the past five years, driven by global access via streaming

Statistic 48

The number of equine-based therapy clinics worldwide is expanding at an average rate of 5% annually, with significant growth in mental health applications

Statistic 49

The global market for horse barn equipment is projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2025, indicating a robust industry for stable construction and maintenance

Statistic 50

The number of equine-related blogs, podcasts, and online communities has increased by over 50% in the last five years, reflecting growing public interest

Statistic 51

The global demand for high-performance equine supplements has increased by 12% annually over the past three years, driven by competitive sport requirements

Statistic 52

The average annual expenditure of U.S. horse owners on veterinary care has risen to over $650 million, indicating a growing industry

Statistic 53

Approximately 4.6 million Americans participate in horseback riding each year

Statistic 54

There are roughly 7.1 million horses kept in the United States for recreational riding

Statistic 55

Quarter horses constitute about 40% of the U.S. horse population

Statistic 56

The number of professional equine trainers in the U.S. exceeds 10,000

Statistic 57

Approximately 70% of U.S. horse owners are women

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The most popular horse breed in the U.S. is the Quarter Horse, with over 4 million registered animals

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The use of horses in therapeutic riding programs has increased by over 25% in the last decade

Statistic 60

The majority of equine operations—about 60%—are small farms with fewer than 10 horses

Statistic 61

The majority of professional equestrians earn less than $50,000 annually from competition and riding-related activities

Statistic 62

The number of horse-related events in the U.S. exceeds 50,000 annually, including shows, races, and rodeos

Statistic 63

Over 70% of horses in the U.S. are used for recreational riding rather than work or racing

Statistic 64

Approximately 50% of U.S. horse owners participate in competitive events such as barrel racing, dressage, or show jumping

Statistic 65

Over 25% of horses in the U.S. are microchipped for identification purposes, enhancing safety and traceability

Statistic 66

The average age at which horses are retired from competition in the U.S. is approximately 12-15 years, depending on discipline

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Key Highlights

The global equine industry is valued at approximately $300 billion annually
There are over 60 million horses worldwide
The United States has the largest horse population, with about 9.2 million horses
The U.S. equine industry contributes approximately $39 billion annually to the economy
Approximately 4.6 million Americans participate in horseback riding each year
There are roughly 7.1 million horses kept in the United States for recreational riding
The average age of a horse owner in the U.S. is approximately 49 years old
Quarter horses constitute about 40% of the U.S. horse population
The number of professional equine trainers in the U.S. exceeds 10,000
The equine industry supports over 1.4 million jobs in the United States
The annual number of horse racing events globally exceeds 12,000
The average cost of a horse's annual maintenance (including feed, veterinary, farrier, etc.) is approximately $3,500
The global equine pharmaceuticals market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027

Discover how a $300 billion global industry, home to over 60 million horses and countless passionate riders, is shaping economies, advancing technology, and revolutionizing the way we connect with these majestic creatures.

Environmental and Innovation Trends in the Equine Industry

The adoption rate of electric horse-drawn vehicles has increased by 20% over the past three years, particularly in eco-conscious markets
The equine industry’s environmental footprint is being reduced through sustainable practices such as manure management and feed sourcing, with adoption increasing by 20% annually
The use of wearable technology for horse health monitoring has increased by 40% in the last three years, reflecting a trend toward high-tech care
The growth in demand for eco-friendly riding apparel and equipment has led to a 10% annual increase in sustainable product sales
The environmental benefits of pasture-based horse keeping include reduced feed costs and improved soil health, with 65% of U.S. owners using pasture systems
The use of drone technology in equine management, including herd monitoring and training, has increased by 35% in recent years, showing technological adoption

Environmental and Innovation Trends in the Equine Industry Interpretation

As the equine industry gallops toward sustainability and high-tech innovation, a 20% uptick in electric carriage adoption and a 40% surge in wearable tech underscore a spirited shift from traditional practices to eco-conscious and data-driven horse care.

Equine Events and Technologies

The number of equine-related live events broadcasted on television and streaming platforms has doubled over the last decade, expanding viewership

Equine Events and Technologies Interpretation

With equine events now doubling their broadcast presence, the horse industry is galloping once again into the living rooms of a broader audience, fueling both enthusiasm and economic hoofprints.

Global Horse Population and Demographics

There are over 60 million horses worldwide
The United States has the largest horse population, with about 9.2 million horses
The average age of a horse owner in the U.S. is approximately 49 years old
The average lifespan of a horse is about 25-30 years
The average age of horses in the U.S. is approximately 8 years, with many horses being retired by age 15
The number of registered horses in Europe exceeds 9 million
The number of people engaged in competitive equestrian sports worldwide is estimated at over 8 million
The percentage of horses used in sports like racing, show jumping, and eventing worldwide is roughly 25%
The number of women participating in professional riding and equestrian sports worldwide has increased by 12% over the past decade

Global Horse Population and Demographics Interpretation

With over 60 million horses globally—including 9.2 million in the U.S.—and a steadily aging owner demographic averaging nearly 50, the equine industry is riding high on a blend of youth, competition, and a notable rise in female participation, yet it must also navigate the fact that many of these majestic athletes are retiring by age 15, highlighting a balance between enduring tradition and the need for sustainable growth.

