Why Sponsorship Makes Sense
A Growing Base Creates Growing Buying Power
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the equestrian national governing body, recently completed a survey that reveals the competitive aspect of the sport continues to grow steadily, and also indicates a base with considerable buying power.
Purchases
The study shows the average member has been active in equestrian sport for 22 years, and members spend over $1.4 billion annually on equine–related purchases, not including horses and travel.
Travel
With regard to travel, in 2004 the average member accounted for 30 hotel room nights, 23 domestic trips and two foreign trips, with vehicle rentals included with these trips.
The survey further shows that members buy from sponsors of equestrian events:
- 76% are more likely to buy products and services that sponsor equestrian events
- 85% are more likely to buy from companies that are sponsors
and provide discounts to USEF members - 58% would take advantage of on-site trials on non-horse related products
at equestrian events - 86% would take advantage of equine-related products at the same events
- 22% own two or more homes
- 63% have traded stocks, bonds or mutual funds in the last year
AHC Study: Horse Industry Has Huge Economic Impact
The horse industry in the United States contributes $39 billion in direct economic impact to the U.S. economy and supports 1.4 million jobs on a full-time basis, according to a new study released today by the American Horse Council (AHC). When indirect and induced spending are included, the industry’s economic impact reaches $102 billion. The study also estimates the horse population in this country has reached 9.2 million.
The study reveals:
- An industry that is both large and economically diverse, as well as a key contributor to the overall fabric of the U.S. economy
- Horse owners and industry suppliers, racetracks, and off-track betting operations, horse shows and other industry segments all generate discrete economic activity contributing to the vibrancy of the overall industry
- Of the total economic impacts reported, approximately $32.0 billion is generated from the recreational segment; $28.8 billion from the showing segment and $26.1 billion is generated from the racing segment
“This study paints a portrait of an industry that operates in every corner of the country and contributes mightily to the American economy and culture,” said Jay Hickey, President of the AHC. “Never before has the impact of our industry been so dramatically demonstrated.”
Supporting Our Great American Icon
“Millions of Americans have a personal commitment to the horse industry, from the grassroots to those who compete nationally and internationally,” said David O’Connor, President of the United States Equestrian Federation and an Individual Olympic Gold Medalist.
“Some are kids riding their backyard horse for the sheer joy of it, some support their family working for an equine business, and others are breeders and competitors at the highest levels. Together they contribute billions to the economic health of our country through their shared passion for the great American icon, the horse.”
Key industry statistics and economic indicators reflected in the study include:
- Estimated number of horses in the U.S.:
- 9.2 million
- Estimated number of horses by activity:
- Recreation: 3,906,923
- Showing: 2,718,954
- Racing: 844,531
- Other: 1,752,439
- Estimated number of horses in each of the 50 states:
- Florida (500,000 ) is one of the leading horse states
- 45 of 50 states have at least 20,000 horses
- Number of people participating in the industry,
by form of participation (e.g., owner, volunteer, etc.)
- Owners, 2 million
- Volunteers, 2 million
Direct, indirect and induced economic impacts of the industry on U.S. and individual state economies:
- Contributions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
- Nationally, $102 billion via direct, indirect and induced spending.
- Number of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs produced:
- 1.4 million
Horse Owner Demographics
The study has found that horse ownership appeals to people of all ages. The most horse owners (41%) are between the ages of 45 and 59. The 30-44 age bracket is the next most significant group with 35% of horses. The youngest demographic (18-29) is also coming on strong and owns 16% of all horses in America.
Maryland Horse Industry
“Since the early 1990s the Maryland Department of Agriculture, through its Office of Marketing, Animal Industries and Consumer Services, has been working to increase recognition nationally and internationally, of Maryland’s high-quality horses and equine competitions. The fruits of its labor can be seen in the strong relationships developed with countries around the world…” —Roger L. Richardson, Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture
- Produces a total economic impact valued at approximately $1.6 billion
- Generates a direct economic impact of approximately $1.0 billion
- Generates approximately $72 million in annual taxes
- Involves approximately 65,600 Marylanders
- Generates approximately 10,000 direct jobs
- Includes approximately 153,000 horses
Florida Horse Industry
- The Sunshine State produces horse-related goods and services valued at $3.0 billion
- Approximately 440,000 Floridians are involved in the equine industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers. Even more participate as spectators.
- Many of the elaborate homes and barns in the Wellington/Loxahatchee area are second or third homes to be used only during the season by people attending or competing at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby and other world renowned equestrian events. This group not only has high discretionary income, but are also the key influences within the equine and social worlds throughout the country.
New England Horse Industry
- The New England States and New York are home to numerous nationally and internationally recognized equine events. These include:
- Centerline Events HITS on the Hudson
- The New England Dressage Association’s Fall Festival of Dressage
- The Fidelity Jumper Classic
- The Children of the Americas Dressage Invitational
- Freestyle 2010…Serious Fun
- Equine Affaire
- Many of the top dressage and hunter/jumper riders in the United States have a home base in New England or New York.
