Riding schools have called for changes to the licensing system, warning that the industry is facing a “national crisis” if we do not act now to bring about change next year.
Riding school owners are required to carry out huge amounts of paperwork and face “endless red tape” in order to run, meaning an enormous workload and less time to spend on the business itself. The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 that bring about much of this workload are due to be reviewed in 2023, five years after they were introduced. This could be the opportunity for change.
Sue Nevill-Parker, of Arrow Equestrian riding school, told H&H: “We need to act or it will all be swept under the carpet and in 20 years’ time, there will be no riding schools. We need to take licensing out of the hands of local authorities and put it with people who know what they’re doing.”
Jay Halim riding Aragon Z winners of Class 17, Speed Horse of the Year, during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 6 -10th October 2021
“Everybody is looking for grooms and it is hard work, but it’s a really rewarding job,” says Jay. “But nobody wants to work. It seems to be a struggle in all walks of life – I have friends in the hospitality industry and they’re struggling to get members of staff, so I don’t think it’s just the equestrian world.
“People who come in to ride expect to have a string of horses handed to them. That never happened for me and it’s not real life,” he adds. “Serving an apprenticeship with the Fletchers has stood me in good stead because I learnt how to work and I continue to do so.”
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Team gold medallist Nick Skelton celebrates before the medal ceremony at London 2012 Olympic Games.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton will be the headline items in a live auction at next month’s Just World Gala, an annual fundraiser for the official charity of the FEI, started by former grand prix rider, Jessica Newman.
“I’ve done it before and people like my stories and what I’ve done over the years,” said Nick, who will attend the gala, which coincides with the Winter Equestrian Festival. “It’s good fun and it’s for a great cause.” Both Laura and Nick are ambassadors of the charity – Nick’s involvement started after his team gold medal win at the London Olympics.
“He came over here on his bicycle and said I want to help you guys raise funds,” said Jessica, whose charity now helps 10,000 children worldwide.
‘I’m trying so hard to be positive but I go home at night and think ‘What the hell am I
Jay Halim riding Aragon Z winners of Class 17, Speed Horse of the Year, during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 6 -10th October 2021
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham for Future Publishing)
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Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.
