NORWICH – Even while several local agricultural industries deal with ongoing challenges, new studies indicate that the equine industry – including racing, recreational horse ownership and horse showing – has had a growing beneficial impact on the economy in recent years.

According to survey results from the New York State Equine Industry Economic Impact Study, the horse industry has become a $4.2 billion per year industry in New York, employing approximately 33,000 full-time jobs statewide in the areas of horse breeding, boarding and the state’s growing horse racing business. The horse racing industry alone yields 80 full-time jobs per 100 horses, and brings in more than $187 million in state and local taxes, the study reports. In addition, the recreational equine industry produces more than 15,000 total direct and indirect jobs in the state, with an economic impact nearing $2.1 billion annually.