The CHARACTER of EAST MIDLANDS EQUESTRIANISM...• Facilitate proactive dialogue within the equestrian sector and with local partners concerning development of tourism products. •

The CHARACTER of

EAST MIDLANDS EQUESTRIANISM

in the 21st CENTURY

July 2004

A survey of the equestrian sector in the East Midlandswith an assessment of wider linkages and recommendations

on future policy

Authors

Bob Wood Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Loughborough University Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 3TU T: +44 1509 227632 F: +44 1509 227648 E: [email protected]

Richard Newbold External Relations Office Loughborough University Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 3TU T: +44 1509 228692 F: +44 1509 211516 E: [email protected]

East Midlands Equestrianism i

Summary This study of the equestrian sector in the East Midlands has been prompted by growing interest from several quarters. The British Equestrian Federation has developed a number of national programmes to assist talented competition riders. More recently, DEFRA and the British Horse Industry Confederation have encouraged the UK horse industry to develop a 10-year strategic plan for its sustained development. With Sport England, the British Equestrian Federation is developing an equestrian Facilities Strategy in association with the Olympic and non-Olympic equestrian sport disciplines. At the time of writing, the future of hunting in England remains uncertain. Within the region, Leicestershire County Council launched its Equestrian Strategy and Action Plan in 1999. This has prompted investigation of various aspects of equestrianism and has led to a number of new initiatives aimed promoting business development and wider engagement. This study has extended the approach adopted by Leicestershire County Council to take a snap shot of the equestrian sector within the region and to assess opportunities for future developments. This has been done by various means, including a survey of equestrian stakeholders within the region and a number of stakeholder meetings. Observations As a widespread economic sector, diverse sporting activity and informal recreation opportunity, equestrianism is a significant element of the East Midlands economy, impacting on rural and semi-rural communities. As an industry, the equestrian sector also generates a wide range of activity in academic institutions, supporting educational and training provision, as well as offering an increasing variety of research opportunities. Clearly identified activities in this study span equestrian business, recreation, sporting competition, vocational training and research. Commercially, equestrianism is delivered by a highly fragmented collection of SMEs and micro-businesses which, collectively, punch far below their weight. While reflecting the economic breadth and diverse traditions of the sector, this fragmentation of interests presents a major challenge for the sector moving forward as it: • Limits equestrian sector stakeholders’ structural and time horizons, mitigating against

sound planning for business growth and engagement with wider policy debates • Encourages many stakeholders in the industry to align equestrianism with ‘living heritage’

rather than identification and exploitation of modern business, sporting and recreational opportunities

• Reinforces itself by promoting suspicion and perceptions of adversity, both within

equestrianism and outside it, among policy makers or from other economic sectors • Assumes a passive response to events and policies which impacts greatly on equestrian

stakeholders, businesses and rural communities, with the resulting expectation that nothing can be done

The East Midlands is home to a significant number of HE and FE institutions, lecturers and researchers who are engaged in equestrian related activities. These reflect the fragmentation of the sector while standing largely apart from the industry itself.

East Midlands Equestrianism ii

Opportunities There are opportunities to develop the East Midlands as a vibrant centre of the multi-faceted equestrian industry through capacity building. There is scope to reverse the effects of fragmentation through networking between industry stakeholders to establish awareness of clustering processes by promoting a common industry identity. Key networking issues are: • Integration of organisational infrastructure, industrial stakeholders and/or various user

groups at sub-regional and local levels (e.g. LEEP, WESRRA and BRRA in Leicestershire, Bolsover Riders’ Forum in Nottinghamshire and local Riders’ Groups in Derbyshire), the basis for these networks being to identify and address common concerns and opportunities

• Recognition of a cumulative clustering dynamic and wider economic value of the sector,

as well as the diversity of local experience by promoting co-ordination and ‘join up’ across the region, an activity not currently recognised formally by emda policy on clusters

• Co-ordination of equestrian related academics’ activities in the HE and FE sectors across

the region, initially to form a common opinion on synergies that have been identified within this work. There is scope for elements of the regional network to become established as a recognisable entity, such as the East Midlands Equestrian Research Group (EMERG).

• A ‘pull’ by regional government to establish a (perhaps the National) Centre of Equestrian

Excellence would markedly raise the international profile of the East Midlands. This would complement the region’s equestrian infrastructure and promote unfolding developments in the policy frameworks of DEFRA, Sport England and the British Equestrian Federation.

