Equine Healthcare Market

Equine Healthcare Market Size

The global equine healthcare market was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 2.7 billion in 2025 to USD 4.6 billion in 2034 at a CAGR of 6.3%. The significant growth in the market was primarily driven by the growing animal healthcare expenditure along with growing awareness among horse owners, breeders, and veterinarians about preventive care awareness and early diagnosis contributes to the equine healthcare products and services demand substantial fuelling the market growth.

The rise in equine infectious diseases and musculoskeletal disorders is driving the adoption of advanced treatment and diagnostic technologies. In addition, the market growth is facilitated by the continuous focus on developing advanced therapeutics such as veterinary regenerative medicines (stem cell therapy and PRP treatments), advanced targeted therapy, and digital monitoring systems. Additionally, increasing demand, investments in the equine racing and sports sector along with the rising occurrence of equine diseases. This anticipated to boost the need for more efficient preventive and treatment options, thereby augmenting the market growth.

Moreover, expansion of the veterinary infrastructure along with growing investments by pharmaceutical companies on proprietary equine drugs is increasing market growth. The aforementioned factors along with rising trends of pet humanization in the equine sector are likely to drive technological advancement and continue robust demand in the equine healthcare industry bolstering the market growth.

Equine healthcare refers to the comprehensive medical care and treatment of horses which include prevention, diagnosis, treatment of diseases and wellness. This market involves the comprehensive scope on medication and diagnostic products offered by veterinarians, pharmaceutical companies, and specialized clinics which cater for horses to ensure their optimal health and performance and longevity in sports, recreational activities, and breeding.

Equine Healthcare Market Trends

• Significant investments toward improving animal healthcare infrastructure addressing to the concerns to the rising zoonotic disease transmission from horses to humans tend to contribute to market expansion.
  
• For instance, a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) describes eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) as one of the most severe arboviral encephalitis diseases occurring in U.S. The study also noted that, annually about 6 to 8 cases of EEE are diagnosed over a five-month May to October period, with the highest number observed in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. The findings indicated that EEE are highly transmitted through the air with severe effect. The case-fatality rate is estimated at 30%, with approximately 50% of survivors experiencing long-term neurological complications. Thus, this rise in cases has raised concern for the equine owner’s spurring the need for effective treatment measure supplementing the market growth.
  
• Additionally, governments in several countries are implementing strategic initiatives through funding equine health research and enhancing veterinary services for effective disease monitoring, control, and prevention. These measures seek to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks that would be unfavorable to public health and the equine economy.
  
• Furthermore, expanding equestrian riding and racing activities globally, especially in the U.S., UK, and Australia, fostering the development of equestrian sports, has increased the demand for equine healthcare measures, including proper vaccination, deworming, diagnosis, and nutrition management.
  
• Horses are frequently engaged in recreational activities, such as riding lessons and trail rides. As per the European Horse Network, an estimated 20,000 equestrian sporting events take place every year throughout Europe. These competitions include jumping, dressage, eventing, and endurance riding. This high frequency of competitions demonstrates the importance of the horse industry in Europe as well as the need for robust equine healthcare systems. Such competitions mainly focus on optimal physical health of horses spurring the need for advanced veterinary care, injury prevention strategies, and monitoring systems, all of which serve to advance the market. Thus, the aforementioned factors are likely to enhance remarkably the global market by improving the veterinary and human healthcare industry.
  

Additionally, barriers to industry growth include high cost of animal health care facilities, a lack of skilled veterinarians, complexity in regulatory approval processes, and economic obstacles are expected to constrain the market growth.

Equine Healthcare Market Analysis

In 2021, the market was valued at USD 1.9 billion. The following year, it saw a slight increase to USD 2.3 billion and in 2023, the market further climbed to USD 2.5 billion in 2024.

Based on product, the global market is segmented into vaccines, pharmaceuticals, medicinal feed additives, diagnostics, and other products. In 2024, the pharmaceuticals segment accounted for the largest revenue USD 817.9 million and is poised to reach USD 1.6 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 6.6% during the analysis period.

• The pharmaceuticals segment is further categorized into parasiticides, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and analgesics, and other pharmaceutical products.
  
• The equine pharmaceuticals segment remains the foremost revenue generating sector within the global market due to increasing demand for advanced therapeutic agents and vaccines for equine diseases.
  
• In addition, active participation in equestrian sports, breeding, and recreational riding necessitates optimal health management. The treatment includes parasitic, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and infectious diseases, including equine influenza and strangles.
  
• The growing awareness of horse ownership and caretaking responsibilities regarding preventative medicine approaches and scheduled routine deworming augments demand for pharmaceuticals in the market.
  
• Furthermore, the advanced formulations offered by key players such as long-acting injectables and feed-based medications are gaining popularity in the market. For instance, in December 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zycosan, a prescription injectable, specifically for the treatment of clinically symptomatic osteoarthritis in horses. The approval marked and expanding pharmaceuticals offering strengthening equine industry.
  

