For the first time the full scale and importance of the Australian Horse Industry is known.
The study shows the horse industry (outside of the racing industries) is growing and plays an important part in the agricultural, sporting and recreation sectors, contributing both to the national economy and to the wellbeing of many Australians.
This ground-breaking investigation into the non-racing equine economy, commissioned by the Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC), found that the equine economy generates $15.7 billion and provides over 100,00 full time jobs.
The research also measured the size of our horse population and found there are 1.03 million horses in Australia (excluding racehorses and wild horses.)
“The importance in being able to understand just how big the equine industry outside of racing is cannot be understated” said AHIC President Mark Burnell.
“Being able to quantify the size of the equine economy (excluding racing) is vital in helping policy makers and government at all levels make informed decisions that affect the hundreds of thousands of people involved in the non-racing horse industry” Burnell said.
“This includes planning around biosecurity preparedness, vocational training for equine professionals such as farriers and the development of new and enhanced recreational sporting facilities.”
“With over 1.03 million horses in Australia and with a contribution of $15.7billion of value to the Australian economy, there is no doubt the equine economy is a significance part of Australia’s agricultural, sporting and recreational sectors.” Burnell added.
“The benefits go beyond the economic, with 9 out of 10 people surveyed indicating the positive impact a life with horses had on their physical and mental well-being.”
More than 700,000 people are also involved as carers/owners or volunteers in the sector.
Read the complete report here.
The study was undertaken by specialist research company IER and included a nationwide survey of Australian horse owners and professionals. AHIC would like to thank the hundreds of people involved in participating in this important research.