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From the remote Cumberland Island to more populous regions, horses can be found all over the state of Georgia. This $350 million industry draws tourists in droves to ride across thousands of acres of State Park Forest, or to try to catch a glimpse of one of the last North American herds of wild horses.

Not only does the equine industry generate millions but it also serves as an important source of employment in Georgia.

What role will horses play in shaping Georgia’s countryside in the 21^st century?

How Horses Shape the Economy

Surveys have shown that horse-related industries are the sixth largest agricultural activity in the state of Georgia. Breeding is actually one of the main revenue drivers in the state, though there are also tourism-related numbers that influence the state’s economy.

There have at times been horse racing tracks in the state as well, though none currently exist.

As we get into the 2025 Triple Crown season, it’s natural to wonder how betting on horse races influences the Georgia economy.

While many peruse the Preakness winners list and get ready to make their bets, the Peach State won’t be getting in on the tax revenue action. Georgia currently has some of the most restrictive betting laws in the country.

Horses are also a tremendous source of employment. In Georgia, the equine industry creates thousands of jobs across multiple sectors. The state’s breeding farms, training facilities, and riding schools employ specialized workers from stable hands to veterinarians.

Equestrian competitions and events generate seasonal employment opportunities for everyone from judges to concession operators.

In areas that have a robust equine tourism scene, there are additional, if lateral boosts. People who come to visit the Cumberland Islands, for example, are spending money that trickles into many areas of the local economy.

Georgia Rodeo

Georgia also contributes to the national rodeo culture. At the time of writing, the Georgia National Rodeo is the most popular—and the only event that contributes to national rodeo rankings. When it was held in February 2025, the event drew nearly 15,000 spectators.

The event features Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned competitions with substantial prize money that attract top talent from across the country. Held annually at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, it has become a significant cultural event that celebrates the state’s western heritage alongside its agricultural traditions.

Naturally, this also provides stimulation to the economy in Perry. According to the City, it contributes significantly to the $130 million in annual revenue generated by local fairground activities.

Georgia’s Wild Horses

You might also be interested to know that Georgia is one of the only states in the country to still have feral horse populations. To call a horse feral is to put it in the less-than-glamorous company of, say, a trash can raccoon. The word simply means untamed. Wild stallions. Mares free to roam. Wild horses were once a common occurrence in North America. They’ve all but disappeared thanks to habitat loss, human development, and systematic removal during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Nevertheless, there are several isolated populations that are relatively stable. Most of them are located, unsurprisingly, in the West. In Georgia, they can still be found on Cumberland Island. Any state that can still nurture wild horses has an equine culture that they can be proud of.

The Cumberland Island horses have adapted to coastal conditions, feeding on marsh grasses and living in family bands of 5-10 animals.

Viewed as a valuable cultural resource, these horses are protected by the National Park Service.

If you find yourself in Cumberland, look to the seashores or maybe take a scenic stroll through the forest. You might just see wild horses grazing.

Looking Ahead

One of the best ways that Georgia could maximize its horse-related economy could be to consider creating more permissive laws around horse race betting. In the United States alone, horse race betting is a billion-dollar industry. That revenue stimulates thousands of communities across the country.

Money spent at tracks and casinos. Tourism dollars are generated by the people who go to visit these venues. That’s not even to mention the millions of dollars in tax revenue that horse race betting produces.

Georgia is already a proven winner when it comes to capitalizing on its equine culture. This is a way to take profit maximization to the next level. Rodeos and agritourism are great, but may target different segments of the population. Broader legal access to horse race betting is ultimately a relatively mild concession, even for a state as restrictive on gambling as Georgia is.

More to the point, it’s one that could play a dramatic role in boosting local economies without changing the character of the state.