Ontario’s horse racing industry appears to have been spared tariffs on both sides of the border. That means, for now, horses crossing between Canada and the United States will do so tariff free.
Though, it is important to note that given the unpredictability of the U.S. administration, this could all change quickly. So, stay informed before crossing. Ontario Racing maintains a tariffs information page.
Ontario’s horse racing industry had been fearful that tariffs would decimate a sector that supports some 23,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Ontario is home to about 10,000 horses connected to the horse racing industry.
Both official information from the White House and the personal experiences of Ontario horsepeople confirm that tariffs are not being applied to horses crossing in either direction. The horsepeople Ontario Racing spoke to said they had no issues crossing the border with horses this week.
The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) of Ontario has reported: “We are pleased to report exceptional news for Canada and Mexico. Both countries will be exempt from most tariffs, and the existing United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will remain intact. This means that, for the horse racing industry, thoroughbred horses classified under: Code 0101.21.00 (Pure-bred breeding animals) [and] Code 0101.29.00.20 (Other horses for racing) will continue to travel duty-free between the U.S. and Canada, maintaining the same privileges as before.”
Standardbred Canada reported the same.
The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society’s (CTHS) Ontario division reported: “This is exceptional news for our community. The continuation of duty-free transport recognizes the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between Canadian and American thoroughbred breeding and racing operations. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the many industry members, organizations, and government officials in both countries who voiced the importance of this issue. Your dedication and collaboration were instrumental in protecting the interests of our cross-border industry. We also express our deep appreciation to U.S. businesses and officials who engaged with our concerns and understood the economic and cultural significance of our thoroughbred trade.”
The CTHS also provided some important advice: Continue to carry appropriate documentation when transporting horses, including proof of foaling location (USA or Canada).
In a story in BloodHorse, Eric Mitchell quoted Ontario Thoroughbred breeder Sherry McLean of Northern Dawn Farm as saying: "We haven't had a chance to look at the details, but I'm extremely thankful at the moment. I'm relieved. I am glad your representatives in Kentucky have said something. We are a major contributor to many of the farms down there."
Mitchell also quoted Fasig-Tipton president and CEO Boyd Browning, Jr. as saying: "This is very good news, and we appreciate the efforts of all parties to continue the mutually beneficial relationship between American and Canadian Thoroughbred interests.”
Ontario Racing will continue to follow this story.
(Dave Landry photo)
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