New research by the Alberta Equestrian Federation shows significant contribution by equine community
A 2021 study conducted by the Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) found the diverse mix of equine ownership and activities in our province had a significant financial impact on Alberta’s economy. In terms of gross domestic product, Alberta’s equine community contributed nearly $1.4 billion.
The study also found the equine community and equine industry had a notable impact on employment. After accounting for all horse keeping expenditures, the total number of jobs contributed by the equine industry came in at over 20,300 FTEs.
When it came to total number of horses, donkeys and mules, the 2021 study showed Alberta was home to just over 142,000 equines kept on over 25,000 properties.
“The AEF has sought for years to better understand the province’s equine community and its contribution to the economy,” says Jason Edworthy, President-Elect for AEF. “These findings will be used to not only improve programming investments, but also set a benchmark to measure growth and future trends.”
“With this kind of information, AEF can continue to create opportunities for growth in our equine community, and to keep our community strong,” says Edworthy.
For more information and to access the study, visit www.albertaequestrian.com.
