British Horse Database closes
17 October 2001
The British Horse Database has ceased trading, halting the registration of sports horse competition and breeding data
The British Horse Database (BHD) ceased trading on 10 October, with the BSJA’s withdraw from the scheme cited as a major reason for the scheme’s demise. The scheme was set up in 1993 to record performance data for potential sports horse breeding stock.
Hamish Anderson director of Weatherby’s Group, appointed to run the scheme, revealed that BHD was in debt to the tune of £250,000. He claimed it had always been in debt to this extent, but that it had been kept going because it was thought that was what the horse industry wanted.
The administration of the database was subsidised by a number of parties, including Weatherby’s, but after one of the major users of the scheme, the BSJA, withdrew, it was considered no longer sensible to continue supporting it.
The British Equestrian Federation and the Weatherby’s Group had attempted to work out a rescue package, but came to the conclusion that it was not financially viable.
Read full story plus feedback from top riders, breeders and producers in tomorrow’s (Thursday, 18 October)Horse & Hound magazine, or click here to subscribe.
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