The Ontario Equestrian Federation is the most recent organization to throw its support behind the provincial horse-racing industry in light of the unmitigated attack by the Ontario Liberal party
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The OEF represents a diverse membership base, including people of all ages, disciplines and interests. It represents over 20,000 individual members, 40 equine breed and discipline associations, 150 companies and 125 horse facilities.
For complete information regarding the Drummond Report, and the Ontario Liberals' current attack on the province's economically-successful slots-at-racetracks program, click here.
An excerpt from the OEF announcement regarding its support for the Ontario horse-racing industry appears below. It states that any negative impact brought to the Ontario horse-racing industry would have a detrimental effect province-wide.
The trickle down effect of any negative impact to the racing community is potentially incalculable. The racing industry cites a contribution of over $2 billion to Ontario’s economy each year through wages and salaries including those of veterinarians, farriers, farmers, bedding suppliers, feed mills, stable suppliers and tack suppliers. However, there are many whose income is not attributed to this estimate. Local businesses such as local restaurants, gas bars, barn builders, and trailer manufacturers will also experience an immense financial shock, not to mention the hit that the automotive sector will experience. Numerous university programs, including extensive and expensive equine research, benefiting and improving the health of horses throughout the world, are conducted using funds provided by racing organizations.
For more on OEF's support for the Ontario horse-racing industry, click here.
