The equine industry is one of the largest industries in Central Kentucky, contributing billions of dollars to Kentucky’s economy each year.
The horse industry contributes $3.5 billion to our state’s economy. This signature industry is responsible for 96,000 jobs in the state, and more than 194,000 Kentuckians are involved in the business as horse owners, employees, and volunteers. $758 million of the $3.5 billion comes from the horse show industry.
Cash receipts from sales of horses and stud fees in Kentucky made equines the second agriculture product in 2009, according to state agriculture commissioner Richie Farmer. 2009 farm gate cash receipts totaled $4.26 billion.
Our signature equine industry stretches far beyond farm-gate receipts, and into a wide-array of Lexington businesses. Over 21,000 local jobs are supported by Agriculture and agritourism—including construction, service, research, veterinary, real estate, law, architecture, farm supplies, etc. This incredibly important, as Lexington is a payroll tax community. Payroll tax constitutes over 80% of our local government revenues. Veterinary payroll alone amounts to an estimated $17 million in LFUCG coffers.
Today, Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World. This title is proudly displayed everywhere, from government stationary to local business slogans.
According to the Lane Report, “We have this honor because world-renowned horse farms, bloodstock companies, veterinary clinics, sales agencies, and racecourses are located here.”
Thirty-Five national and international equine associations are headquartered at the Kentucky Horse Park. Lexington is also home to Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton, the two largest thoroughbred sales facilities in the world. In 2006 and 2007 they collectively had more that $1.1 billion in sales.
Additionally over 200 horse farms are located in Fayette County. With so many equine related businesses choosing Lexington as their home, it is no wonder that the title, “Horse capital of the world,” has become a slogan of local pride.
However, it’s not just about Thoroughbreds. Sport-horses are locating here from all over the world. In fact, there are more Quarter horses in Kentucky than anywhere else in the United States. Learn more about the growing sport-horse industry in our region.
The equine industry has great cultural, natural, and economic significance for Lexington-Fayette County.
The thoroughbred industry, as reflected by the recent Keeneland, Fasig, and Saratoga sales, has stabilized. Projected foal crops will continue to decrease in an effort to “reduce supply” to “increase demand”…And this approach is working, as the average and gross sales prices of horses have increased 20-40% from previous years. Lexington and the state of KY are still the epicenter of an international industry, and breeds, foals, and raises more thoroughbreds than all other states COMBINED.
Additionally, In the fall of 2010, Lexington hosted the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This honor was bestowed on Lexington because the equestrian plays a significant role the Bluegrass Region. More than half a million visitors attended the event bringing the unique beauty of the Bluegrass and its equestrian heritage to an international audience.
For More Information:
“The Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeding Industry and State Programs That Assist the Equine Industry”, Program Review and Investigations Committee, Draft November 10, 2011
“KY QHA-KY Horse Racing Authority”, Lexington Herald Leader, December 3, 2007.
“Strategies for Developing Agricultural Opportunities in the Greater Lexington Area”, Dr. Timothy A Woods, U.K. Department of Agricultural Economics, 2005
The Lexington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
TheHorse.com, 2009
The Jockey Club, 2008
“Not Just a Business Center”, The Lane Report, June 27, 2006.
KY Horse Farm Manager’s Directory, 2004
“Market Review”, The Lane Report, 2007-2008
KEEP, 2007
Alltechfeigames.com






















