Working in collaboration with The British Horse Society, the Association of British Riding Schools, the Riding for the Disabled Association, The Pony Club and riding centres across the country, British Equestrian has launched the first survey of its kind to build a current picture of the sector in a bid to help safeguard the future viability of the businesses.
A comprehensive online survey has been distributed to around 1,700 centres using the databases held by the organisations, and all responses will be confidential and anonymous. Questions in the survey target areas such as capacity, facilities, staffing and activities provided, as well as the main challenges faced around viability, marketing and profitability. All centres who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win one of five prizes over £1,200 worth of Classic Fibre Cubes from British Equestrian partners Dodson & Horrell to benefit their yard.
“A viable future for our riding centres has never been more uncertain,” said Mandana Mehran Pour, Head of Participation at British Equestrian. “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,” she continued.
The survey closes at midnight on 27 March and all centres are urged to take time out to fully complete the questionnaire. If any riding school hasn’t received a survey link via one of the organisations listed and would like to take part, please email participation@bef.co.uk.ucnhes