New provincial organization will bring equine sectors together, advance shared priorities and strengthen the industry’s voice
TORONTO, Ontario, August 2026 – The Ontario Horse Council has officially launched as a new not-for-profit dedicated to uniting Ontario's equine community, across every breed and discipline, and giving the industry a stronger, coordinated voice.
Ontario's equine sector generates $8.2 billion in annual economic activity, contributes $4.4 billion to provincial GDP and supports 36,000 full-time-equivalent jobs, according to the Ontario Agricultural Equine Economic Impact Study, which surveyed more than 1,200 horse owners and 500 equine-related businesses.
"The Economic Impact Study validated the size of the industry, but nobody knows about it because we’re all talking about our own little silo. Break down the silos and speak as an 8.2 billion dollar industry. " said Brian Tropea, a member of the study’s steering committee and one of the individuals involved in establishing the Council.
"The bigger the industry, the healthier it is," said Dr. Mike Pownall, who served on the study’s steering committee and helped initiate the Council. "We all depend on a strong industry to support the services, expertise and infrastructure horse people rely on like feed, farrier and veterinary care."
The Council will complement, rather than replace, existing equine associations — identifying shared concerns, coordinating advocacy and providing a credible provincial voice. Its five initial priorities are:
1. One Voice: Unite Ontario’s equine sectors under one credible provincial voice.
2. Agricultural Recognition: Ensure equine operations qualify for Ontario agricultural programs and policies.
3. Municipal Standardization: Improve consistency in municipal zoning policies affecting equine farms and businesses.
4. Accessibility and Growth: Expand opportunities for youth, newcomers and other communities to become involved with horses.
5. Workforce Sustainability: Address labour shortages through workforce development, education and immigration pathways.
As part of its launch, the Council invites horse owners, riders, coaches, breeders, farmers, businesses and other industry participants to complete a province-wide survey to help identify priorities. Learn more and take the survey at OntarioHorseCouncil.ca.
About the Ontario Horse Council
The Ontario Horse Council is a provincial not-for-profit organization working to unite Ontario's equine sectors, strengthen the industry's collective voice and advance shared priorities, bringing together participants from every breed and discipline — racing, sport, recreation, breeding, agriculture, education, tourism, veterinary medicine and equine-related businesses and services.
Source: Ontario Horse Council