Based on indication, the global equine healthcare market is classified into musculoskeletal disorders, parasite control, equine herpes, equine encephalomyelitis, equine influenza, tetanus, West Nile Virus, and other indications. The parasite control segment is held the share of 25.1% in 2024 and is anticipated to reach 26.5% by 2034.

• The parasitic control segment maintained prominence in the market due to the spurring need to manage both internal and external parasites which can cause considerable damage to a horse’s health and performance.
  
• Common parasites such as bots, tapeworms, and strongyles can cause gastrointestinal problems, weight loss, a decreased condition of the coat and in severe cases. Thus, regular deworming and parasite control are important components of equine well-being programs..
  
• Additionally, the expansion of this market segment stems from heightened awareness of proactive parasite management among horse owners and veterinarians. The availability of a wide range of anthelmintics complying the needs stimulates market growth.
  
• Furthermore, climate change, alongside greater access to pastureland, has led to perennial exposure to parasites, necessitating effective control mechanisms. Along with steadily increasing drug resistance, innovation in precise therapeutics and diagnostics is further solidifying the segment’s significance within the holistic market.
  

Based on distribution channel, the global equine healthcare market is classified into veterinary hospital pharmacies, e-commerce, and other distribution channel. The veterinary hospital pharmacies segment accounted for USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and is poised to dominate throughout the forecast period at a CAGR of 6.7%
.

• These facilities are actively engaged in the auxiliary provision of services and products in healthcare maintain its prominence in the equine healthcare industry.
  
• These centers offer a wide range of treatments, medications, and therapies along with professional consulting for equine ailments which positions them as the foremost option for horse owners seeking healthcare and pharmaceutical solutions.
  
• Moreover, their seamless integration of diagnostics, treatment, and pharmaceutical services positions key contributors in equine healthcare.
  

The North America equine healthcare market is expected to grow at 6.1% during the analysis period.

• The established equine industry and elevated concern regarding animal healthcare protocols, has positioned North America as a prominent region in the global equine healthcare industry.
  
• The region is the home to large horse population particularly in the U.S. and Canada where horses are an integral part of sports, recreation, agriculture, and therapy.
  
• Additionally, the presence of the major pharmaceutical firms and advanced veterinary infrastructure with a well-established network of equine clinics and hospitals has enabled access to specialized healthcare services and products..
  

In 2024, the U.S. held a significant position in the North America equine healthcare market and was valued at USD 907.1 million.

• The U.S. leadership is asserted due to its advanced veterinary pharmaceutical infrastructure, high demand for healthcare products and strong focus on equine health.
  
• In addition, the large horse population, rising awareness for equine care and early diagnosis for zoonotic disease with expanding equine industry bolsters the demand for effective diagnostics and treatment in the country.
  
• For instance, according to the American Horse Council. Data, in 2023, the economic relevance of the horse industry accounted at an approximate total of USD 177 billion in the U.S. The country boasts a population of over 6.7 million horses, of which 129,000 are in Minnesota ranked nineteenth for the largest horse population in the U.S. The leading states include Florida at 334,900 horses, California at 477,400 horses, with Texas holding the highest with 748,800 horses. This expanding demographic elevated the necessity for preventive care and measure along with the spurring need for diagnostic and treatment stimulating the growth in the U.S. equine healthcare.
  
• Additionally, the rising investment in equine healthcare along with the stringent regulatory support for innovation and ensuring quality control further strengthen the U.S. position in the market.
  

Germany is poised to achieve significant growth in the Europe equine healthcare market.

• The well-developed veterinary healthcare system and advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, along with a developed equine industry, contributes to Germany’s dominance in the equine imaging services market in Europe.
  
• The large population of sport and racing horses in the country increases the need for effective diagnostics and treatment solutions fueling the market demand.
  
• Furthermore, the country is the home to veterinary research institutions and specialized equine clinics in Germany that continuously invests in advanced diagnostic methods
  
• In addition, Germany’s regulations and funding on veterinary research also aids in the growth of the market.
  

The Asia-Pacific region is poised to experience significant growth with a CAGR of 6.7% in the global equine healthcare market.

• The market growth is driven due to the enhanced investment in animal healthcare infrastructure, growing awareness of equine healthcare, and improved participation in equestrian sports in China, India, Australia, and Japan
  
• Furthermore, government initiatives focusing on animal welfare and disease prevention in those areas are likely to improve access to diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and preventive healthcare for horses.
  
• Additionally, the gradual shift towards equine management techniques, alongside the implementation of advanced treatment technologies, facilitates further advancement in equine healthcare.
  
• With the increasing prevalence of recreational and performance horses, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to be grow at a significant growth rate in the industry.
  

China equine healthcare market is anticipated to witness rapid growth in Asia Pacific market in coming years.

• The robust growth in China is driven from the rising number of horse owners, increased participation in leisure and competitive riding, and bettering of veterinary medicine.
  
