Market Information

The fact that we now describe the economic activity surrounding the horse as an “industry” shows the progress we have made over the last 20 years, as well as reflecting the changing face of the agricultural and leisure markets in this time.

But what is the horse industry?

The horse industry is more varied than almost any other sector either within agriculture or in the wider leisure industry.

Essentially it can be divided into two parts:

• Activities based on the use, possession or ownership of horses (Core activities)
• Suppliers of horse related goods and services for those core activities (providers to the core)

Activities forming the core part of the industry range from professional through to leisure. In between lie many semi professional riders and participants whose interest is split between earning a living and pure leisure activity.

The industry core caters directly for the needs of consumers. The activities geared toward professional riders include commercial breeders, affiliated sports such as dressage and show jumping, training and racing. The leisure oriented activities include the provision of riding lessons, trekking and tourist attractions.

The other part of the industry is made up of providers of goods and services to the core. Examples include farriery, feed supply and veterinary services, livery yards etc.

Each of these components offer employment to significant numbers of people often in a rural community where opportunities are reducing.

National Equestrian Survey 2023-preliminary findings

A preview of the preliminary findings of BETA’s National Equestrian Survey was presented at the National Equine Forum in London on 02/03/2023. This is the one main independent source of accurate data on the equestrian riding and purchasing landscape undertaken every 4 – 5 years.

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