US Equine Healthcare Market 2025 – 2034

Reports Description

As per the US Equine Healthcare Market analysis conducted by the CMI team, the US equine healthcare market is expected to record a CAGR of 7.23% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size was USD 926.81 Million. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 1733.75 Million.

Overview

Equine healthcare is inventive, with various advancements in diagnostic imaging, wearable monitoring technology, and regenerative medicine contributing toward better care. Nutraceuticals, genetic testing, and precision nutrition are turning out to be more popular as they allow for early diagnosis of illness followed by better performance. In June 2024, Sleip entered into partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim (BI). The latter chose employing the former’s AI-enhanced equine gait analysis tools for numerous musculoskeletal issues.

The rising focus on R&D activities is one more driver to the US equine healthcare market. R&D activities are likely to result in the deployment of novel treatments, diagnostic equipment, and therapies for the wellbeing of horses. With such advancements becoming more accessible, veterinarians and horse owners are showing a greater inclination toward pursuing them, thereby resulting in a rising demand for equine healthcare services in the US.

Key Trends & Drivers

• Growing Awareness of Equine Welfare

With rising interest of the public in animal welfare and rights, the horse owners are turning out to be more conscious of their care practices’ ethical implications. This awareness is, in turn, compelling the owners to look out for better healthcare options inclusive of preventive measures and veterinary check-ups. Research states that close to 70% of the horse owners prioritize horse welfare, which is likely to translate to high class veterinary services. Also, advancements with respect to equine pharmaceuticals are playing an important role in designing the equine healthcare market. Analysts state that the pharmaceutical segment pertaining to the US equine healthcare market is likely to witness a CAGR of ~5.3% during the forecast period.

• Integration of Telemedicine in Equine Care

Integrating telemedicine in equine care is being looked upon as one of the transformative factors in the US equine healthcare market. This approach does let veterinarians make remote consultations available, which could be advantageous for the horse owners in hamlets or the ones having limited access to the veterinary services. Telemedicine is also capable of facilitating timely interventions as well as follow-ups, thereby enhancing health outcomes for the horses. Research states that usage of telemedicine in veterinary practices has increased by more than 30% in the last year, and the status quo is expected to remain unchanged in the future as well.

What’s trending in the US Equine Healthcare Market?

The US equine healthcare market is witnessing a noticeable growth, basically driven by rising awareness of equine advancements and welfare. The owners are also turning out to be proactive in seeking preventive care, which is inclusive of vaccinations, regular check-ups, and nutritional support. Plus, integrating technology with veterinary practices like digital health records and telemedicine does appear to improve efficiency and accessibility of equine healthcare services in the US Also, increasing demand for advanced surgical procedures is driving the market. The market is also witnessing an increasing interest in equine nutraceuticals and supplements, as the owners are looking forward to improving the horses’ overall wellbeing.

What would be Business Impact of the US tariffs on the US Equine Healthcare Market?

Tariffs on the imported medical devices, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and various other supplies do increase cost of the goods for the US equine healthcare market players. In other words, veterinary clinics, particularly the smaller ones, may be asked to choose between absorbing the raised costs and increasing prices for the consumers, which is likely to restrict profit margins. Also, the US tariffs could cause delays, shortages, and instability in supplying critical items such as surgical equipment, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. For large livestock, tariffs on vaccines, feed additives, and breeding equipment could drive up the manufacturing costs, thereby adversely affecting the US equine healthcare market.

Key Threats

Advanced procedures like laser therapy, stem cell therapy, and MRIs are pretty expensive. It has been observed that even surgeries, routine care, and specialized treatments could prove to be a substantial monetary burden for the horse owners. Also, equine health insurance is not as broadly available as human health insurance, which, in turn, forces the owners to shell money out of their pockets. These high costs could also result in compromises related to care (premature retirements of performance horses), which could affect breeding programs.

Opportunities

As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is amongst the severe arboviral encephalitis diseases occurring in the US It further states that the highest number is observed in New Jersey, Wisconsin, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida. It also says that the fatality rate is estimated to be close to 30%, with around 50% of survivors witnessing neurological complications in the long run. The US is witnessing a visible expansion of infrastructure along with rising investments on the part of pharmaceutical companies in the proprietary equine drugs in the wake of the above-mentioned ailments. These factors are expected to catalyse the US equine healthcare market during the forecast period.

Category Wise Insights

By Product

• Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceuticals segment dominated the US equine healthcare market in 2024 with ~26% of the overall share. This is credited to higher demand for therapeutic, preventive, and specialty medications for the horses. Rising incidences of equine diseases, growing awareness amongst the owners of horses, and increased adoption of the vet-prescribed medications do contribute to strong market growth. The products are inclusive of anti-inflammatories, anti-infectives, analgesics, and vaccines that enhance animal performance and health.

