The Michigan equine industry, including all horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, is worth more than $1 billion to Michigan's economy every year. 

See the economic impact of the Michigan equine industry here. 

See inventory numbers, location, breeds, owners, workers, assets, income, wages, housing type, bedding, riding locations and transportation here.

The highlights:

Equine Economics and Employment in Michigan

• In 2006, Michigan equine owners and barn managers
  • generated $150 million in income.
  • spent nearly $60 million on grain and feed supplements and another $44 million on hay.
  • spent nearly $44 million on capital improvements.
  • paid $40 million in property taxes.
• The value of equine assets, including barns, equipment and supplies, is nearly $8 billion.
• Most equine-related labor — work done by 79,000 operators, partners and family members — was unpaid.
• Equine operators spent $25 million on wages and benefits for 4,300 hired workers in 2006.
• A large number of workers — including veterinarians, farriers, tack store operators, trainers and jockeys — are supported by the equine industry but not employed directly by equine operations.
• Not counting wages and salaries to hired workers, operators and owners paid $805 million in equine-related expenses in 2006. These included costs for feed, fuel, health care, transportation, equipment, tack, boarding, bedding, breeding, show and race entry fees and taxes.

Population and Location of Equines in Michigan

• There were 35,000 equine operations in 2007, most located on places with fewer than 10 equine animals.
• Michigan’s equine population was 155,000 in 2007, up from 133,000 animals in 1996.
• Equine animals are more geographically dispersed than other livestock, located in significant numbers in almost every county.
• The greatest numbers of equines are in Oakland, Washtenaw and Livingston counties, in that order.
• There are 440,000 acres devoted to equine operations across Michigan.
  • 345,000 acres are zoned for agricultural use.
  • 60,000 acres are zoned residential.

Use of Equines in Michigan

• More than a third (37 percent) of Michigan’s equines are used for recreation/pleasure.
• More women than men participate in equine activities; 45 percent of all are participants are adults between 19 and 49.

Equine Breeds in Michigan

• Four breeds made up more half the total number of animals. The most popular breeds, in order, are
  • American Quarter Horse.
  • American Paint.
  • Arabian.
  • Standardbred.