Economic ImpactEconomic Impact of the Ontario Horse Industry
2006 Census of Agriculture
The counties with the highest horse population in descending order are:
|
County or Regional Municipality |
Estimated Number of Horses 2001 |
Estimated Number of Horses 2006 |
% change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington County |
18,293 |
27,530 |
+50.5% |
| Grey County |
14,005 |
21,754 |
+55.3% |
| Simcoe County |
14,581 |
19,516 |
+33.8% |
| Durham Regional Municipality |
18,341 |
18,147 |
-1.1% |
| Waterloo Regional Municipality |
15,017 |
17,636 |
+17.4% |
| York Regional Municipality |
19,544 |
16,735 |
-14.4% |
| Middlesex County |
17,152 |
16,684 |
-2.7% |
| Bruce County |
9,546 |
13,549 |
+41.9% |
| Huron County |
8,171 |
12,890 |
+57.8% |
| Perth County |
9,430 |
12,780 |
+35.5% |
Ontario's horse population is estimated at 379,412
The annual economic impact is $577.8 million
The total economic impact in fixed assets is $5.6 billion
There are approximately 28,532 horses involved in the race horse industry in Ontario.
$157 million is spent annually on hay, grain, and bedding.
Dr. Bob Wright
Veterinary Scientist
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
Food & Rural Affairs