Economic Impact

A thriving equine industry is vital to the health of the Maryland State economy and to agriculture.  According to the 2023 Economic Impact Study of the Maryland Horse Industry (a ‘breakout study’ from the American Horse Council National Study, January 31, 2024), the equine industry contributes $2.9 billion to the state’s economy and has a total employment impact of 28,438 jobs, and horse industry wages total more than $1.24 billion. The economic impact figures, land Maryland and as one of the breakout states in the American Horse Council’s report, and reinforces the importance of the Maryland equine industry as a significant contributor to the overall economy of the state.

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The Thoroughbred remains the largest segment of Maryland’s horse industry. There are more than 37,000 Thoroughbreds in the state that produce a total economic impact of $664 million and support over 8,000 jobs. These range from horse breeders, trainers and backstretch workers to jobs affiliated with industries like hay farmers and veterinarians, and all of them represent a strong and growing economic development success story.

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“The horse industry is a vital part of Maryland’s economy and Maryland’s landscape,” commented Cricket Goodall, executive director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. “Horses provide both job opportunities and the environmentally beneficial green space that are essential to Maryland’s productive future. We are proud that Maryland has more horses per square mile than any other state in the country.”

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In 2003, the Thoroughbred was recognized as the State Horse of Maryland.

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The Maryland Thoroughbred Partnership is committed to helping grow, educate, unify and promote the Thoroughbred industry in Maryland.