The 2018 Economic Impact Study produced by the American Horse Council revealed that Maryland's horse industry adds more than $1.3 billion to the state's economy. The report found that the horse industry's total employment impact is over 21,000 jobs and that $500 million-plus is added from the horse racing sector alone.
The report quantified the economic benefits generated from three of the main sectors of the horse industry; recreation, competition, and racing. It also enumerated the additional benefits the horse industry offers to the State of Maryland including land preservation, volunteerism, equine therapy and rehoming operations and educational opportunities at academic institutions.
“Horses are a part of Maryland's history and heritage, but this study confirms the important contributions that industry makes today to Maryland's economy and way of life,” said Cricket Goodall, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. “As a part of the agriculture community horse farms are productive partners in protecting the environment and educating young people.”
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