The economic benefits of horses to communities

Paradise Trails will attract horse enthusiasts and businesses from outside the community, which in turn will support the local economy and businesses. The British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture states BC’s horse industry typically generates $77 million in direct provincial and federal tax revenue, which generates roughly $771 million in economic activity to the province.

Horses benefits communities in many ways:

• Horse related spending includes horse boarding, veterinary, farrier, feed, training fees, riding lessons, insurance, grooming and health
• Equestrian economic generating activities include trail riding, equestrian events, training, breeding, racing, farming and ranching
• Equestrian related assets include land, infrastructures, tractors, trailers, riding equipment and riding clothing
• Horse related income includes trail riding, horse rental, training, boarding, feed sales, manure sales, breeding fees, leasing animals and tourism opportunities such as Bed’n’Bales
• Equestrian communities provide educational opportunities; build community through local associations; support land preservation and sustainability; and make available agricultural infrastructure support
• Horse related jobs include hay and oat farmers, veterinarians, farriers, stable managers, horse trainers and clinicians, riding teachers, and others