Assessment Building on developing networks and enhanced clustering processes within the sector, it will then be possible for the industry to improve its wider economic and organisational infrastructure, while identifying the scope to promote change in the sector’s policy environment. Examples of these potential outcomes include ways in which activities of EMERG may promote sustainable businesses by encouraging innovation or reviewing insurance issues as a way of securing value for money or controlling costs. Recommendations GOEM, emda, EMUA and Local Authorities can all contribute to generation of a vibrant and healthy equestrian sector in the East Midlands: GOEM has an opportunity to develop equestrianism by raising its profile and that of the region by encouraging “cross-cutting” and innovation in a range of government policies and wider thinking, for example: • Engaging with DEFRA and BHIC's encouragement of the industry to create a 10 year

development plan. • Acting on behalf of DEFRA, encouraging stakeholders in the region to engage with the 10

year development plan. • Promoting within DCMS, DoH and HO consideration of the potential benefits of Equine

Assisted Psychotherapy, linking with the unfolding international base for research and practice, examples of UK best practice and emerging activities of EMERG.

• Promoting within DfES and DCMS greater use of horse riding as part of the school curriculum in association with the British Horse Society.

East Midlands Equestrianism iii

• Assisting applications for DTI funding of research collaborations between industry stakeholders and the HE/FE sector.

emda can provide strong encouragement by formally recognising in its policies that the Region’s equestrian sector is a “cluster” and provide direction through funding for: • The promotion of network development and initiatives to promote recognition within the

equestrian sector of its collective business identity, responsibilities and opportunities. • Encouraging the development of EMERG by providing funding to support projects that

encourage innovation in the industry and the development of networking with businesses. • Pilot- and case studies that bring EMERG and equestrian sectors together to explore

modern business management practices. Additionally, emda should: • Lead on establishing regional links to key national stakeholders – e.g. Sport England, UK

Sport, the BEF and national governing bodies of the individual equestrian disciplines, to further the profile of East Midlands equestrianism on the national scene.

• Work with the sector and business support agencies, building on the findings of this report to better support commercial equestrian activity in the region, through adopting a formal ‘cluster’ approach to the sector.

• Together with GOEM and representative organisations of the equestrian sector, explore the wider benefits of establishing a Centre of Equestrian Excellence in the region and better coordination of proposals.

• Encourage and facilitate productive networking of the equestrian sector in its engagement with stakeholders in the rural business agenda.

• Consider the potential for developing equestrianism as a driver for increased tourism in the region.

• Facilitate proactive dialogue within the equestrian sector and with local partners concerning development of tourism products.

• Build on the best practice and experience in Leicestershire, to develop a regional strategy for continued development of the equestrian sector.

EMUA now has an opportunity to: • Explore with other stakeholders the possibility of establishing a Rural Economies special

interest group. • Explore and learn from the EMERG initiative in developing a modern rural agenda within

the educational sector. Local Authorities are encouraged to: • Engage more positively with the equestrian sector, recognising its widespread links into

the rural economy and its potential for growth. • Explore a new enabling role in relation to activities of the sector, of course recognising the

importance of existing statutory functions. • Explore examples of best practice among various local authorities, recognising that Rights

of Way Officers have the potential for making an important contribution to development of equestrian tourism. The Pennine Bridleway in Derbyshire and current moves nationally towards preparing Rights of Way Improvement Plans are valuable examples of what may be done by engaging with a wide range of partners. Whilst some liaison is already taking place on these matters, there may be further scope for exchanges of best practice across the region.

East Midlands Equestrianism iv

Equestrian Stakeholders As specialist providers of expertise and services to people in the East Midlands, equestrian businesses and organisations have an opportunity to grow their activities sustainably, while enhancing local opportunities for leisure, recreation and sport by: • Engaging with activities and projects brought forward by local and regional partners; • Developing best practice while encouraging quality within the sector; • Adopting innovation and knowledge transfer as the basis for new forms of practice; • Work towards establishing collective industry opinion, responsibility and vision,

recognising that this can be done on various levels: - Riding schools and liveries working with horse riders to create forums or riding

associations that can encourage and partner Local Authorities in integrated approaches to local issues.

- Recognise the mutual advantages of coordinated action based on networking, for example between riding schools, liveries and freelance instructors/trainers

- Recognise the potential offered by the proposed strategy for the UK horse industry - Encouraging and supporting wider developments from the “Stratford Proposal” that is

being brought forward to provide opportunities for modernisation by the British Equestrian Federation, in association with Sport England and the equestrian disciplines

- Whilst recognising the value of heritage and tradition, give serious consideration to delivering ‘equestrianism in the 21st Century’

All of these thoughts are tentative and brought forward for clarification.

