Virginia Equine Alliance

The Virginia-Certified Residency Program generated an estimated economic impact of $86.2 million between 2017 and 2023, according to a study commissioned by the Virginia Equine Alliance. "This is a significant total, especially taking into consideration that the program is still relatively new," said Debbie Easter, president of the Virginia Equine Alliance. "The program didn't begin until 2017, yet already is demonstrating its value." The program requires horses to reside at least six consecutive months at a Virginia farm during his or her first two years to receive a certification as...

The horse racing and breeding industry in Virginia generated an estimated economic impact of $542.1 million in the state in 2019, according to a study commissioned by the Virginia Equine Alliance. "What we're finding is that jobs are coming back, horse racing related expenditures are up, and tax revenue to the state is increasing," said John Hannum, Executive Director of the Virginia Equine Alliance. "These are all very positive signs that the racing industry is moving in the right direction and benefiting the Commonwealth's agribusiness and related businesses. Racing was...