Promoting horse management

Over the past few decades, horse management has significantly changed in Finland. Instead of working in agriculture and forestry, horses are mainly used in sports and leisure activities. Horse ownership has also changed considerably. Nonetheless, the majority of horses are still bred in rural areas.

When Finland joined the European Union in 1995, a new support system was introduced for agriculture and horticulture, including national aid for horse husbandry. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry also administers the use of the state’s share of the proceeds from totalisator betting. The funds are mainly used to promote horse breeding through the sector’s central organisations and their member associations.