East Midlands Equestrianism v

Index Introduction 1

Context 1 Statistics 2 Themes 4 Structure of report 5

Methodology 7 Current structure, linkages and influences 8

Structure 8 Linkages 8 Influences 9

Opinion within the sector 11

Equestrian enterprise 11 Equestrian recreation and performance 14 Equestrian research and education 16 Written open-ended responses 18

Research Opportunities 20 Centre of Excellence concepts, benefits and opportunities 23

Concepts 23 Benefits 24 Opportunities 24

Moving the region forward 26 Next steps 26

Recommendations for action 26 Acknowledgements 29 References 30 Appendix 1 Questionnaire Appendix 2 Analysis of questionnaire responses Appendix 3 WESRRA constitution and first newsletter Appendix 4 LECF agenda and workshop content

East Midlands Equestrianism vi

Glossary ABRS Association of British Riding Schools AMTRA Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority AQHA American Quarter Horse Association BEF British Equestrian Federation BETA British Equestrian Trade Association BHIC British Horse Industry Confederation BHS British Horse Society BRRA Blaby Recreational Riding Association DCMS Department for Culture, Media and Sport DEFRA Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs DfES Department for Education and Skills DoH Department of Health DTI Department of Trade and Industry EAP Equine Assisted Psychotherapy emda East Midlands Development Agency EMERG East Midlands Equestrian Research Group EMUA East Midlands Universities Association FE Further Education GOEM Government Office for the East Midlands HE Higher Education HEFCE Higher Education Funding Council for England HEROBC Higher Education Reach-out to Business and the Community fund HO Home Office HPA Health Protection Agency HR Human Resources ICT Information and Communication Technologies LEEP Leicestershire Equestrian Enterprise Partnership LSC Learning Skills Council NHS National Health Service ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister PCT Primary Care Trust RDA Riding for the Disabled Association SE Sport England SEEM Social Enterprise East Midlands UKS UK Sport WES Western Equestrian Soc. WESRRA Woodhouse Eaves and Swithland Recreational Riding Association

East Midlands Equestrianism 1

Introduction This study has investigated the current structure and dynamic of equestrianism in the East Midlands, additionally exploring opportunities for future developments in the industry and related policies. It is significant that, during the period of this study, DEFRA and the BHIC have jointly commenced a national study of the horse industry, encouraging the industry to construct a 10-year plan for its development. The first stage of this national study has been a benchmarking exercise carried out by the Henley Centre (1) that has now been followed by a major industry “sounding board” consultation exercise. Where relevant, findings from this benchmarking exercise have been incorporated here. Context The common purpose of the equestrian sector is to provide opportunity for participation and support for activities centred on horses. In taking a snapshot within the region (and by implication the UK), it is important to recognise that equestrianism has evolved over several centuries through use of the horse in military, transport, agricultural, hunting and other sporting activities, including horse racing. Indeed, partitioning of the countryside by hedgerows, lanes and bridleways is a legacy of the once central role of the horse. Although agricultural mechanisation removed the need for horses, horse based activities have remained an integral part of rural life. Developing from this over the past century, various equestrian sporting disciplines became more recognisable, leading to the inclusion of show jumping, dressage and eventing within the Olympics, along with the development of national and international competitions in other disciplines, for example carriage driving and endurance riding. In parallel with these developments, continued use of the horse by some for hunting has preserved various aspects of rural heritage, tradition and social networks. Today, excluding horse racing (managed separately) and hunting (a countryside sport), each of the competitive equestrian sport disciplines is administered by its own National Governing Body, collectively represented by the British Equestrian Federation. Horse racing is administered by the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the British Horse Racing Board and the Jockey Club. Alongside these specialisations, the British Horse Society addresses a broad range of issues such as equine welfare, countryside access and qualification of riding instructors. The British Horse Industry Confederation also acts to represent the multiple interests of these organisations within National Government. Organisationally separate, hunting is governed by a number of bodies, including the Masters of Foxhounds Association. With rising disposable income in recent decades, horse riding has grown as a wider recreational and social activity, creating a growing market for equestrian services, such as riding lessons and livery, along with manufacture of equestrian equipment and related goods. In addition to simply riding for pleasure, this growth has also promoted wider participation in the competitive sport disciplines, enabling those with sufficient talent and commitment to rise through the ranks to national and international levels. This is supported by SE and UKS ‘World Class’ Programmes and funding delivered through the BEF (2). In both SE and UKS, equestrianism has a relatively high profile, being one of SE’s 20 ‘Priority Sports’ (3) and being a ‘Priority 2’ sport within UKS (4). SE and UKS also build on the work of the Riding for the Disabled Association, recognising the therapeutic value of horse riding and supporting the training of several disabled riders competing at international level. Resulting from these developments, equestrianism in the East Midlands and elsewhere embodies a complex and subtle mixture of rural and wider cultural heritage, alongside more modern viewpoints on participation. This spectrum of activity is enabled by farmers, landowners and local authorities who support a substantial physical infrastructure as well as by various service providers and manufacturers, the majority being SMEs and micro businesses. Especially in the provision of services, such as the activities of riding schools


