Riding schools on the brink of disaster, research shows
Horse & Hound|October 12, 2023
The future is "frightening" as our schools face challenges with costs, staffing and horsepower
LUCY ELDER
Riding schools on the brink of disaster, research shows

BRITAIN’S riding schools are “on the brink of a disaster” and the future is a “frightening prospect” unless action is taken, leading figures have warned following research.

Last year, the health of riding establishments research by British Equestrian (BEF) and its member bodies highlighted a “supply and demand predicament” (news, 22 September 2022). It found schools were running on average at 75% capacity owing to issues with workforce, horsepower and costs. A year on, there is little change.

“Riding schools are operating in an increasingly struggling sector, and a precarious situation has been exacerbated, by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis,” said Mandana Mehran Pour, BEF head of participation.

“Put simply, our equestrian establishments are on the brink of a disaster and traditional delivery models are under threat if we don’t find ways to address the issues.

This story is from the October 12, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.

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This story is from the October 12, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

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