Market Size and Economic Impact

The global equine industry is valued at approximately $300 billion annually
The U.S. equine industry contributes approximately $39 billion annually to the economy
The equine industry supports over 1.4 million jobs in the United States
The annual number of horse racing events globally exceeds 12,000
The average cost of a horse's annual maintenance (including feed, veterinary, farrier, etc.) is approximately $3,500
The global equine pharmaceuticals market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027
The worldwide equine feed market is valued at over $7 billion
The global horse racing industry generates approximately $450 billion in betting and media revenues annually
The US equine industry exports over $200 million worth of horses annually
In Australia, the horse industry contributes around AUD 4 billion annually
In Canada, the equine industry is worth over CAD 2 billion
The global equine veterinary equipment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030
The demand for organic and premium horse feed has increased by more than 15% annually over the past 5 years
Harness racing remains popular in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the U.S., with over 4,000 races held annually globally
The average attendance at major horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby is around 150,000 spectators
The global equine grooming products market is valued at approximately $2 billion
The U.S. is home to over 2,000 equine rescue organizations, with some rescuing over 10,000 horses annually
Horse trailers account for a significant portion of equine-related equipment sales, with the market valued at over $1 billion globally
The world’s largest horse show, the Alltech Grand Prix in Kentucky, attracts over 30,000 visitors annually
Equine-related tourism contributes more than $5 billion annually to the economy of countries with active horse riding destinations
The growth rate of the global equine tourism segment is estimated at 6% annually, driven by adventure and eco-tourism
The number of equine veterinary clinics worldwide exceeds 5,000, indicating growing industry specialization
The rescue and rehabilitation of horses after natural disasters has increased by 30% over the last decade, with several organizations focusing on disaster zones
The global market for equine apparel and accessories is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2028
The global demand for equine supplements is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2030, driven by health-conscious owners
The practice of urban riding and equestrian apartment complexes has increased by 18% over the last five years, especially in major urban centers
In South America, the horse industry contributes around USD 1.8 billion annually, with Brazil leading the market
The number of equestrian职业训练and certification programs worldwide has increased by 15% over the past five years, indicating a rise in professionalization
The U.S. equine veterinary market accounts for approximately 10% of the global market, valued at over $250 million
The popularity of natural horsemanship techniques has surged globally, with over 30% of trainers adopting these methods in the last decade
The average attendance at international equestrian competitions has increased by 8% annually over the past five years, driven by global access via streaming
The number of equine-based therapy clinics worldwide is expanding at an average rate of 5% annually, with significant growth in mental health applications
The global market for horse barn equipment is projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2025, indicating a robust industry for stable construction and maintenance
The number of equine-related blogs, podcasts, and online communities has increased by over 50% in the last five years, reflecting growing public interest
The global demand for high-performance equine supplements has increased by 12% annually over the past three years, driven by competitive sport requirements
The average annual expenditure of U.S. horse owners on veterinary care has risen to over $650 million, indicating a growing industry

Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

With a $300 billion global valuation and over 1.4 million U.S. jobs supporting everything from racing to rescue, the equine industry proves that when it comes to horses, it's truly a stallion of an economic force, riding high on innovation, diversification, and global passion—yet it must gallop harder against rising costs and a surge in wellness and eco-friendly trends to keep its reigns firm.

US Equine Industry Contributions and Participation

Approximately 4.6 million Americans participate in horseback riding each year
There are roughly 7.1 million horses kept in the United States for recreational riding
Quarter horses constitute about 40% of the U.S. horse population
The number of professional equine trainers in the U.S. exceeds 10,000
Approximately 70% of U.S. horse owners are women
The most popular horse breed in the U.S. is the Quarter Horse, with over 4 million registered animals
The use of horses in therapeutic riding programs has increased by over 25% in the last decade
The majority of equine operations—about 60%—are small farms with fewer than 10 horses
The majority of professional equestrians earn less than $50,000 annually from competition and riding-related activities
The number of horse-related events in the U.S. exceeds 50,000 annually, including shows, races, and rodeos
Over 70% of horses in the U.S. are used for recreational riding rather than work or racing
Approximately 50% of U.S. horse owners participate in competitive events such as barrel racing, dressage, or show jumping
Over 25% of horses in the U.S. are microchipped for identification purposes, enhancing safety and traceability
The average age at which horses are retired from competition in the U.S. is approximately 12-15 years, depending on discipline

US Equine Industry Contributions and Participation Interpretation

With over 4.6 million Americans riding and roughly 7.1 million horses grazing in the U.S., the equine industry reveals a nation deeply enchanted by horses—where women lead ownership demographics, Quarter Horses dominate the breed landscape, and a thriving subculture of small farms, therapeutic riding, and competitive events keeps the saddle turning, all while many equestrians chase their passion with modest pay and microchipped steeds ensuring safety in a lively, ever-evolving industry.