GITNUXREPORT 2025

Horse Industry Statistics

U.S. horse industry contributes $39 billion and supports 1.74 million jobs.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

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

Statistic 2

The equine industry supports over 1.74 million jobs nationwide

Statistic 3

The horse racing industry alone generates over $12 billion annually

Statistic 4

The total value of the U.S. foal crop (newborn horses) is estimated at over $150 million annually

Statistic 5

The average annual spend by horse owners on care and maintenance is around $2,200 per horse

Statistic 6

The horse industry employs approximately 460,000 people, including trainers, breeders, and farm workers

Statistic 7

The annual export value of U.S. horses exceeds $300 million, mainly to Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East

Statistic 8

The equine industry’s total economic output is comparable to that of the logging and wood product industry

Statistic 9

There are about 9.2 million horses in the United States

Statistic 10

The total number of horse owners in the U.S. is roughly 3.9 million

Statistic 11

Approximately 2.1 million farm horses are used primarily for work and agriculture

Statistic 12

The number of new horse registrations in the U.S. declined by 20% over the past decade

Statistic 13

The most popular horse breeds in the U.S. include the Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, and Arabian

Statistic 14

Approximately 4,600 active licensed equine trainers in the U.S.

Statistic 15

About 800,000 horses are used in recreational riding in the U.S.

Statistic 16

About 80% of horse owners keep their horses on private farms or ranches

Statistic 17

The U.S. equine population has been relatively stable over the last five years, with slight fluctuations

Statistic 18

The majority of racing horses are Thoroughbreds, accounting for about 85% of racehorses in the U.S.

Statistic 19

Approximately 20% of U.S. households own a horse or are involved in the equine industry

Statistic 20

The number of equestrian facilities in the U.S. exceeds 10,000

Statistic 21

An estimated 60% of horse owners participate in equine-related competitions or events annually

Statistic 22

The number of equine veterinary visits in the U.S. exceeds 6 million annually

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Key Highlights

  • The U.S. horse industry contributes approximately $39 billion annually to the economy
  • There are about 9.2 million horses in the United States
  • The equine industry supports over 1.74 million jobs nationwide
  • The total number of horse owners in the U.S. is roughly 3.9 million
  • Approximately 2.1 million farm horses are used primarily for work and agriculture
  • The number of new horse registrations in the U.S. declined by 20% over the past decade
  • The most popular horse breeds in the U.S. include the Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, and Arabian
  • The horse racing industry alone generates over $12 billion annually
  • The number of equine veterinary visits in the U.S. exceeds 6 million annually
  • Approximately 4,600 active licensed equine trainers in the U.S.
  • About 800,000 horses are used in recreational riding in the U.S.
  • The total value of the U.S. foal crop (newborn horses) is estimated at over $150 million annually
  • The number of equestrian facilities in the U.S. exceeds 10,000

From the thrill of the racetrack to the quiet majesty of farm life, the U.S. horse industry is a dynamic powerhouse contributing over $39 billion annually to the economy and supporting nearly two million jobs—yet it faces significant shifts as registration numbers decline and recreational riding grows, revealing a complex landscape of tradition and innovation.

Economic Impact and Industry Revenue

  • The U.S. horse industry contributes approximately $39 billion annually to the economy
  • The equine industry supports over 1.74 million jobs nationwide
  • The horse racing industry alone generates over $12 billion annually
  • The total value of the U.S. foal crop (newborn horses) is estimated at over $150 million annually
  • The average annual spend by horse owners on care and maintenance is around $2,200 per horse
  • The horse industry employs approximately 460,000 people, including trainers, breeders, and farm workers
  • The annual export value of U.S. horses exceeds $300 million, mainly to Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East
  • The equine industry’s total economic output is comparable to that of the logging and wood product industry

Economic Impact and Industry Revenue Interpretation

The U.S. horse industry, with its $39 billion economic impact and millions of jobs, gallops alongside logging and wood, proving that even in the digital age, America's love affair with horses remains a horsepower-driven economic force.

Equine Population and Ownership

  • There are about 9.2 million horses in the United States
  • The total number of horse owners in the U.S. is roughly 3.9 million
  • Approximately 2.1 million farm horses are used primarily for work and agriculture
  • The number of new horse registrations in the U.S. declined by 20% over the past decade
  • The most popular horse breeds in the U.S. include the Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, and Arabian
  • Approximately 4,600 active licensed equine trainers in the U.S.
  • About 800,000 horses are used in recreational riding in the U.S.
  • About 80% of horse owners keep their horses on private farms or ranches
  • The U.S. equine population has been relatively stable over the last five years, with slight fluctuations
  • The majority of racing horses are Thoroughbreds, accounting for about 85% of racehorses in the U.S.
  • Approximately 20% of U.S. households own a horse or are involved in the equine industry

Equine Population and Ownership Interpretation

With over nine million horses grazing the U.S. plains and a steadily stable population, the industry rides a fine line between tradition and decline, as breeders and owners hold on to values while witnessing a 20% drop in new registrations—yet, with nearly 4 million households still invested, America's equine passion gallops on, fueled by racing's thoroughbred heartbeat and the quiet workhorses on farms across the nation.

Industry Infrastructure and Facilities

  • The number of equestrian facilities in the U.S. exceeds 10,000

Industry Infrastructure and Facilities Interpretation

With over 10,000 equestrian facilities across the country, it's clear that America's passion for horses isn't just a hobby—it's a sprawling industry that continues to gallop ahead.

Recreational and Sporting Activities

  • An estimated 60% of horse owners participate in equine-related competitions or events annually

Recreational and Sporting Activities Interpretation

With 60% of horse owners actively competing or participating in equine events each year, it’s clear that for many, their horses are not just companions, but key players in their pursuit of equine excellence and dare I say, a serious sport worth saddling up for.

Veterinary and Health Services

  • The number of equine veterinary visits in the U.S. exceeds 6 million annually

Veterinary and Health Services Interpretation

With over 6 million equine veterinary visits each year, it’s clear that America’s horses aren’t just getting the ride of their lives—they’re demanding top-tier health care to keep them in the race.