A joint effort has been launched to try to safeguard the future of Britain’s riding centres, for which a “viable future has never been more uncertain”.
British Equestrian, working with the British Horse Society, the Association of British Riding Schools, the Riding for the Disabled Association and the Pony Club, as well as riding centres across the country, has initiated the “groundbreaking” project.
An online survey has been sent to some 1,700 centres, with questions covering capacity, staffing and activities, as well as challenges related to viability, profitability and marketing.
“A viable future for our riding centres has never been more uncertain,” said British Equestrian head of participation Mandana Mehran Pour.
“Riding centres and schools face a series of difficulties, not least those presented by the global pandemic in recent years. Costs are rising, the licensing process is more complex than ever, and a shortage of suitable staff and horses are just some of the early indications from proprietors of the issues they’re facing.
“We aim to deliver accurate and meaningful data that gives a ‘health check’ on the nation’s riding centres, which can then be used to target areas for improvement and where help is most needed. It also will give us facts to present in our lobbying of Government on the issues, as well as present a realistic picture of the impact of Covid-19 on the sector.”
All responses will be confidential and anonymous, and participants will be entered into a draw to win feed worth over £1,200 from British Equestrian partners Dodson & Horrell.
The survey is open until midnight on 27 March. Riding schools that have not been sent a survey link by one of the above organisations but would like to take part are asked to email participation@bef.co.uk.
You might also be interested in:
‘The beginning of the end’: major riding school’s closure must spark debate
Riding schools in ‘national crisis’ over ‘unfit for purpose’ licensing system
‘Without staff, we have no business’: change needed to ensure a sustainable workforce
‘I can’t bear to think of closing’: riding school’s £15,000 monthly costs with no income highlights lockdown reality
‘I’m trying so hard to be positive but I go home at night and think ‘What the hell am I
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