and liveries, many businesses have been developed to satisfy local demand and to support proprietors’ participation in various equestrian activities. Whilst these developments have grown and strengthened sport focused networks they have also added to other historical factors in working against the evolution of equestrianism into recognisable or coherent industry. This has had two major consequences. Firstly, restricting outward engagement with the wider public, strategic partners and policy makers whilst many other sporting and recreational activities have been proactive in attracting increased participation and recognition. Secondly, a lack of identity and profile in a range of national, regional and local developments that influence equestrianism. Third, reflecting inward-looking attitudes, opportunities may be lost where equestrianism can contribute. These consequences and other issues are being addressed through the joint DEFRA/BHIC initiative that is encouraging the UK horse industry to develop a 10-year strategic plan. In addition to playing its part in this, equestrianism in the East Midlands is also related to several regional issues, strategies or studies over varying timescales. The inclusion of equestrianism in some and its absence from others are important themes in this study. These problems of policy-making will be addressed in various ways in later sections. Statistics Whilst the accuracy of existing statistics on the equestrian sector is questioned by the Henley Centre, it is widely accepted that around 2.4 million people ride at least once per week (5). Based in the UK 2001 census, this suggests that there are around 166,000 riders in the East Midlands. This can be thought of as estimating the ‘core’ community because of its active involvement. Widening the view, the Henley report estimates around 11% of the UK population have an active interest through employment and other forms of engagement. Beyond this, around 23% of the UK population express some interest in equestrianism. The core riding community is supported by a number of riding schools, liveries, manufacturers, retailers and other factors. A number of riders also take part in various competitive riding activities or disciplines, such as show jumping, dressage, etc. Competitors and competitions may be affiliated to the relevant National Governing Bodies, or they may be unaffiliated and more recreational in nature. Table 1 shows the number of competitors based in the East Midlands who are affiliated to the relevant National (hence International) Governing Bodies (6): Carriage

driving Dressage Endurance Eventing Show

jumping Total

Derbyshire 77 145 63 71 127 483 Leics. and Rutland 90 112 53 192 171 618 Lincolnshire 67 139 71 136 201 614 Northamptonshire 45 83 61 101 79 369 Nottinghamshire 46 108 55 113 181 503 Total 325 587 303 613 759 2587 Additionally a small but unknown number people participate in Horseball, Polo, Reining, Side Saddle and Vaulting

Table 1: Riders living in the region who are affiliated to the major competition disciplines In addition to providing riding lessons and accommodation for horses, a number of riding establishments also host competitions at various levels. Competitions also take place at other venues, such as Burghley and Chatsworth House. Table 2 indicates the numbers of annual affiliated competitions taking place in the East Midlands that are of regional, national or international significance (6).


Catering for both the recreational riders and competitors, there are a number of instructors, trainers and riding schools. Many of these are accredited either by the ABRS, BHS or competitive equestrian sport disciplines. Developed from (6), Table 3 shows the distribution of these resources throughout the region. The numbers of instructors/trainers and riding establishments shown in Table 3 are not additive, since instructors and trainers may be freelance or may own, or be employed by a riding establishment. Carriage

driving Dressage Endurance Eventing Show

jumping Total

Derbyshire 3 0 2 21 2 9 Leics. and Rutland 1 0 3 2 5 11 Lincolnshire 6 2 8 32 18 37 Northamptonshire 0 0 1 2 2 5 Nottinghamshire 0 0 3 1 3 7 Total 10 2 17 10 30 69 1 Chatsworth Horse Trials is an international competition at Advanced 3* Level. Used in 2004 as an Olympic

Qualifier 2 Burghley Horse Trials is an international competition at Advanced 4* (highest possible) Level. Only four

competitions at this level are held worldwide each year. Chatsworth and Burghley Horse Trials have a combined spectator attendance in excess of 200,000 each year.

