One Voice for Ontario’s Equine Sector.
Campbellville, Ontario — The Ontario Horse Council is a newly formed, not-for-profit organization created to represent the full breadth of Ontario’s horse industry. Bringing together racing, sport, recreation, breeding, training, therapeutic programs, working horses, and the businesses that support them, the Council will provide one credible provincial voice for a sector that is deeply rooted in agriculture and rural life.
The need for a unified voice has never been clearer. The 2025 Ontario Agricultural Equine Economic Impact Study confirms that Ontario’s equine sector contributes an estimated $4.4 billion to provincial GDP annually, generates $8.2 billion in total economic activity, and supports 35,739 full-time equivalent jobs across the province. The study also highlights the sector’s role in training and employing AI resistant skilled labour, utilizing agricultural lands and protecting farmland, and creates numerous opportunities for tourism, events, rural activity rural and a wide range of social, health, and community benefits. Horses are the bridge between urban people and rural folks, and to meet a horse is often the first time someone from a city interacts with a large animal.
Ontario horses are part of a significant agricultural economy, and the Ontario Horse Council will work to ensure that decision-makers understand the scale, diversity, and value of the industry. The Council’s priorities include improving agricultural recognition for equine operations, addressing inconsistent municipal treatment of horse-related businesses, supporting workforce sustainability, and helping more people connect with horses and equine careers.
As the Ontario Horse Council takes shape, input from across the industry is essential. Horse owners, riders, breeders, trainers, facility operators, businesses, volunteers, and supporters are encouraged to complete the industry survey at OntarioHorseCouncil.ca. Feedback will help guide the Council’s early priorities and ensure the organization reflects the needs of Ontario’s diverse horse community.
Please join us and find out more about the OHC at two upcoming events this October. Visitors are invited to stop by, say hello, complete the survey, and enter for a chance to win a $250 Blundstone Boots prize.
Upcoming event dates:
Erin Fall Fair, Equine Tent: Thanksgiving Weekend — October 10, 11 and 12, 2026
Erin Fair information: equineerin@gmail.com 519.833.2808
RAM Rodeo Championship Season Finals, Ancaster Fairgrounds: October 16, 17 and 18, 2026
RAM Rodeo information: rmillar@rmillargroup.com
QR code to OHC survey link
For more information about the Ontario Horse Council, founding support, sponsorship, or membership, please visit OntarioHorseCouncil.ca or connect directly with one of the Council’s directors.
Website: OntarioHorseCouncil.ca
Email: info@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. One Industry, One Voice. One horse.
Source: Ontario Horse Council