AEF releases study showing economic impact of Alberta’s equine community

A 2021 study conducted by the Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) says it found the diverse mix of equine ownership and activities in the 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, say AEF officials.

They further point out, 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 is said to have come 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.