• Vaccines

Vaccination is amongst the most efficient methods in order to prevent the spread of contagious as well as fatal infectious diseases in horses. Vaccines, in fact, help in maintaining a stable population of the horses along with a visible reduction of economic losses for breeders, owners, and the broader equestrian industry. Also, the government bodies, along with the major equine associations like the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), render support as well as standardize the vaccination-related protocols.

• Medicinal Feed Additives

There is a raised awareness amongst the owners of horses regarding preventive care for improving their overall health. Feed additives such as minerals, vitamins, and probiotics, which form the epicenter of such strategies, thereby aiding in the prevention of diseases and reducing the risk of laminitis and colic. It has been reported that organic acids, prebiotics, and probiotics help in the promotion of a balanced gut microbiome, improve digestion, and avert diarrhea. The supplements that target prevention of joint disorders are a sizable market segment owing to the higher health impact of orthopedic injuries in performance animals like horses.

• Orthobiologics

Orthobiologics do offer an alternative to conventional surgery by using the natural healing processes of the body, which does reduce the requirement of prolonged hospital stays and extensive procedures. Also, therapies such as stem cells, PRP, and the other regenerative products are broadly adopted for repairing ligaments, tendons, and joint damage, thereby reducing the risk of re-injuries.

• Diagnostics

High class diagnostics facilitate personalized treatment plans for a wide range of ailments such as lameness, genetic abnormalities, and infectious diseases. For instance – various advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans are capable of providing the detailed evaluation of areas previously inaccessible, thereby resulting in enhanced outcomes. Also, the ability of precisely diagnosing and monitoring the health of a horse using advanced diagnostics does raise the confidence of the horse owner in modern-day veterinary treatment, thereby encouraging them to invest in healthcare services.

• Software & Services

The software & services segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is owing to increased usage of the digital solutions in order to manage equine health. Telemedicine systems, advanced veterinary software, and data analytics technologies do offer disease tracking, monitoring, and predictive care in real time, thereby improving the overall operational effectiveness and welfare of the horses. Also, integration of IoT devices, rising demand for cloud-based solutions for improving performance and treatment, and rising awareness of precision care are likely to accelerate segmental growth potential during the forecast period.

By Indication

• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Lameness resulting from musculoskeletal disorders is a common diagnosis pertaining to equine veterinary practice and also the primary attribute of retirement in athletic horses. This high burden of disease does ascertain a significant and steady demand for various effective treatment options. Also, therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell treatments, and autologous conditioned serum (ACS) are broadly used due to their potential for regenerating tissue and reducing the risk of re-injuries.

• Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections hold the largest market share due to horses battling parasites internally as well as externally. There is a continuous requirement of efficient parasiticides as tapeworms, strongyles, and ticks could result in serious health ailments like weight loss, anemia, and colic. Combination therapy, long-acting medications, and advanced formulations are used frequently for improving efficacy and convenience.

• Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)

The Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR in the US equine healthcare market during the forecast period. This is due to the higher prevalence of EHV amongst the types of horses. As such, there is a need for proper therapeutic and diagnostic care of the horses, thereby driving the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

• Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)

The requirement of serological testing for determining EAV antibody is vital for prevention of disease, particularly in breeding and trade contexts. The use and development of advanced diagnostic tools such as EDTA blood tests and PCR nasal swabs for earlier detection does contribute to market growth. Vaccines like ARVAC from Zoetis are available at the commercial scale as one of the key preventative measures, especially for non-pregnant mares and stallions.

• Equine Influenza

High morbidity on the part of equine influenza, along with the need for booster vaccinations on a regular basis for combating antigenic drift in the virus, does drive the demand for vaccines. The initiatives by the governments for participation in the equestrian events do mandate vaccination, thereby driving the growth of the market. Managing equine influenza outbreaks does increase demand for specialized vet services such as quarantine protocols and isolation and also encourages adopting digital health solutions such as telemedicine for consultation and monitoring.

• West Nile Virus

The potentially dreadful neurological disease caused by West Nile Virus (WNV) in the horses (with symptomatic horses’ mortality rates ranging from 22 to 36%) has raised awareness amongst the horse owners regarding the vitality of preventive healthcare. The WNV vaccine segment is a fast-growing segment of the equine healthcare market in the US due to the continuous threat of disease and the available vaccines’ proven efficacy. The market has also seen licensure of multiple types of vaccines, such as recombinant canarypox, killed virus, and chimera vaccines, thereby sustaining the market activity.

• Tetanus

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) does recommend tetanus toxoid as one of the core vaccines for all the horses owing to the higher susceptibility of the species coupled with the ubiquitous presence of Clostridium tetani in the soil. This professional, consistent recommendation does drive yearly, regular veterinary visits and purchases of vaccines, thereby significantly contributing to the stability of the market followed by growth in the vaccine segment. The potential for horses to contract tetanus from minor wounds does necessitate usage of diagnostic tools, tetanus antitoxin, and antibiotics.

