Executive Summary
The Ontario equine agricultural sector encompasses a wide range of horse-related activities, including sport and competition, racing, recreation, breeding, training, equine-assisted therapy and learning, working horses, sanctuaries, and companion horses, as well as supporting businesses and services. These activities occur across rural and urban areas, as well as export sales, and are a vital part of Ontario’s agricultural base.
The sector requires long-term investment, particularly in breeding and training, and relies on a skilled workforce supported by extensive supply chains. Previous studies underestimated the sector’s full scope. This study updates earlier analyses by
applying a broader definition and more comprehensive data collection.
Methodology
The study uses primary data collected from horse owners, horse-related businesses, associations, and racetracks, supported by secondary data from Statistics Canada, administrative records, prior studies, and industry reports.
Economic impacts were estimated using Econometric Research Limited’s RIM: Ontario model, which is consistent with Statistics Canada’s input-output framework. The analysis measures direct, indirect, and induced impacts arising from sector-related expenditures occurring within Ontario.
Key Findings
Economic Activity
- Equine sector-related expenditures total $3.72 billion.
- These expenditures generate $4.4 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- Total economic output generated by the sector is $8.2 billion.
Employment & Wages
- The sector supports an estimated 35,739 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, construction, professional services, and other service industries.
- Employment includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles, many requiring specialized skills and training.
- Wages and salaries supported by the sector are $2.4 billion higher than they would be in the absence of the sector.
- The effective annual wage of $66,679 is comparable to the Ontario average and higher than the average industrial wage in Ontario in 2025.
Government Revenues
- Total tax revenues generated by the sector are estimated at $1.7 billion.
- This includes $841.3 million in federal revenues, $672.1 million in provincial revenues, and $191.9 million in revenues to local government
Broader Impacts
Social & Health Benefits
- The Ontario equine agricultural sector supports physical and mental health through sport, recreation, and therapeutic activities.
- Equine-assisted therapy and learning programs serve individuals with physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges.
- The sector contributes to youth development, volunteerism, and community engagement.
Environmental Benefits
- Horse farms and related facilities support the stewardship of agricultural land and green space.
- These land uses help preserve open landscapes, support biodiversity, and maintain rural land uses that might otherwise
be converted to non-agricultural development.
Data Gaps & Limitations
- Comprehensive identification of all horse owners in Ontario remains challenging due to privacy constraints and
fragmented data sources. - Some activities rely on informal or volunteer labour that is not fully captured in economic models.
- Survey-based data are subject to self-reporting limitations, although weighting and validation techniques were applied
to reduce bias.
Policy Considerations
The findings highlight the Ontario equine agricultural sector as a significant contributor to economic activity, employment, government revenues, and broader public outcomes.
Considerations for government include:
- Recognizing the sector within Ontario’s agri-food and rural economic frameworks;
- Supporting workforce development, skills training, and labour market planning;
- Improving data collection and sector visibility to support evidence-based decision-making; and
- Considering the sector’s role in community well-being, economic resilience, and sustainable land use.
The Ontario equine agricultural sector is a substantial and multifaceted contributor to Ontario’s economy and society. The evidence presented in this study supports informed public policy, future investment, and continued research related to the sector.
Ontario Equine Agricultural Sector Compared to Selected Livestock Sectors
Farmgate value of Ontario produced milk is $3.1 billion with a total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution of $8.7 billion. The dairy production and processing sector supports 91,940 jobs.
The Ontario equine agricultural sector generates $4.4 billion in GDP and supports an estimated 35,739 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs. Total economic output generated by the sector is $8.2 billion. The FTEs generated by the equine
sector’s expenditures represent a larger number of jobs. Thus, comparing the FTEs sustained by the equine sector to jobs sustained by the other sectors referred to in this box need to be carefully considered as they are typically estimated in
different ways.
The Ontario beef sector contributes $2.99 billion to Ontario’s GDP annually, combining revenue from primary production, processing, and retail. Beef farming sustains 56,400 jobs.
Ontario’s pork industry “farm to fork” generates $1.4 billion in GDP, $3.7 billion in economic output and 16,554 in full-time equivalent jobs.
- Dairy Farmers of Ontario 2025 Annual Report, https://new.milk.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025-DFOAnnual-Report-EN.pdf
- Beef Farmers of Ontario 2025 Economic Summary, https://www.ontariobeef.com/media/hgwnj3ck/2025_10_23_ontario-beef-statistics_in-house-printing.pdf
- Ontario Pork, https://ontariopork.on.ca/about/
ONTARIO HORSE COUNCIL 