David Anderson, president of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, is preparing for the worst as the U.S. considers imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, which would be catastrophic for Canada’s horse-racing industry. The tariffs would impact the travel of thoroughbreds across the border and the breeding season, affecting all breeds of horses in Canada.

The tariffs would result in significant financial losses for Canadian breeders, with last year’s figures estimating a potential loss of roughly C$4.5 million. The threat of tariffs has forced Anderson to change how he conducts his horse-racing business in the U.S., including sending all of his yearlings to Kentucky before April 2 to avoid the tariffs.

The uncertainty surrounding the tariffs has left Canadian horse industry professionals facing tough decisions, with the possibility of relocating to the U.S. or seeking business opportunities in Europe, Japan, and Australia. Anderson emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in the horse industry and acknowledges that while going more international may be more expensive, it would be a better alternative than paying the proposed 25 per cent levy.