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State of the Nation Report
18th June 2025

British Equestrian has published its annual State of the Nation 2024 report, providing a deep dive into the UK equestrian sector. Drawing on data from their member organisations, industry partners, national statistics, and original surveys, the report highlights trends, challenges, and emerging priorities shaping the future of horse sports in Britain.

Rising Participation and Engagement

One of the standout findings was a significant increase in engagement across the board. Overall federation memberships grew by 11.7% from 2023 to 2024, and social media followings rose by 13%. These increases reflect both improved data collection and a genuine resurgence in public interest, returning nearer to pre-pandemic activity levels.

Riding Schools: Under Pressure, Yet Optimistic

Data from a new UK-wide audit conducted early in 2024 (covering over 50% of 1,028 identified schools) reveals that most riding schools are small businesses, often sole traders with fewer than 20 horses and a handful of staff and volunteers. Despite financial pressures, especially high running costs and staff shortages, a remarkable 57% of schools indicated both capacity and interest in expanding. To support them, British Equestrian now offers better business development guidance, fundraising help, and staff support initiatives.

Cost Pressures Persist

The rising cost of living continues to strain both horse owners and equestrian organisations. A survey by the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) received input from over 6,000 respondents — showing that even those with stable incomes are making sacrifices to maintain their horses. Essential expenses such as veterinary care, emergency services, and feed are rising, prompting many to ponder downsizing or rehoming their horses.

The Environment and Horse Welfare in Focus

British Equestrian’s Environmental Sustainability Report, produced in partnership with White?Griffin, identifies environmental issues like climate impacts and resource depletion as pressing risks to equine welfare and sport growth. Recommendations include reducing emissions, improving waste management, and coupling educational outreach to bring sustainable practices to member bodies.

Meanwhile, collaboration with World Horse Welfare and Voconiq reveals mixed public trust in equestrian sport, reinforcing concerns over welfare, ethics, fairness, and accessibility. This demonstrates the importance of transparency, robust welfare standards, and greater inclusivity within the sector.

Recognising Equestrianism’s Social Value

Stage one of the social value research, a literature review, confirmed that equestrian activities bring substantial benefits across physical health, mental wellbeing, personal development, and community-building. Riding, yard duties, and equine-assisted interventions (like hippotherapy) are linked to improved mobility and pain management. Meanwhile, participation combats stress, anxiety, and depression, elevates self-esteem and community connections, and fosters life skills and inclusivity for neurodivergent groups. This stage alone analysed 290 curated studies, revealing powerful socio-emotional outcomes.

Highlighting Workforce Woes

The industry’s workforce issues are particularly concerning. Surveys by the British Grooms Association found that:

  • 65% of grooms report anxiety; 55% report signs of depression
  • 43% have experienced workplace bullying; 8% report sexual harassment
  • 64% lack formal contracts; 46% earn below the National Minimum Wage; many lack payslips or pensions.

Yet, positive exceptions exist — where solid employment practices are in place, groom wellbeing and retention improve.

What’s Next: Future Research and Action

Looking ahead into 2025 and beyond, the report outlines strategic priorities:

  • Quantify the social value of equestrianism in economic terms.
  • Launch a workforce steering group, aligned with the Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), to tackle pay, conditions, and wellbeing.
  • Advance equine-welfare advocacy via dedicated governance.
  • Continue auditing riding schools to develop targeted support programmes.

Adam Holliday, Managing Director of Monarch Equestrian, commented,The State of the Nation 2024 report paints a clear picture of a thriving yet challenged sector, one buoyed by public interest and clear societal benefits, yet weighed down by economic, environmental, and workforce hurdles. It’s great to see British Equestrian laying the groundwork for sustained, positive change, ensuring that the benefits of horse sport continue to be accessible and valued in the UK for years to come.”

 

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