• The growing government initiative in the country further boasts the market demand. For example, China government in collaboration with the Chinese Equestrian Association implemented an educational and training programs for horse stable managers. This growing awareness tends to prompt for effective preventive measure and education for early diagnosis and treatments that contributes to the growing equine healthcare demand in the China market.
  
• Additionally, the expanding application of artificial intelligence (AI) in equine veterinary medicine coupled with advanced diagnostics is improving early detection and tailored intervention, thus, refining and broadening access to equine healthcare in China.
  

Brazil held a prominence position in the Latin America equine healthcare market.

• The country’s boasts an extensive horse population and well-established equine industry.
  
• Brazil has the largest horse population making it 3^rd largest country with highest horse population after U.S. and Mexico.
  
• As reported by World Population Review, Brazil’s herd population counts to approximately 5.8 million horses bolstering the need for equine healthcare.
  
• Additionally, increasing sports and racing popularity in the country further spurr the demand for preventive measures to maintain equine health. For example, events such as Grande Premio Brasil and Derby Paulista horse racing events increase the popularity of the sport. These events generate substantial revenue in the country and incentivize the enforcement of strict healthcare policies to preserve equine health and athletic performance.
  
• This makes the equine industry one of the crucial sectors in the country.
  

Saudi Arabia’s equine healthcare market is poised to grow at a considerable growth rate in Middle East and Africa market.

• The increase spending on equine vaccines, pharmaceutical, and diagnostics segments as well as awareness for horse health and welfare is catalyzing growth in the market.
  
• Along with the expansion of equestrian sports, continuous efforts of the government to expand the veterinary sector also aided in the growth of the market. Thus, the aforementioned factors witnessed the country’s position in the region.
  

Equine Healthcare Market Share

The top 5 players accounts for ~40% in the global market. Th global market is highly intense with presence of several players including international veterinary pharmaceutical firms, veterinary diagnostic service providers, feed supplements manufacturers, and imaging solution companies. The leading industry players are Zoetis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck, Dechra, and Ceva actively engaging in product innovation, market consolidated activities and partnership to to increase their market share and respond to the rising demand for advanced equine care services.

Furthermore, orthopedic and respiratory niche products for equines from mid-sized market players like Equal Pharma and Chanelle Pharma are also gaining traction. Established and new players are actively investing in digital health services, tele-veterinary services, equine rehabilitation technologies, and other innovative solutions which is changing the competitive landscape of the industry.

Equine Healthcare Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the equine healthcare industry include:

• Alltech
• Bentoii
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Cargill
• Ceva
• Chanelle Pharma
• Dechra Pharmaceuticals
• Equal pharma
• Esaote 
• Hallmarq Veterinary
• Heska Corporation
• IDEXX Laboratories
• Intacin
• Merck
• Vetoquinol
• Zoetis
  

Zoetis focuses on developing advanced technologies for equine vaccines and parasiticides through robust research and development. The company offers comprehensive range of equine pharmaceuticals such as EXCEDE, an antibiotic for respiratory disease supporting equine health and reducing treatment frequency, a key advantage for performance horses.

Boehringer Ingelheim leads with a strong portfolio in equine respiratory care, pain relief, and vaccine administration. They focus on addressing chronic equine conditions with international veterinary alliances and ongoing innovations in products, exemplified by Prascend which is used for Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID) Healing).

Hallmarq focuses on advanced diagnostics imaging for Standing Equine MRIs and improving lameness diagnosis. With Hallmarq's advanced imaging technology, accurate imaging is possible for conscious horses which makes them great for vets and owners in need of rapid diagnosis during ambulatory.

Equine Healthcare Industry News:

• In April 2025, Creative Science acquired Astaria Global that specializes in orthobiologic therapies for equine pain management and asthma. This acquisition aimed to enhance innovation and investment in equine healthcare which will further expand the market.
  
• In March 2025, Altano Group formed a strategic partnership with Idaho Equine Hospital, a leader in western performance horse medicine and veterinary education. This collaboration grants Idaho Equine access to Altano’s global network, resources, and development programs, while promoting mutual knowledge exchange. The partnership reinforces Altano’s commitment to advancing equine healthcare and is expected to drive innovation and elevate veterinary care standards, contributing positively to the global market growth.
  
• In July 2024, Merck Animal Health acquired the aqua business of Elanco Animal Health which enhances its competencies in fish health, welfare, and sustainability. This strategic acquisition bolsters Merck’s growth in aquaculture, conservation, and fisheries by advancing market opportunities through an integrated, comprehensive aquatic health portfolio.
  

The equine healthcare market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Vaccines
• Pharmaceuticals
• Parasiticides
  • Anti-infective
  • Anti-inflammatory and analgesics
  • Other pharmaceutical products
• Medicinal feed additives
• Diagnostics
• Other products

Market, By Indication

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Parasite control
• Equine herpes
• Equine encephalomyelitis
• Equine influenza
• Tetanus
• West Nile Virus
• Other indications

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Veterinary hospital pharmacies
• E-commerce
• Other distribution channels

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE