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Horses Contribute $360 Million to Delaware Economy

DELAWARE – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Governor Ruth Ann Minner Thursday released a study quantifying, for the first time, the impact of the equine industry on Delaware, an impact that is estimated at $360 million a year.

The study concludes that there are 13,000 equine animals in Delaware, mostly horses but also including ponies, donkeys, mules and burros. About 2,200 people are employed by and 27,000 acres of land are devoted to the equine industry.

"Horses are a part of Delaware's heritage. The historic horseback ride of Caesar Rodney is a highlight of our history and is on the Delaware quarter," Gov. Minner said. "It's not just the racetracks and casinos, it's the horses and the people who own the horses and the amount of money that's put into our state's economy each year by those horse owners. This study documents the high level of importance to Delaware's economy with a $360 million total annual impact. And with that, we can now say that agriculture has more than a one billion dollar impact on the state's economy."

"Horses and other equine provide recreation to many thousands of Delawareans through pleasure riding, shows and competitions, racing events, pony rides and other activities," said Secretary Michael Scuse. "As I have mentioned many times before, my family's quality of life has been greatly enhanced by raising and showing horses through the years. We and many other Delawareans have made horses a family affair."

Study highlights:

-There are over 45 breeds of equine in Delaware's 13,000 total equine population

- With an average of over 4,000 equine per county, Delaware ranks third nationally in the number of equine per county behind Arizona and Nevada.

- There are 2,200 people employed directly by equine operations and trainers and thousands of others self- employed as trainers, veterinarians, farriers, grooms, jockeys, drivers and other equine-related occupations.

- The 27,000 acres used for equine-related purposes in Delaware significantly contributes to the preservation of open space.

- There have been 450 new places with equine established in Delaware over the past four years with over 5,700 corresponding acres converted to equine-related use.

- Delaware's show, competition, and training facilities at Harrington Raceway are considered by many to be the best on the east coast. Non-racing equine owners from out of state spent $5.8 million in Delaware during 2003.

The racing purse and stake payments paid out during the 2003 racing season totaled $72.6 million and help attract business from out-of-state racing owners and trainers who expended over $47 million in Delaware in 2003.

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