By Canadian Horse Journal Staff

A proposed province-wide organization is working to bring Ontario’s diverse horse community together under one voice and secure greater recognition for the sector’s economic, agricultural and social contributions. 

The Ontario Horse Council (OHC) plans to represent the full spectrum of the province’s equine community, including racing, sport, recreation, breeding, training, equine-assisted services, and the many businesses and professionals that support horses and their owners. Its guiding message — “One Industry. One Voice. One Horse.” — reflects the belief that cooperation across disciplines will give the industry a stronger presence when governments develop policies affecting horses and equine operations. 

The initiative is supported by findings from a major economic impact study that presents a broader picture of Ontario’s horse sector than previous assessments. The study encompasses sport and competition, racing, recreation, breeding, training, equine-assisted therapy and learning, working horses, sanctuaries and companion horses, along with supporting businesses and services. 

According to the Ontario Agricultural Equine Economic Impact Study, equine-related expenditures in the province total approximately $3.72 billion annually. These expenditures generate an estimated $8.2 billion in economic output and contribute $4.4 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product. 

Photo: Flickr/Merilkallio

The sector also supports an estimated 35,739 full-time-equivalent jobs across agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, construction, professional services and other industries. Its effective average annual wage is $66,679 — comparable to Ontario’s overall average and higher than the province’s average industrial wage in 2025. 

In addition, the study estimates that Ontario’s equine sector generates approximately $1.7 billion in government tax revenue, including $841.3 million federally, $672.1 million provincially and $191.9 million for local governments. 

Challenges Facing the Industry 

Despite these contributions, the OHC says much of the horse industry remains largely absent from provincial agricultural and economic development policy. One of its principal concerns is that only racing and breeding are recognized as agricultural businesses. Many other equine operations are therefore ineligible for agricultural programs, farm tax benefits and certain land protections. 

Municipal inconsistency is another challenge. With 444 municipalities across Ontario, zoning and land-use policies affecting horse farms and equine businesses can vary widely. An activity permitted in one municipality may be restricted or prohibited in another, creating uncertainty for property owners and businesses. 

The Council also wants to change the perception that horses are primarily a recreational hobby rather than the foundation of a substantial industry. Equine activities support skilled employment, rural housing, agricultural suppliers, veterinarians, farriers, feed producers, transportation companies, facility builders, trainers and many other service providers. 

A shortage of qualified workers is placing further pressure on the sector. The OHC intends to advocate for workforce development and training programs, suitable immigration pathways and greater promotion of equine careers. 

Five Strategic Goals 

The Ontario Horse Council has identified five strategic goals: 

One Voice: Unite all equine sectors under one credible provincial organization that can speak to government with a shared purpose. 

Agricultural Recognition: Ensure that all legitimate equine operations are eligible for Ontario agricultural programs and protections. 

Municipal Standardization: Establish more consistent zoning and land-use treatment for equine operations across Ontario municipalities. 

Workforce Sustainability: Address labour shortages through workforce programs, immigration pathways, skills development and promotion of equine careers. 

Accessibility and Growth: Introduce the industry to new communities, including young people and Ontario’s growing newcomer populations, while developing the next generation of horse owners and equine professionals. 

The organization plans to develop gradually as a grassroots volunteer-driven initiative. Its first phase includes incorporation, establishing a founding board, sharing the economic study with government, building its communications platforms, holding a founding supporter summit and securing initial government meetings. 

A founding supporter campaign will follow, with deliberately modest dues intended to encourage broad participation. Once the Council has established a membership base, government relationships and a public presence, it hopes to pursue grants and corporate sponsorship. 

Evidence-based advocacy, inclusivity, transparency and horse welfare will guide the organization’s work. Beyond its economic importance, the OHC emphasizes that the horse industry supports physical and mental health, therapeutic services, youth development, volunteerism and community involvement. Horse farms also help preserve agricultural land, open landscapes and green spaces that might otherwise be lost to development. 

By bringing these economic, social and environmental contributions together, the Ontario Horse Council hopes to ensure that horses — and the people whose livelihoods depend on them — receive a meaningful voice in the decisions shaping Ontario’s future. 

Learn More and Participate 

For more information about the Ontario Horse Council, its goals, and how to complete the industry survey, visit Ontario Horse Council.

The complete Ontario Agricultural Equine Economic Impact Study is also available online HERE.  

Main Photo: Dreamstime/Walter Arce