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Equine industry: Millions riding on horses

Committees are being formed at several levels to keep Langley the self-proclaimed Horse Capital of B.C. and increase its presence throughout the world.

by Erin McKay - emckay@langleyadvance.com

The horse industry in Langley is thriving.

It is a multi-million dollar business that sends economic ripples into the surrounding community as horse lovers in the self-proclaimed Horse Capital of B.C. spend money on their hobby or business.

But to keep those dollars coming in, and to bring Langley's equine industry the world-wide attention it deserves, two things must happen.

Solid numbers and data must be accumulated, and top-notch marketing put in place locally and internationally, according to horse industry expert David Esworthy.

"We recognize it is big - big enough that if we increase it ten per cent, we're adding $15 million," Esworthy said of Langley's horse business.

He should know. An international show jumping judge, Esworthy is a member of the Horse Council of B.C. and past president of the Canadian Equestrian Federation. He is also chairman of the newly formed Horse Industry Committee of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the group is to determine and develop the economic impact of the community's horse business.

"We need to promote it as a Langley attraction, both to the public who will come out and be the audience for the competition, and we need to promote it to North American competitors, if not the world," said Esworthy.

"One of the things the Committee will be looking at is quantifying the economic impact," he said.

Estimates put the amount of money coming into Langley from the equine industry at $125 million to $175 million, based on the cost of owning, buying, and keeping horses. As well, money is spent on hotels, restaurants and shops when competitors and fans come to Langley for shows.

Horses are a significant attraction that account for part of Langley's tourism industry, but hard facts are needed. The Chamber Committee is recommending that a comprehensive survey of the industry be taken.

"Those numbers would help us know to what extent the impact on the community is," said Esworthy, who notes that a lot of money is also spent on horses that are not for show or racing, but are simply companion animals. Trail rides, the veterinary trade, and the breeding business all contribute to the economy as well.

Once the numbers are determined, recommendations will be made to increase the equine business's economic impact, an improvement the Committee believes will be felt throughout the community.

"It's all contributing, it's all bringing people to Langley," Esworthy said.

As well, the Greater Langley Chamber's Horse Industry Committee will try to have some influence with various levels of government, and with the provincial and national Chambers of Commerce.

"What we have to be is vigilant about legislation that can unreasonably limit the scope of the horse industry," said Esworthy. "We have to make sure if there is any political move in that direction, we have to be ready with facts and figures to counter it."

"We have to take initiatives for the industry to whatever level of government may enhance the industry," he added.

Another organization that is in its formative stages is a group of breeders, many of whom are from Langley, who are trying to organize a showcase of B.C. horses to attract buyers from around the world.

"We are looking at the fact that people go to Germany and Ireland, but we say we have equally good stock," Esworthy said. "To be successful, it will have to be an exercise in marketing, and be done on a world class, first class basis."