Call it the “Yellowstone” effect. The immensely popular television series about a family of Montana ranchers is giving a leg up to the Massachusetts Thoroughbred breeding industry, according to one of the new key shareholders in the state.

“I think the equine industry in Massachusetts is thriving. I think part of it is the popularity of the TV series. I see it with people who suddenly have this interest (in horses),” said Emily Wilmot, who at age 29 is a newcomer to breeding Thoroughbreds and is the owner and operator of Iron Will Farm in her hometown of Middleboro.

While Wilmot’s theory is unverified, what is certain is that members of the Massachusetts Thoroughbred Breeders Association, which lists 18 farms on its website, report an uptick in foaling and sales, and they see this as an industry revival that heralds a brighter future.

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