It's official Bendigo has a passion for horses
BHRC Training Centre at Lords Raceway produces
tomorrow's industry employees
The amount of economic value the equine industry contributes locally is extraordinary. Just a couple of years ago the City of Greater Bendigo, in conjunction with the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research in Melbourne, produced a report titled the Economic Impact and Review of the Equine Industry in the City of Greater Bendigo.
The report explains the trends in the industry and some surprising figures. Research showed its contribution to Bendigo's gross regional product is in excess of $52 million with more than 620 Bendigo residents employed in the equine industry. In simple terms that means the equine industry generates 1.5 per cent of overall employment and economic activity within the Greater City of Bendigo.
The structure of the equine industry supply chains are complex as the industry is made up of a mix of highly professional and well funded operations through to lifestyle and amateur type associations. These supply chains are very diverse and encompass horse breeders, retailers, feed and supplement suppliers, trainers, riders and drivers, stablehands, service providers such as farriers, vets, transporters, dentists, educators, racing media (including racing's own televsion, radio, newspapers and magazines), product manufacturers, stakeholders, clubs, associations, breed specific and horse welfare groups. Each of these sectors is interlinked in that in most areas they supply services and products to both racing and pleasure horse market, or are the end users of these products and services. One of the encouraging finds from the research was the equine industry's ability to attract families and individuals with an interest in horses or horse related businesses to the Bendigo region. The existence of the strengthening equine industry cluster including its substantial thoroughbred and standardbred (harness racing) base and the availability of horse friendly lifestyle propertiesclose to the city are all factors in bringing people to the Greater City of Bendigo. With horse ownership being a relatively expensive pursuit, the study showed that these higher income households also bring wealth and skills to the region which translate to local spending and higher employment.
The report explains the trends in the industry and some surprising figures. Research showed its contribution to Bendigo's gross regional product is in excess of $52 million with more than 620 Bendigo residents employed in the equine industry. In simple terms that means the equine industry generates 1.5 per cent of overall employment and economic activity within the Greater City of Bendigo.
The structure of the equine industry supply chains are complex as the industry is made up of a mix of highly professional and well funded operations through to lifestyle and amateur type associations. These supply chains are very diverse and encompass horse breeders, retailers, feed and supplement suppliers, trainers, riders and drivers, stablehands, service providers such as farriers, vets, transporters, dentists, educators, racing media (including racing's own televsion, radio, newspapers and magazines), product manufacturers, stakeholders, clubs, associations, breed specific and horse welfare groups. Each of these sectors is interlinked in that in most areas they supply services and products to both racing and pleasure horse market, or are the end users of these products and services. One of the encouraging finds from the research was the equine industry's ability to attract families and individuals with an interest in horses or horse related businesses to the Bendigo region. The existence of the strengthening equine industry cluster including its substantial thoroughbred and standardbred (harness racing) base and the availability of horse friendly lifestyle propertiesclose to the city are all factors in bringing people to the Greater City of Bendigo. With horse ownership being a relatively expensive pursuit, the study showed that these higher income households also bring wealth and skills to the region which translate to local spending and higher employment.
" The Equine Industry generates 1.5 per cent of overall employment and economic activity within the City of Greater Bendigo" |
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The Australian horse industry contributes a staggering $6.2 billion to the economy annually
As a comparison that is more than our annual grain and seafood exports combined. Australia's racehorse industry alone is bigger than those of France, England and Ireland put together.
The Australian Horse Industry Council defines the structure of the industry as follows:
The Australian Horse Industry Council defines the structure of the industry as follows:
- Thoroughbred Racing
- Education
- Standardbred (Harness) Racing
- Breed Societies
- Equestrian Recreation
- Riding For The Disabled
- Administration
- Tourism
- Support Services
- Retail
- Research & Development
