Manada de caballos castaños pastando en una ladera verde

Spain's equine census 2026: 929,645 equines on 196,219 holdings

Photograph: Unsplash (free licence).

Quick answer: according to the equine sector report published by Spain's Ministry of Agriculture in August 2026, Spain has 929,645 registered equines (July 2026 data) on 196,219 holdings. That is an average of fewer than five animals per holding: Spain's horse sector is mostly made up of small yards.

The 2026 equine census figures

The figures come from the Individual Animal Identification Register (RIIA) and are included in the equine sector indicators report by Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, covered by the specialist press in October. The Ministry itself warns that the 2026 census is not comparable with earlier ones because of a change in methodology, so it is best not to read too much into rises or falls compared with previous years.

  • Equine holdings (July 2026): 196,219.
  • Equines registered in the RIIA (July 2026): 929,645.
  • Sector output (2025): 93.5 million euros.
  • Castilla y León: 20,001 holdings (10.2% of the total) and 84,277 equines.
  • Valencia region: 7,480 holdings and 40,843 equines.

Horse meat: production up, consumption down

In 2025, 7,955 tonnes of equine meat were produced, 2.8% more than in 2024, from 29,298 animals slaughtered. Exports fell by 2.7% to 6,197 tonnes, while imports stood at 195 tonnes. Household consumption dropped by 5.5% to 1,444.7 tonnes, at an average price of 14.32 euros per kilo.

What these figures mean if you keep horses

Dividing the census by the number of holdings (our own calculation) gives around 4.7 equines per holding. Most horse keepers in Spain are therefore private owners, small family breeders or modest riding centres. A few practical pointers:

  • Keep identification and registration up to date: the official census relies on each animal's identification data and the holding's registration. Check that changes of keeper, deaths and moves have been reported.
  • Plan for winter: hay, minerals and rugs are the costs that rise most in the cold. Buying ahead helps keep the budget under control.
  • Make forage go further: slow-feed hay nets cut waste and extend eating time.
  • Daily grooming and checks: a thorough groom helps you spot wounds, parasites or coat changes early.

See more feeders and drinkers for horses, horse rugs and stable accessories.

Frequently asked questions

How many horses are there in Spain in 2026?

The official register counted 929,645 equines in July 2026. The figure includes horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, not just horses.

Why can it not be compared with previous years?

Because the Ministry has changed the census methodology. Differences from earlier years may be due to the new method rather than a real change in animal numbers.

Which region has the most equine holdings?

The report as summarised by the specialist press highlights Castilla y León, with 20,001 holdings, 10.2% of the national total. For other regions, it is best to check the Ministry's full report.

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Sources

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