By Activity

• Sports/Racing

The sports/racing segment accounts for the largest revenue share and the scenario is expected to persist during the forecast period. This is credited to the higher economic value involved in the care of performance animals. The horses are used in racing, polo, show jumping, and the other competitive sports activities that need veterinary care like nutritional supplements, immunizations, and injury treatment. The owners as well as trainers are making sizable investments in treatments, diagnostics, and monitoring systems for preserving top performance.

• Recreation

Recreation is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to the rising popularity of equestrian tourism, trail riding, and leisure riding. Also, recreational horses, even though not used in high-intensity sports, still need deworming, vaccinations, routine veterinary care, and preventive health management for maintaining wellbeing. Plus, the rise in the number of riding schools, therapeutic riding programs, and equestrian clubs is a contribution to the expansion of the market.

By Distribution Channel

• Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics

Veterinary hospitals and clinics held the largest market share in the year 2024, and the status quo is expected to remain unchanged during the forecast period. This is due to the growing demand for specialized equine healthcare services. Such facilities do address the healthcare services for racing, sports, and recreational horses with 100% care, including surgical procedures, diagnostics, emergency services, and preventive treatments.

• e-Commerce

The e-commerce segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This increase comes from rising preference for online platforms amongst equine professionals and horse owners for ease of use and faster care. The digital platforms make provisions for various goods at reasonable costs, such as dietary supplements, medications, and doorstep delivery services, which are accelerating the growth of this segment.

• Equestrian Facilities

The presence of high-value horses in the equestrian facilities, especially the ones involved in racing and sports, does increase demand for specialized and comprehensive healthcare services. This is inclusive of advanced diagnostics, routine check-ups, and regenerative therapies for various performance-related ailments. The modern-day equestrian facilities usually partner or integrate with advanced veterinary clinics and hospitals that are home to ultrasound equipment, digital X-ray equipment, and CT scanners.

Historical Context

Growing awareness amongst the pet owners regarding the vitality of preventive healthcare is the other factor positively influencing the US equine healthcare market. The trainers and owners are extensively using dietary supplements and routine veterinary examinations for preserving performance and providing longevity. Also, it has been established that the general health of horses could be improved, and treatment prices could be lessened by opting for preventive measures such as dental care, early disease diagnosis, and parasite control.

The ongoing developments regarding veterinary diagnostic technologies and medicine do drive the healthcare sector. The innovations slated to improve diagnosis, treatment, and management of equine ailments include regenerative medicines, molecular diagnostics, portable imaging devices, and advanced surgical procedures. They address conditions such as respiratory issues, lameness, and genetic abnormalities as well. Genomic testing and precision medicine methods are also being deployed.

How is AI impacting the US Equine Healthcare Market?

AI is getting integrated into various diagnostic equipment such as laboratory analyzers and imaging systems so as to provide more accurate and quicker results. The AI algorithms do analyze CT scans, X-rays, and the other images for detecting organ enlargement or fractures that are likely to be missed by the human eye. The players, such as Vetology and SignalPET, provide AI-powered platforms to release radiology-related reports faster. The Vetscan Imagyst platform by Zoetis makes use of AI for screening cytology samples (from skin masses) for cancerous cells within merely a few minutes. The remote monitoring systems and wearable devices utilize AI for tracking vital signs (respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature) and the other activities in real time. The AI algorithms do process the data for identifying patterns that indicate potential health ailments such as early signs of chronic or colic conditions such as laminitis, thereby facilitating preventive intervention.

Report Scope

Leading Players

The US equine healthcare market is highly competitive, with a large number of service providers globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Arthrex Inc.
• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
• Zoetis Services LLC
• Dechra
• Ceva Santé Animale
• Heska Corporation
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Esaote SPA
• IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
• Covetrus
• Elanco
• Cargill
• Others

These firms apply a plethora of strategies to enter the market, including innovations and mergers and acquisitions, as well as collaboration. The US equine healthcare market is shaped by the presence of diversified players that compete based on product innovation, vertical integration, and cost efficiency.

The US Equine Healthcare Market is segmented as follows:

By Product

• Pharmaceuticals
  • Parasiticides
  • Anti-infectives
  • Anti-inflammatory & Analgesics
• Vaccines
• Medicinal Feed Additives
• Orthobiologics
• Diagnostics
  • Diagnostic Test Kits
  • Diagnostics Equipment
• Software & Services
  • Practice Management Software
  • Imaging Software
  • Telehealth Software

By Indication

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Parasitic Infections
• Equine Herpes Virus
• Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
• Equine Influenza
• West Nile Virus
• Tetanus

By Activity

• Sports/Racing
• Recreation

By Distribution Channel

• Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics
• e-Commerce
• Equestrian Facilities