The Ontario horse racing industry is at risk due to potential 25 per cent tariffs between the United States and Canada, with breeders fearing the end of the industry that supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions to the province’s GDP. The uncertainty surrounding the application of tariffs and the potential financial impact on breeders is causing significant concern within the industry.

Canadian breeders are facing a devastating financial hit from proposed U.S. tariffs, with concerns about how tariffs will be applied to horses sold in the U.S. Breeders worry that politicians and border officials do not understand the industry’s economics and how to properly value horses, which could have a significant impact on the industry on both sides of the border.

The potential impact of tariffs extends beyond breeders to ancillary businesses supported by the horse racing industry, with concerns about the survival of Canadian farms and the ability to sustain the industry in the face of 25 per cent tariffs. There are also concerns about how tariffs may apply to horses crossing the border to race, which could lead to a decrease in the number of horses in each race and lower purses, impacting the sustainability of the industry.