By ALAN BAZAAR AND ROBERT MCNERNEY
For much of the modern era, the U.S. equestrian sector benefited from relatively smooth international trade. Purebred horses for breeding entered duty-free under Most-Favored Nation (MFN) treatment, and tack and equipment such as saddles and bridles faced low or negligible import duties. Cross-border movement of feed, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary supplies remained seamless under trade agreements like NAFTA, and later the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). That era of stable, low-barrier trade allowed for fluid international breeding programs, well-stocked tack shops, and a healthy import-export ecosystem.
In more recent years, the intersection of global trade policy and the equestrian world has become increasingly difficult to ignore. Moreover, recent tariff announcements have caused global confusion across many industries, and it is not clear the impact that they will have.
Tariffs increase the cost of capital goods, raise ongoing operational expenses, and inject volatility into long-term planning. Riders attending events requiring international travel or transporting horses for sales across borders would face increased costs and administrative burdens. The anticipation of these tariffs alone has delayed shipments and spurred changes in show schedules. Consequently, whether operating a boarding facility or investing in high-end show jumpers, these trade policy changes are more than abstract politics.
Conceptualizing Tariffs’ Impact on Equestrians
To understand how these tariffs will impact equestrians, it is helpful to look at the broader context. The disruption began in 2018 with a significant shift in U.S. trade policy. Under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on imported steel and 10% on aluminum, citing national security concerns. These tariffs, implemented on March 23, 2018, directly affected the cost of horse trailers, stall hardware, and arena infrastructure. With trailers being made up primarily of steel or aluminum, prices increased accordingly, burdening horse owners and transport businesses alike.
In parallel, Section 301 tariffs targeting imports from China introduced new headwinds. Saddlery hardware, bits, horseshoes, and grooming products—many of which are manufactured in China—were hit with tariffs in late 2018, which later rose in 2019. These were layered on top of the existing MFN duties. This meant everything from show boots to clippers cost more. In most cases, distributors either passed those costs to consumers or absorbed shrinking margins.
Retaliatory tariffs imposed by trading partners—especially Canada, China, and the European Union—have further complicated matters. China, once the largest importer of U.S. alfalfa hay, levied steep tariffs in response to U.S. moves, causing hay exports to China to drop significantly between 2017 and 2018. This could happen once more in response to recent trade developments.
Most equestrian gear and accessories made in China still carry the tariff, and while some manufacturers have shifted production to countries like India or Vietnam, supply chain realignment is neither cheap nor instant. Temporary product-specific exclusions have come and gone, but uncertainty remains the only constant. And while Section 232 tariffs on EU and UK metals were largely resolved in 2021 via tariff-rate quotas, steel and aluminum from other countries continue to face full tariffs, meaning U.S. manufacturers of horse trailers and barn equipment still contend with elevated input costs. The recent announcements from the Trump administration increasing the tariffs on China will put even more pressure on this system as the Chinese government will likely respond with their own tariffs on US goods.
Also in early 2025, a proposed blanket 25% tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico sent a shockwave through the equine world. Though not yet implemented, the threat alone sparked confusion among owners, trainers, and breeders who depend on cross-border partnerships. Canadian hay, lumber, wood shavings and even competition horses temporarily entering the U.S. would fall under this policy. To complicate things further, a ninety-day pause was announced for the reciprocal tariffs—excluding those on goods from China—in early April.
Equine pharmaceuticals and health products have been mostly spared from direct tariffs, but that is not guaranteed to remain the case. President Trump has said that ‘major’ pharmaceutical tariffs are on the way at the time of writing this article.
The question remains: given this context, what can one do to mitigate the risks?
The changes in trade policy incentivize horse buyers to locally source their next horse. Purchasing from American sources such as Spy Coast Farm would eliminate import duties, shorten the supply chain, and reduce paperwork along with ancillary costs. It is also important to consider that banks and insurers will offer lower premiums for domestic purchases in general.
Additionally, horse owners and riders should factor in higher prices for imported goods and feed, while exploring local suppliers for new sources of saddles, feed, and related equipment to avoid tariff surcharges; second-hand or used materials can also help to ease the financial strain. Furthermore, one should plan carefully when traveling internationally for competitions and make sure to consider any possible border tariffs.
Breeders can help to mitigate certain costs by diversifying their bloodlines and relying less on imports most exposed to the tariffs. For example, restructuring cross-border deals or employing temporary import bonds can help to streamline horse transport and sidestep non-refundable fees. These bonds are especially useful should there be a chance that the horse is re-exported in a short timeframe.
Furthermore, client education remains essential and can help to retain customers in turbulent times. Promptly and effectively informing customers of rising operational costs tied to tariffs will foster transparency and trust. Communicating pricing changes is equally critical–clearly explaining cost hikes can maintain customer loyalty and mitigate sticker shock. Tariff relief programs, including duty drawbacks and Foreign Trade Zones, may help to offset some expenses as well.
Tariffs may seem like the concern of politicians, but their impact is being felt in show rings and barns across the country. Looking ahead, the equestrian industry is likely to remain entangled in the broader trade dynamics shaping the global economy.
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