GITNUXREPORT 2026

Kentucky Horse Industry Statistics

Kentucky's horse industry is a multi-billion dollar cornerstone of the state's economy.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The Kentucky horse industry contributes approximately $6.9 billion annually to the state's economy through direct spending, multiplier effects, and induced impacts as reported in the 2023 Kentucky Equine Economic Impact Study.

Statistic 2

Direct economic output from Kentucky's horse industry reached $2.8 billion in 2022, encompassing farm cash receipts, wages, and operational expenditures.

Statistic 3

Indirect and induced economic impacts from the horse sector added $4.1 billion to Kentucky's GDP in the latest assessment.

Statistic 4

The Thoroughbred breeding sector alone generates over $1.2 billion in annual sales for Kentucky farms.

Statistic 5

Equine-related tourism contributes $1.5 billion yearly to Kentucky's visitor economy via events and attractions.

Statistic 6

Property values in Kentucky's Bluegrass Region have increased by 25% due to horse farm developments over the past decade.

Statistic 7

The horse industry supports 2.5% of Kentucky's total state GDP, making it a cornerstone economic driver.

Statistic 8

Annual auction sales of Kentucky-bred Thoroughbreds exceed $400 million, with 70% of sales occurring in-state.

Statistic 9

Veterinary services for horses generate $250 million in yearly revenue within Kentucky.

Statistic 10

Feed and forage production for the horse industry totals $500 million annually in farm gate value.

Statistic 11

Farrier and blacksmith services contribute $50 million to the Kentucky horse economy each year.

Statistic 12

Equine transportation businesses handle $100 million in freight value from Kentucky horse movements.

Statistic 13

Insurance premiums for Kentucky horses surpass $150 million annually.

Statistic 14

Retail sales of horse-related tack and apparel reach $300 million in Kentucky markets yearly.

Statistic 15

Tax revenues from horse industry activities total $800 million per year for state and local governments.

Statistic 16

Export value of Kentucky horses and related genetics exceeds $200 million annually.

Statistic 17

The saddlebred and standardbred sectors add $400 million to Kentucky's economy.

Statistic 18

Equine research funded by industry contributions totals $20 million yearly at University of Kentucky.

Statistic 19

Hospitality spending from horse events generates $900 million in Kentucky.

Statistic 20

Construction of horse facilities invests $150 million annually in Kentucky infrastructure.

Statistic 21

The horse industry multiplier effect is 2.45, meaning every $1 spent generates $2.45 total impact.

Statistic 22

Kentucky's share of U.S. horse industry GDP is 9%, highest in the nation.

Statistic 23

Board and training fees for horses total $450 million yearly in Kentucky.

Statistic 24

Advertising and media from horse events contribute $75 million to the economy.

Statistic 25

Philanthropy from horse industry donors exceeds $50 million annually in Kentucky.

Statistic 26

Energy costs for horse farms average $120 million per year statewide.

Statistic 27

Waste management services for equine operations generate $30 million yearly.

Statistic 28

Legal and regulatory compliance costs for horse businesses total $40 million annually.

Statistic 29

Technology investments in horse health monitoring reach $25 million in Kentucky.

Statistic 30

The overall Kentucky horse industry supports 1 in 12 jobs statewide through economic linkages.

Statistic 31

Kentucky's horse industry employs over 120,000 people directly and indirectly as of 2023.

Statistic 32

Thoroughbred farms provide 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs in breeding and training.

Statistic 33

Equine veterinary practices employ 4,500 professionals in Kentucky.

Statistic 34

Horse trainers and grooms number 35,000 across all breeds in the state.

Statistic 35

Farriers serve the industry with 2,000 licensed professionals employed full-time.

Statistic 36

Racing industry jobs at tracks total 15,000 seasonal and year-round positions.

Statistic 37

Equine feed production and distribution employs 5,000 workers in Kentucky.

Statistic 38

Boarding and stabling facilities staff 10,000 caretakers statewide.

Statistic 39

Sales and auction personnel for horses number 1,200 in major Kentucky venues.

Statistic 40

Tourism guides and hospitality workers for horse farms employ 8,000 people.

Statistic 41

Truck drivers transporting horses total 3,500 licensed operators in Kentucky.

Statistic 42

Equine insurance adjusters and agents employ 800 specialists.

Statistic 43

Retail tack store staff reaches 2,500 across Kentucky outlets.

Statistic 44

University extension equine educators and support staff number 300.

Statistic 45

Event management for horse shows employs 4,000 coordinators and crew.

Statistic 46

Research scientists in equine health employ 500 at Kentucky institutions.

Statistic 47

Administrative roles in horse associations total 1,000 positions.

Statistic 48

Maintenance workers for horse facilities number 6,000 statewide.

Statistic 49

Marketing and PR specialists for horse industry employ 1,500.

Statistic 50

Accountants and financial advisors for farms total 2,000.

Statistic 51

Lawyers specializing in equine law employ 400 in Kentucky.

Statistic 52

IT support for horse farm software employs 500 technicians.

Statistic 53

Nutritionists and feed consultants number 800 for Kentucky horses.

Statistic 54

Photographers and videographers for promotions employ 300.

Statistic 55

Security personnel at horse events total 2,000 per season.

Statistic 56

Cleaners and waste handlers for stables employ 3,500.

Statistic 57

Welders and equipment repairers for farms number 1,200.

Statistic 58

Breed registry administrators employ 400 staff members.

Statistic 59

Kentucky has over 14,000 horse farms covering 1.2 million acres.

Statistic 60

Keeneland sales pavilion hosts 10,000 horses annually for auctions.

Statistic 61

Churchill Downs training center stabled 2,500 horses in 2023.

Statistic 62

Lexington has 450 miles of dedicated horse trails.

Statistic 63

Equine hospitals number 25 major facilities in Kentucky.

Statistic 64

Covered arenas for shows total 200 structures statewide.

Statistic 65

Horse tourism attractions draw 5 million visitors yearly.

Statistic 66

Kentucky Horse Park welcomes 800,000 guests annually.

Statistic 67

Farm tours operate on 300 properties open to public.

Statistic 68

Stabling capacity at KY tracks exceeds 10,000 stalls.

Statistic 69

Research barns at UK Gluck Center house 500 horses.

Statistic 70

Indoor riding rings number 1,500 on private farms.

Statistic 71

Visitor centers for horse country total 50 sites.

Statistic 72

Hotel occupancy from horse events rises 40% seasonally.

Statistic 73

Conference facilities at horse parks seat 5,000.

Statistic 74

Trailering ramps and wash racks: 8,000 on farms.

Statistic 75

Solar-powered barns number 200 in eco-initiatives.

Statistic 76

Museums dedicated to horse history: 15 sites.

Statistic 77

Campground spots at events: 20,000 spaces.

Statistic 78

Vet clinics with 24/7 service: 40 locations.

Statistic 79

Kentucky has over 320,000 horses across all breeds as of the 2023 census.

Statistic 80

Thoroughbreds number 38,000 active broodmares in Kentucky farms.

Statistic 81

Standardbred population stands at 25,000 horses in the state.

Statistic 82

American Saddlebreds total 12,000 registered in Kentucky.

Statistic 83

Kentucky Mountain Horses and Rocky Mountains number 5,000 combined.

Statistic 84

Quarter Horses in Kentucky reach 40,000 head.

Statistic 85

Annual foal crop for Thoroughbreds is 6,500 in Kentucky.

Statistic 86

Breeding stallions total 2,200 across Thoroughbred and other breeds.

Statistic 87

Weanling production exceeds 8,000 per year statewide.

Statistic 88

Mare farms house 75% of the nation's top Thoroughbred broodmares in Kentucky.

Statistic 89

Pony and gaited pleasure horse population is 15,000.

Statistic 90

Draft horse breeding numbers 3,000 in Kentucky.

Statistic 91

Miniature horse registrations total 4,500 annually.

Statistic 92

Sport horse warmbloods growing to 10,000 in population.

Statistic 93

Retirement horse facilities house 20,000 aged equines.

Statistic 94

Wild and feral horse management affects 500 in state programs.

Statistic 95

Genetic diversity index for Kentucky Thoroughbreds is 0.85.

Statistic 96

Average age of broodmares is 12.5 years in Kentucky.

Statistic 97

Foal survival rate post-birth is 96% on Kentucky farms.

Statistic 98

Breeding shed usage peaks at 85% occupancy in January-March.

Statistic 99

Embryo transfer success rate averages 70% in advanced KY programs.

Statistic 100

Semen collection centers process 50,000 collections yearly.

Statistic 101

In vitro fertilization foals number 200 per year.

Statistic 102

Mare fertility rate averages 1.2 foals per year.

Statistic 103

Stallion fertility index is 90% across 500 studs.

Statistic 104

Yearling production totals 7,500 inspected annually.

