The Importance of Horse Racing

The equine industry has a profound influence on the national and international economy. In the United States, where the American Quarter Horse Association is based, the equine industry contributes approximately $50 billion in direct economic impact to the country’s economy, according to a study done in 2017 by the American Horse Council Foundation.

In addition to this, it directly contributes nearly 1 million jobs and $38 billion in direct wages, salaries and benefits. 

In addition, there is a ripple effect of economic draw associated with the horse racing industry. Adding these contributions results in more than $122 billion and more than 1.7 million jobs created by the horse industry in the United States alone.

AQHA is the world’s largest breed association. It has registered more than 6 million horses and currently has more than 230,000 members. 

About 20 percent of horses in the United States are used for racing, which includes Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. There are more than 11,000 American Quarter Horses that start in official races each year. 

These horses draw in more than $130 million in annual handle in official races.