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What is the Economic Impact of the Horse Industry in Florida?
As part of the updated National Economic Impact Study of the Horse Industry in the U.S. initiated by the American Horse Council, state-specific impact data and additional estimates were generated for a number of “break-out” states. Florida was one of the states included in this state-specific survey, which was released in June 2005. Funding for the state survey was provided by the Florida Thoroughbred industry including the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Produces a total economic impact valued at $5.1 billion with an activity distribution as follows:
• $2.2 billion from Racing
• $1.4 billion from Showing
• $1.1 billion from Recreation
• $490 million from Other activities

Generates a direct economic impact of $3.0 billion, with an activity distribution as follows:
• $1.3 billion from Racing
• $815 million from Showing
• $635 million from Recreation
• $300 million from Other activities

Generates an estimated $100 million in annual taxes
(of which 50% is paid to state government and 50% to local government)

Generates approximately 38,300 direct jobs and 104,700 total jobs:
• 22,000 direct jobs and 51,700 total jobs generated by Racing
• 9,700 direct jobs and 27,300 total jobs generated by Showing
• 4,000 direct jobs and 17,300 total jobs generated by Recreation
• 2,600 direct jobs and 8,400 total jobs generated by the Other activity segment Has about 500,100 horses
• 134,400 in Racing
• 158,600 in Showing
• 160,700 in Recreation
• 46,400 in Other primary activities

Involves approximately 440,000 Florida residents, including
• 105,600 horse owners
• 7,100 service providers
• 49,300 employees
• 285,100 volunteers


HIPPA Legislation for Recreational Riders Introduced in House
June 21, 2005

 The American Horse Council just reported that on June 8, Representatives Michael C. Burgess (R-TX), Ted Strickland (D-OH), and Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act" (H.R. 2793). This bill would bar employers from discriminating against those who take part in legal recreational activities such as horseback riding, motorcycling, ATV riding and snowmobiling in the health-insurance programs they offer their workers.


Specifically, the bill provides that:
a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan, may not deny benefits otherwise provided under the plan or coverage for the treatment of an injury solely because such injury was sustained while engaged in any particular mode of transportation specified in the plan consisting of the use of a motorcycle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or other similar recreational vehicle or horseback riding.


In introducing the bill, Rep. Strickland stated, "It's shameful to allow employers to discriminate against individuals who take part in perfectly legal modes of transportation, hobbies or activities. Currently, a person injured while drinking and driving would be covered by their health insurance, but an individual who falls from a motorcycle may not. It just makes no sense."

Senate Legislation
Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Russ Feingold (D-WI) have already introduced similar legislation (S. 577) in the Senate.
"What many people don't know until it's too late, is that currently employer’s health insurance providers are legally permitted to deny benefits for injuries sustained while participating in certain recreational or transportation activities such as motorcycling, snowmobiling, skiing, and horseback riding," said Senator Collins. "This policy is unfair, and I am working with my colleagues to change it."
The American Horse Council continues to work with a coalition of other recreational groups to ensure the passage of this legislation.

Contact your Representative, let them know you support this bill. To use our form letter, click here.