British Equestrian and Hartpury University are asking people across the equestrian sector to share their experiences and help shape the future of the UK equestrian workforce and volunteer community.
The equestrian industry relies on a huge and diverse range of people — from grooms, yard owners and coaches to business owners, freelancers, volunteers, administrators, officials and specialist professionals.
Now, British Equestrian and Hartpury University are undertaking a major research project to better understand who makes up the equestrian workforce and volunteer community, the experiences of those involved, and what will be needed to support the sector in the future.
And they want to hear from you.
Who should take part?
The research covers the equestrian workforce very broadly. You do not need to work directly with horses, work full-time, or consider equestrianism to be your main career to take part.
You may be eligible for the workforce survey if you currently undertake paid work within or supporting equestrianism, or have done so within the last five years.
This includes people who are:
- Employed full or part-time within equestrianism
- Self-employed, freelance or independent contractors
- Working casually, temporarily, seasonally, through zero-hours or agency arrangements
- Apprentices
- Equestrian business or organisation owners and managers
- Working occasionally in equestrianism alongside another job or career
- Providing services that support horses, equestrian sport, participants, businesses or organisations
- Working in areas such as horse care, yard work, coaching, riding schools, education, training, riding and performance, judging, officiating, event delivery, administration, welfare, safeguarding, veterinary and technical services, marketing, communications, media, research and more
You may still be eligible even if only part of your paid work relates to equestrianism.
The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, although this will vary depending on your current or previous involvement.
Paid staff, freelancers and self-employed
If you currently undertake paid work in equestrianism — or have done so within the last five years — this is your opportunity to share your experience and help identify future skills, training, career and recruitment needs.
Complete the workforce survey:
BEF Workforce Survey
What about volunteers?
Volunteers are an equally important part of the equestrian community, and the research is also looking at the experiences and future needs of those who give their time to support the sector.
You may be eligible if you currently volunteer in equestrianism, or have done so within the last five years.
This could include volunteering:
- At equestrian events and competitions
- Through clubs, riding centres or organisations
- In horse care and yard work
- In coaching or instruction
- In judging, officiating or event delivery
- In administration or membership organisations
- In welfare and safeguarding
- In fundraising, communications or media
- On committees or in governance
- In other roles supporting horses, equestrian sport, participants or organisations
Volunteering does not have to be regular. Occasional, seasonal and voluntary work carried out alongside employment or other commitments can also be relevant.
If you also volunteer alongside your paid equestrian work, you will have the opportunity to provide information about this later in the workforce survey.
Volunteers
Complete the volunteer survey:
BEF Volunteer Survey
Why your response matters
The equestrian sector is changing, and understanding the people who currently work and volunteer within it is an important part of planning for the future.
The findings from this research will help build a clearer picture of the workforce and volunteer community, including the skills, training, career pathways, recruitment challenges and support that may be needed in the years ahead.
Whether equestrianism is your full-time career, a small part of your working life, an occasional source of income or something you give your time to voluntarily, your experience is part of the bigger picture.
By taking around 20 minutes to complete the relevant survey, you can help make sure the realities of working and volunteering in the equestrian sector are represented.
There’s also a chance to win a prize
As a thank you for taking part, participants who complete the survey will have the option to enter a free prize draw to win one of five £50 LeMieux vouchers.
Entry is optional, with full details provided at the end of the survey.
Both surveys close on 31 October 2026.
If you work in equestrianism, run an equestrian business, freelance, provide professional services or volunteer within the sector, now is the time to have your say.
The future of the equestrian workforce and volunteer community depends on understanding the people who make the sector what it is today.