Provincial horse breeders in Ontario are concerned that blanket tariffs of 25 per cent in both the U.S. and Canada would have a devastating impact on the horse racing industry in the province. Breeders believe that such tariffs would put them out of business, as they heavily rely on exports and appeal to U.S. buyers to survive. The fear is that the tariffs would end the thoroughbred business in Ontario, which supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to the province’s GDP and tax revenue.

The uncertainty surrounding the application of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, including horses connected to racing, has raised concerns among breeders. The potential impact of tariffs on Canadian yearlings sold at U.S. auctions in 2024 could amount to millions of dollars. Breeders are worried about how horses will be valued at the border and the additional financial burden that tariffs would place on their already struggling industry.

The interconnected nature of the horse racing industry between Canada and the U.S. has made the potential impact of tariffs on breeders and other horsepeople a major concern. Breeders are worried that politicians and border officials do not understand the economics of the industry and how tariffs could cripple their businesses. The application of tariffs on shipped semen, yearlings, and racehorses could have far-reaching consequences for the industry on both sides of the border, leading to decreased betting, lower purses, and a decline in the number of horses in each race.