Horse ownership is a popular pastime in the United States, with an estimated 5.5 million people owning horses. Though horse ownership is not as widespread as it once was, horse ownership remains a popular hobby and a major industry in the United States. In this article, we’ll explore the current state of horse ownership in the U.S., the demographics of horse owners, and the economic impact of the horse industry.
Horse Ownership in the U.S.
According to the American Horse Council, there are an estimated 5.5 million horses in the United States. This number includes horses owned for pleasure, for sport, for business, and for racing. Of that 5.5 million, approximately 2.6 million are owned for pleasure or recreational activities, such as trail riding and horse shows. The remaining 3 million horses are used for sport (1.3 million), business (1.4 million), and racing (300,000).
Demographics of Horse Owners
According to the American Horse Council, the majority of horse owners in the U.S. are white (84%), with the remaining 16% being a mix of African-American, Asian, and Hispanic. Horse owners are also primarily female (68%), while the remaining 32% are male.
The average age of horse owners is 47, and the average household income is $107,000. Horse owners tend to be highly educated, with 42% having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Horse owners also tend to live in rural areas, with 78% living in a rural or small urban area.
Economic Impact of the Horse Industry
The horse industry has a major economic impact in the United States. In 2019, the horse industry contributed $122 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 1.7 million jobs.
The horse industry has a major impact on the agricultural sector, with $21 billion in direct and indirect farm income. Horse owners also have an impact on the veterinary and animal health industry, spending nearly $6 billion annually on veterinary care.
Types of Horse Owners
Horse owners can be divided into three main categories: pleasure owners, sport owners, and business owners.
Pleasure owners are individuals or families who own horses primarily for recreational activities, such as trail riding and horse shows. Pleasure owners account for the majority of horse owners in the U.S., with an estimated 2.6 million horses owned for pleasure.
Sport owners are individuals or families who own horses primarily for competitive activities, such as dressage and show jumping. Sport owners account for 1.3 million horses in the United States.
Business owners are individuals or businesses who own horses primarily for business purposes, such as breeding, racing, and boarding. Business owners account for 1.4 million horses in the U.S.
Reasons for Owning a Horse
Horse ownership can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of the financial and time commitment that comes with owning a horse. Here are some of the most common reasons people choose to own horses:
- Recreation – Horse ownership can provide a great source of recreation and stress relief. Riding horses is a great way to get outdoors and stay active, and it’s a great way to bond with animals.
- Competition – Horse owners can choose to participate in competitive activities, such as dressage and show jumping. For those looking to compete at the highest level, owning a horse can provide the opportunity to do so.
- Business – Horse ownership can be a lucrative business. Horse owners can choose to breed, race, or board horses in order to generate income.
- Therapy – Horse ownership can provide a great source of therapy for those dealing with physical, emotional, and mental health issues. Horses have been used in therapy for years, and owning a horse can provide a great source of comfort and healing.
Costs of Owning a Horse
Horse ownership comes with a number of financial costs, including the cost of purchasing the horse, veterinary costs, feed costs, and boarding costs. The average cost of owning a horse is estimated to range from $2,500 to $4,000 per year, depending on the type of horse and the level of care.
Benefits of Owning a Horse
Though there are a number of financial costs associated with horse ownership, there are also many benefits. Horse ownership can provide a great source of recreation and stress relief, and it can be a great way to bond with animals. Horse ownership can also provide a great source of therapy for those dealing with physical, emotional, and mental health issues.
Conclusion
Owning a horse can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of the financial and time commitment that comes with horse ownership. In the United States, there are an estimated 5.5 million horses owned for pleasure, sport, business, and racing. The majority of horse owners in the U.S. are white, female, and between the ages of 40 and 49. The horse industry has a major economic impact in the U.S., contributing $122 billion to the economy and supporting 1.7 million jobs.
References
American Horse Council. (2020). Horse Industry Economic Impact. Retrieved from https://www.horsecouncil.org/policy/economic-impact
American Horse Council. (2020). Horse Ownership in the U.S. Retrieved from https://www.horsecouncil.org/policy/horse-ownership-in-the-u-s
Horse & Hound. (2020). How Much Does it Cost to Own a Horse? Retrieved from https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-care/how-much-does-it-cost-own-horse-637820