An estimated three quarters of the horses kept at home have pasture that is owned or leased by the household. About one third of the households with horses at home had existing barns or structures for their horses at the time they purchased the property. An Economic Profile of Vermont's Recreational Horse Industry, University of Vermont, 1987. This does not include revenue generated from horse shows held in the state. Much of the materials and services used in the equine industry are purchased locally, such as feed, tack, veterinary and farrier services, building materials, boarding services, trucking, and other related goods and services.
Horse shows generate a substantial amount of income to the state.
Unfortunately, the exact amount is difficult to measure. Like many other agricultural industries, the horse industry strengthens local economies by providing jobs in farm supply businesses. Hundreds of horse shows and competitive events are held in Vermont each year, attracting competitors from throughout the Northeast. Several summer camps also emphasize horse and rider training for recreation. An Economic Profile of Vermont's Recreational Horse Industry, University of Vermont, 1987.