Surviving and Thriving Amid the U.S.-Canada Trade War: Strategies for Equestrian Businesses

As 2025 unfolds, equestrian businesses on both sides of the border are feeling the strain. Increased costs, supply chain delays, and shifting financial landscapes mean horse owners and professionals must rethink their strategies. reigniting trade tensions between the two nations. With a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports (excluding oil and energy, which face a 10% tariff), and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, equestrian businesses on both sides of the border are bracing for significant challenges.

Understanding the Impact on the Equine Industry

For equestrian entrepreneurs, whether running a boarding facility, tack shop, equine service business, or product-based business, these tariffs translate to increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and pricing uncertainty. Here’s how the tariffs may affect your operations:

1. Increased Costs on Horse Care Products and Equipment

If your business imports horse-related supplies, expect price hikes due to the imposed tariffs. This is particularly concerning for:

• Feed and Supplements – Many high-quality equine feeds, minerals, and supplements are sourced across the border. Expect higher prices and possible rationing.
• Tack and Equipment – Saddles, bridles, bits, and barn equipment from the U.S. and Canada will be more expensive.
• Veterinary Medications and Supplies – Essential pharmaceuticals and wound care products may see price spikes and limited availability. Many key equine medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, anesthetics, and antibiotics, are manufactured by U.S.-based companies like Zoetis and Dechra. With increased costs on imported medical supplies, veterinarians may have to adjust pricing on services such as lameness exams, joint injections, and emergency treatments. Horse owners should anticipate potential cost increases for routine veterinary care and plan accordingly.
• Bedding Materials – The cost of wood shavings for horse bedding has skyrocketed. For example, a truckload of shavings that previously cost $1,920 is now subject to a 25% tariff, increasing the total cost to $2,400. This increase directly affects boarding barns and large-scale equine facilities that rely on bulk orders. Some barns have already reported struggling with these rising costs, with some considering alternative bedding solutions such as straw or shredded paper to offset the financial burden.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions for Equine Businesses

Supply chain disruptions are expected due to customs delays, increased shipping costs, and businesses seeking alternative suppliers. The added tariffs create bottlenecks at the border, making it harder for equine businesses to receive essential goods like feed, tack, and medications on time. These delays can also result from manufacturers reducing production output or reprioritizing shipments due to increased costs. Equine businesses that rely on just-in-time inventory models for feed, tack, and veterinary supplies will need to prepare for delays and potential shortages. Some potential effects include:

• Longer lead times for importing custom saddles, blankets, or barn equipment.
• Reduced availability of specialty supplements and medications.
• Increased costs for farrier and bodywork services due to rising material costs.

3. Inflation and Reduced Spending in the Horse Industry

Rising costs may lead to owners cutting back on non-essential services, impacting businesses such as:

• Equine Bodywork and Therapies – Clients may reduce spending on massage, chiropractic care, or alternative therapies. To counteract this, businesses can offer bundled services at a discount, introduce loyalty programs, or emphasize the long-term benefits of bodywork in preventing costly veterinary bills.
• Lessons and Training Programs – Riders may hesitate to commit to ongoing coaching due to financial uncertainty. Offering flexible lesson packages, discounted group sessions, or a membership model can help riders commit to ongoing coaching while ensuring a steady stream of revenue.
• Horse Shows and Clinics – Travel costs and entry fees may rise, leading to lower participation in competitions and events. Hosting more local events, offering virtual training opportunities, or partnering with brands for sponsorships can reduce costs for participants and increase accessibility.

Budgeting and Money Management Strategies for Equestrian Business Owners and Horse Owners

As costs rise due to tariffs, both equestrian businesses and horse owners must take a proactive approach to financial management. Here are some key strategies:

For Equestrian Businesses:

• Master Your Business Finances – One of the biggest mistakes I see equestrian business owners make is not truly knowing their numbers. You should be tracking monthly revenue, expenses, profit margins, and cash flow trends so that when costs rise, you can make informed financial decisions. A great strategy is to create a Stable Profit Plan, ensuring that every dollar has a job, whether it’s covering expenses, reinvesting in the business, or going into savings.
• Evaluate Costs & Adjust Budgets – Review financial statements and adjust budgets to reflect increased expenses on feed, bedding, and tack.
• Implement Flexible Pricing Models – Offer tiered service levels or package discounts to maintain affordability for clients while protecting profit margins.
• Consider Bulk Purchasing or Group Buying – Partner with other businesses to place larger wholesale orders for discounts on essential supplies.
• Increase Emergency Savings – Set aside additional funds to prepare for unexpected cost spikes and cash flow disruptions.

For Horse Owners:

• Improve Your Money Management Skills – The best way to manage rising costs is to get intentional with your money. A great strategy from Rich As Fck* is to shift from scarcity to abundance: rather than focusing on what’s being taken from you (higher prices), focus on how you can create more income to cover those costs. This could be through a side hustle, selling unused tack, or offering services within your barn community.
• Plan for Higher Routine Costs – Expect increased prices on boarding, farrier, and veterinary services. Adjust monthly budgets accordingly.
• Stock Up on Essential Supplies – Buy supplements, medications, and other necessities in bulk before prices rise further.
• Explore Cost-Saving Alternatives – Consider using alternative bedding options like straw or paper-based products if shavings become too expensive.
• Seek Preventative Care – Investing in proactive horse health (nutrition, bodywork, and early intervention) can help avoid costly emergency vet bills.

Overall Outlook on the 2025 Trade War and Its Effects on the Equine Industry

The 2025 trade war between the U.S. and Canada is expected to have long-term consequences for equestrian businesses. While the tariffs aim to protect domestic industries, they may lead to increased operational costs, reduced consumer spending, and supply chain bottlenecks that directly impact the horse world.

For equestrian entrepreneurs, the biggest challenges will be absorbing higher costs, securing necessary supplies, and maintaining client affordability. Expect to see feed costs rise, tack shortages, and shifts in consumer spending as horse owners navigate these financial changes.

However, resilient equestrian businesses will find ways to pivot, optimize, and weather the storm. Whether through adjusting services, streamlining operations, or seeking out alternative suppliers, staying flexible and financially proactive will be key to sustaining business growth.

Final Thoughts

The U.S.-Canada trade war introduces significant hurdles, but equestrian businesses that adapt and strategize can continue thriving. By prioritizing smart financial planning, supplier diversification, and strategic pricing, equine entrepreneurs can navigate these challenges while keeping their businesses strong.

Now is the time to take control of your business finances. Whether you need a strategy for navigating rising costs or want to safeguard your profit margins, I can help. Let’s build a plan that ensures your business survives and thrives in uncertain economic times.

Book a consultation with Equestrian Entrepreneur today to develop a game plan that keeps your barn and your business moving forward despite economic uncertainty.