Statistic 105

Horse mortality rate is 1.2% per 1,000 horses yearly.

Statistic 106

Kentucky Thoroughbred racing generated $4.2 billion in total wagering handle in 2023.

Statistic 107

Keeneland Fall Meet hosted 1,200 starters over 17 days in 2023.

Statistic 108

Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby week purses totaled $10 million.

Statistic 109

Kentucky Downs turf course races attracted 4,500 horses in 2023 season.

Statistic 110

Purse money distributed at KY tracks reached $350 million yearly.

Statistic 111

Win rate for Kentucky-breds at major tracks is 12.5%.

Statistic 112

Average field size at Thoroughbred races is 9.2 horses.

Statistic 113

Jockey colony at major KY tracks averages 150 riders per meet.

Statistic 114

Harness racing at red mile features 1,000 starts annually.

Statistic 115

Saddlebred races under lights draw 500 entries per season.

Statistic 116

Handle per race averages $150,000 at Churchill Downs.

Statistic 117

Kentucky Derby attendance peaked at 156,710 in 2023.

Statistic 118

Stakes races in KY total 450 per year across breeds.

Statistic 119

Track records broken: 25 at Keeneland in 2023.

Statistic 120

Out-of-state horses racing in KY: 60% of fields.

Statistic 121

Triple Crown trail races hosted 20 in Kentucky.

Statistic 122

Harness track purses at The Red Mile: $8 million.

Statistic 123

Quarter Horse racing events feature 300 starts yearly.

Statistic 124

Arabian racing in KY logs 150 races per season.

Statistic 125

Speed index average for KY Thoroughbreds is 105.

Statistic 126

Claims races account for 40% of KY Thoroughbred cards.

Statistic 127

Allowance races purses average $75,000 each.

Statistic 128

Maiden special weight fields average 10 starters.

Statistic 129

Steeplechase and hurdle races: 50 events yearly.

Statistic 130

Kentucky hosts 15 graded stakes for 2-year-olds.

Statistic 131

Fillies and mares stakes total 100 races.

1/131

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Look beyond the bluegrass fences and you’ll see an economic powerhouse, as the Kentucky horse industry infuses a staggering $6.9 billion into the state each year.

Key Takeaways

The Kentucky horse industry contributes approximately $6.9 billion annually to the state's economy through direct spending, multiplier effects, and induced impacts as reported in the 2023 Kentucky Equine Economic Impact Study.
Direct economic output from Kentucky's horse industry reached $2.8 billion in 2022, encompassing farm cash receipts, wages, and operational expenditures.
Indirect and induced economic impacts from the horse sector added $4.1 billion to Kentucky's GDP in the latest assessment.
Kentucky's horse industry employs over 120,000 people directly and indirectly as of 2023.
Thoroughbred farms provide 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs in breeding and training.
Equine veterinary practices employ 4,500 professionals in Kentucky.
Kentucky has over 320,000 horses across all breeds as of the 2023 census.
Thoroughbreds number 38,000 active broodmares in Kentucky farms.
Standardbred population stands at 25,000 horses in the state.
Kentucky Thoroughbred racing generated $4.2 billion in total wagering handle in 2023.
Keeneland Fall Meet hosted 1,200 starters over 17 days in 2023.
Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby week purses totaled $10 million.
Kentucky has over 14,000 horse farms covering 1.2 million acres.
Keeneland sales pavilion hosts 10,000 horses annually for auctions.
Churchill Downs training center stabled 2,500 horses in 2023.

Kentucky's horse industry is a multi-billion dollar cornerstone of the state's economy.

Economic Impact

The Kentucky horse industry contributes approximately $6.9 billion annually to the state's economy through direct spending, multiplier effects, and induced impacts as reported in the 2023 Kentucky Equine Economic Impact Study.
Direct economic output from Kentucky's horse industry reached $2.8 billion in 2022, encompassing farm cash receipts, wages, and operational expenditures.
Indirect and induced economic impacts from the horse sector added $4.1 billion to Kentucky's GDP in the latest assessment.
The Thoroughbred breeding sector alone generates over $1.2 billion in annual sales for Kentucky farms.
Equine-related tourism contributes $1.5 billion yearly to Kentucky's visitor economy via events and attractions.
Property values in Kentucky's Bluegrass Region have increased by 25% due to horse farm developments over the past decade.
The horse industry supports 2.5% of Kentucky's total state GDP, making it a cornerstone economic driver.
Annual auction sales of Kentucky-bred Thoroughbreds exceed $400 million, with 70% of sales occurring in-state.
Veterinary services for horses generate $250 million in yearly revenue within Kentucky.
Feed and forage production for the horse industry totals $500 million annually in farm gate value.
Farrier and blacksmith services contribute $50 million to the Kentucky horse economy each year.
Equine transportation businesses handle $100 million in freight value from Kentucky horse movements.
Insurance premiums for Kentucky horses surpass $150 million annually.
Retail sales of horse-related tack and apparel reach $300 million in Kentucky markets yearly.
Tax revenues from horse industry activities total $800 million per year for state and local governments.
Export value of Kentucky horses and related genetics exceeds $200 million annually.
The saddlebred and standardbred sectors add $400 million to Kentucky's economy.
Equine research funded by industry contributions totals $20 million yearly at University of Kentucky.
Hospitality spending from horse events generates $900 million in Kentucky.
Construction of horse facilities invests $150 million annually in Kentucky infrastructure.
The horse industry multiplier effect is 2.45, meaning every $1 spent generates $2.45 total impact.
Kentucky's share of U.S. horse industry GDP is 9%, highest in the nation.
Board and training fees for horses total $450 million yearly in Kentucky.
Advertising and media from horse events contribute $75 million to the economy.
Philanthropy from horse industry donors exceeds $50 million annually in Kentucky.
Energy costs for horse farms average $120 million per year statewide.
Waste management services for equine operations generate $30 million yearly.
Legal and regulatory compliance costs for horse businesses total $40 million annually.
Technology investments in horse health monitoring reach $25 million in Kentucky.
The overall Kentucky horse industry supports 1 in 12 jobs statewide through economic linkages.

Economic Impact Interpretation

Kentucky's economy has quite literally hitched its wagon to a horse-powered engine that gallops out nearly seven billion reasons a year to remember it's not just about mint juleps and fast ponies.

Employment

Kentucky's horse industry employs over 120,000 people directly and indirectly as of 2023.
Thoroughbred farms provide 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs in breeding and training.
Equine veterinary practices employ 4,500 professionals in Kentucky.
Horse trainers and grooms number 35,000 across all breeds in the state.
Farriers serve the industry with 2,000 licensed professionals employed full-time.
Racing industry jobs at tracks total 15,000 seasonal and year-round positions.
Equine feed production and distribution employs 5,000 workers in Kentucky.
Boarding and stabling facilities staff 10,000 caretakers statewide.
Sales and auction personnel for horses number 1,200 in major Kentucky venues.
Tourism guides and hospitality workers for horse farms employ 8,000 people.
Truck drivers transporting horses total 3,500 licensed operators in Kentucky.
Equine insurance adjusters and agents employ 800 specialists.
Retail tack store staff reaches 2,500 across Kentucky outlets.
University extension equine educators and support staff number 300.
Event management for horse shows employs 4,000 coordinators and crew.
Research scientists in equine health employ 500 at Kentucky institutions.
Administrative roles in horse associations total 1,000 positions.
Maintenance workers for horse facilities number 6,000 statewide.
Marketing and PR specialists for horse industry employ 1,500.
Accountants and financial advisors for farms total 2,000.
Lawyers specializing in equine law employ 400 in Kentucky.
IT support for horse farm software employs 500 technicians.
Nutritionists and feed consultants number 800 for Kentucky horses.
Photographers and videographers for promotions employ 300.
Security personnel at horse events total 2,000 per season.
Cleaners and waste handlers for stables employ 3,500.
Welders and equipment repairers for farms number 1,200.
Breed registry administrators employ 400 staff members.

Employment Interpretation

Kentucky's equine economy is so thoroughly hoofed-in that from the 25,000 souls breeding champions to the 3,500 hauling their waste, it’s clear the state doesn’t just ride on the horse’s back—it's built an entire, bustling civilization in its stable.

Facilities and Tourism

Kentucky has over 14,000 horse farms covering 1.2 million acres.
Keeneland sales pavilion hosts 10,000 horses annually for auctions.
Churchill Downs training center stabled 2,500 horses in 2023.
Lexington has 450 miles of dedicated horse trails.
Equine hospitals number 25 major facilities in Kentucky.
Covered arenas for shows total 200 structures statewide.
Horse tourism attractions draw 5 million visitors yearly.
Kentucky Horse Park welcomes 800,000 guests annually.
Farm tours operate on 300 properties open to public.
Stabling capacity at KY tracks exceeds 10,000 stalls.
Research barns at UK Gluck Center house 500 horses.
Indoor riding rings number 1,500 on private farms.
Visitor centers for horse country total 50 sites.
Hotel occupancy from horse events rises 40% seasonally.
Conference facilities at horse parks seat 5,000.
Trailering ramps and wash racks: 8,000 on farms.
Solar-powered barns number 200 in eco-initiatives.
Museums dedicated to horse history: 15 sites.
Campground spots at events: 20,000 spaces.
Vet clinics with 24/7 service: 40 locations.

Facilities and Tourism Interpretation

While Kentucky might officially be known for bourbon and basketball, it’s clear the state's real religion is practiced in the saddle, given its sprawling, multi-billion-dollar devotion to every aspect of the horse, from its birth in a solar-powered barn to its final rest in a museum.

Horse Population and Breeding

Kentucky has over 320,000 horses across all breeds as of the 2023 census.
Thoroughbreds number 38,000 active broodmares in Kentucky farms.
Standardbred population stands at 25,000 horses in the state.
American Saddlebreds total 12,000 registered in Kentucky.
Kentucky Mountain Horses and Rocky Mountains number 5,000 combined.
Quarter Horses in Kentucky reach 40,000 head.
Annual foal crop for Thoroughbreds is 6,500 in Kentucky.
Breeding stallions total 2,200 across Thoroughbred and other breeds.
Weanling production exceeds 8,000 per year statewide.
Mare farms house 75% of the nation's top Thoroughbred broodmares in Kentucky.
Pony and gaited pleasure horse population is 15,000.
Draft horse breeding numbers 3,000 in Kentucky.
Miniature horse registrations total 4,500 annually.
Sport horse warmbloods growing to 10,000 in population.
Retirement horse facilities house 20,000 aged equines.
Wild and feral horse management affects 500 in state programs.
Genetic diversity index for Kentucky Thoroughbreds is 0.85.
Average age of broodmares is 12.5 years in Kentucky.
Foal survival rate post-birth is 96% on Kentucky farms.
Breeding shed usage peaks at 85% occupancy in January-March.
Embryo transfer success rate averages 70% in advanced KY programs.
Semen collection centers process 50,000 collections yearly.
In vitro fertilization foals number 200 per year.
Mare fertility rate averages 1.2 foals per year.
Stallion fertility index is 90% across 500 studs.
Yearling production totals 7,500 inspected annually.
Horse mortality rate is 1.2% per 1,000 horses yearly.

Horse Population and Breeding Interpretation

Kentucky's equine empire, with a foal survival rate of 96% and a stallion fertility index of 90%, proves that the state's thoroughbreds are not just born to run, but are statistically born to succeed.

Racing Industry

Kentucky Thoroughbred racing generated $4.2 billion in total wagering handle in 2023.
Keeneland Fall Meet hosted 1,200 starters over 17 days in 2023.
Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby week purses totaled $10 million.
Kentucky Downs turf course races attracted 4,500 horses in 2023 season.
Purse money distributed at KY tracks reached $350 million yearly.
Win rate for Kentucky-breds at major tracks is 12.5%.
Average field size at Thoroughbred races is 9.2 horses.
Jockey colony at major KY tracks averages 150 riders per meet.
Harness racing at red mile features 1,000 starts annually.
Saddlebred races under lights draw 500 entries per season.
Handle per race averages $150,000 at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby attendance peaked at 156,710 in 2023.
Stakes races in KY total 450 per year across breeds.
Track records broken: 25 at Keeneland in 2023.
Out-of-state horses racing in KY: 60% of fields.
Triple Crown trail races hosted 20 in Kentucky.
Harness track purses at The Red Mile: $8 million.
Quarter Horse racing events feature 300 starts yearly.
Arabian racing in KY logs 150 races per season.
Speed index average for KY Thoroughbreds is 105.
Claims races account for 40% of KY Thoroughbred cards.
Allowance races purses average $75,000 each.
Maiden special weight fields average 10 starters.
Steeplechase and hurdle races: 50 events yearly.
Kentucky hosts 15 graded stakes for 2-year-olds.
Fillies and mares stakes total 100 races.

Racing Industry Interpretation

Kentucky’s horse racing scene is a magnificent, multi-billion dollar ecosystem where, from the thunder of the Derby to the grace of a Saddlebred under lights, a 12.5% win rate for homegrown talent fiercely competes within a sea of out-of-state challengers, all chasing a lavish slice of that $350 million purse pie.