The results of the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) National Minimum Wage Survey provide an important insight into the challenges facing employers across the equestrian sector as businesses continue to navigate rising costs and increasing pressure on margins.
For livery yards, riding schools, training centres and other equestrian businesses, employees are central to day-to-day operations. From horse care and yard management to teaching, administration and customer support, skilled staff play a vital role in maintaining standards of welfare, safety and service.
However, with the cost of running an equestrian business continuing to rise, the impact of increases in employment costs is becoming an increasingly important concern for owners and managers.
Understanding the impact on equestrian employers
The EEA National Minimum Wage Survey was launched to understand how changes to wage levels are affecting employers across the sector and the decisions they are having to make to remain sustainable.
The findings reveal the pressures businesses are experiencing, including:
- 79% report falling profits
- 73% state the cannot afford to invest in their business
- 75% believe that further wage rises will reduce apprenticeship opportunities
- 31% are concerned about the impact on equine welfare
The responses highlight the reality that many equestrian businesses are operating within tight financial margins, where increases in staffing costs must be balanced against rising expenditure in other areas, including feed, bedding, insurance, utilities, maintenance and equipment.
Staffing is essential — but comes at a cost
Unlike many businesses, equestrian employers cannot simply reduce staffing requirements when costs increase. Horses require daily care, seven days a week, and many roles within the sector involve specialist knowledge and practical skills.
For riding schools, trained instructors are essential to delivering lessons safely and professionally. For livery yards, competent staff are required to maintain horse welfare standards and provide reliable care for clients’ horses.
This makes recruitment, retention and fair pay particularly important — but also challenging.
The challenge of balancing fair pay and business viability
Many equestrian employers are committed to paying their teams fairly and recognising the value of skilled staff. However, the survey demonstrates the difficult decisions businesses face when additional costs cannot easily be absorbed.
Employers may need to consider:
- Reviewing pricing structures
- Improving efficiency
- Reducing unnecessary costs
- Investing in staff retention
- Looking carefully at staffing models and working practices
For some businesses, increasing prices may be the only way to cover additional costs, but this must be balanced against customers who are also facing increased household pressures.
Recruitment and retention remain key issues
The survey also highlights the wider challenge of attracting and retaining employees within the equestrian industry.
Experienced, reliable staff are essential, but employers often compete with other sectors offering different working conditions and career pathways.
Creating supportive workplaces, providing training opportunities and recognising employee contributions can all help businesses retain valuable team members.
A sector under pressure
The findings of the Equestrian Employers Association survey reflect the wider challenges facing the equestrian industry.
Businesses are being asked to absorb increases across almost every area of operation while continuing to provide high standards of horse care and customer service.
The message from employers is clear: maintaining a sustainable equestrian workforce requires a careful balance between fair employment practices and the financial realities of running a business.
Supporting employers through change
The Equestrian Employers Association continues to provide guidance, resources and representation for businesses navigating the challenges of employment within the sector.
The National Minimum Wage Survey provides valuable evidence of the issues employers are facing and helps ensure that the realities of running equestrian businesses are recognised.
Read the full report here: National Minimum Wage Survey- The Findings