Horse Racing and Veterinary Practices in New Jersey

The New Jersey horse racing industry has declined over the last 5 years as indicated by decreases in the number of racing days, stallions standing, mares bred, and foals registered. These changes were hypothesized to have potential negative consequences for veterinary practices. The objective of the survey was to investigate changes in veterinary practice revenue and staff over a five-year period. Members of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners completed a survey detailing their involvement in the horse racing industry and breeding of racehorses. A response rate of 49% was achieved with 45% of respondents indicating they were involved in the horse racing industry as a veterinarian. Respondents indicated they decreased (44%), did not change (17%), or increased (39%) their number of staff because of changes in the horse racing industry over the past 5 years. In a similar manner, veterinarians reported decreases (48%), no change (22%), or increases (30%) in revenue. Practice revenue from the breeding of racehorses and its associated components either decreased (91%) or did not change (9%) over the past 5 years because of changes in the horse racing industry. Results indicate declines in the horse racing industry had minimal impact on veterinary practices involved in this sector of the industry. Veterinarians and practices involved in racehorse breeding and its associated components, in contrast, were negatively impacted by changes in the horse racing industry. •Veterinarians were minimally impacted by changes in the horse racing industry.•Veterinarians were negatively impacted by changes in racehorse breeding.•Changes in the equine industry present potential implications for other sectors.