Table 2: Numbers of annual affiliated competitions hosted in the East Midlands

Instructors and trainers

Riding establishment

s Derbyshire 46 27 Leics. and Rutland

68 22

Lincolnshire 55 31 Northamptonshire 27 16 Nottinghamshire 45 21 Total 241 117

Table 3: Instructors, trainers and riding establishments in the East Midlands

Whilst the above aspects of participation and service provision are relatively easy to quantify, their economic value, along with that of the wider equestrian sector involving, for example, retail, veterinary and manufacturing activity is another matter. The 1999 BETA National Equestrian Survey (5) has previously attempted to measure the value of the equestrian industry. However, due to the complexity of the industry, some of the data obtained has been ambiguous. The more recent analysis, conducted by the Henley Centre on behalf of DEFRA and BHIC (1), has attempted to map the structure of the industry in the UK and form an initial estimate of its economic value on the basis of final consumption expenditure. Table 4 summarises this estimate and also indicates the reliability of the data using a scale provided by the Henley Centre. Comparison of the total in Table 4 below (£3,400 million) with the BETA estimate of £2.4 billion obtained in 1999, suggests that these figures should be treated as ‘an order of magnitude’ estimate. Given the level of uncertainty in Table 4, it is useful to suggest an estimated order of magnitude value in the East Midlands of around £250 million, obtained by factoring the UK total in Table 4 by the proportion of the UK population in the region.


Clearly, while meant as a guide, this figure should be treated with caution and, as discussed in (1), generation of more accurate data is a necessary but significant task.

Product / service Estimated value £million

Reliability of data*

Horses: breeding, domestic and international trade 142.9 2 Riding lessons 500.0 3 Livery and other paid for accommodation 345.0 2 Leisure riding, trekking, hacking, holidays 70.8 3 Non riding horse related tourism 0.4 3 Affiliated sports: competitions and shows 19.6 3 Unaffiliated sports: competitions and shows 15.4 3 Horse racing events 613.3 2 Association memberships 20.0 3 End consumer horse ownership spend 1,340.0 2 End consumer spend on riding 260.0 2 Magazines and books 50.0 2 Horse meat and other products 2.9 2

Total 3,400 * 1 – Rigorous, 2 – Credible, 3 - Unproven

Table 4: Estimated value of the UK horse industry

Themes The national importance of equestrianism has many facets. For example, recreational and commercial equestrian activities link into many other sectors, including the rural and manufacturing economies, the wider leisure industry. There are also key links with government policies on sport, recreation and other social issues, and the UK science base. In particular: • Equestrianism is recognised as a priority sport by both SE and UKS. • The BEF is in the process of drafting a Facilities Strategy to identify its requirements for a

UK network of equestrian Centres of Excellence, possibly involving creation of a new National Centre

• UK riders and horses are well placed in international competition, especially in eventing and paralympic dressage.

• By not having a coherent structure and clear identity, the equestrian sector risks damage from various developments in which it is not acknowledged as a stakeholder and should be recognised by other organisations as an active partner.

• Through not building on its strengths over a long period of time, equestrianism now has significant capacity for growth, especially through encouraging the adoption of best practice and innovation.

• New opportunities are likely to emerge for commercial provision of equestrian sport and recreation through various initiatives linked to Sport England and DEFRA.

• There are opportunities to develop new tourism products involving equestrian activity as the objective and also in partnership with other sporting and recreational activities.

• Equestrianism has important cultural value in its heritage and tradition. • Equestrian focused research can foster innovation in a large number of areas by bringing

together related research activities in the HE sector


Fig.1 interprets these themes in the context of the East Midlands, relating equestrianism to a number of regional strategies and studies. In each case, the diagram indicates and references the relevant agencies. Much of what follows in this report relates the current status of equestrianism and opportunities for its growth and wider contribution to this unfolding environment of partnerships and policies.

Fig 1: Relationships between equestrianism and key initiatives at regional level Structure of report All of the above themes have regional dimensions that have been explored in this study by building on the following objectives: • To build on the approach developed within Leicestershire County Council (18) to explore

the challenges facing equestrianism in the East Midlands region. • To identify opportunities for improved performance of equestrianism in the region,

especially through increased involvement of the HE/FE sector. • To produce this report as a way of contributing to the policy debate. • To create a web site that could act as a new focus for equestrian activity in the region.

East MidlandsEquestrianism

Change 4 Sport SE (7)

Horse Industry Strategy

DEFRA/BHIC (1)

Culture East Midlands & ‘Time for Culture’ Regional Strategy

GOEM (15)

The Value of the Sports Economy in the Regions

SE (10)

Sport in the East Midlands: The role of Social Enterprises

emda/SEEM/SE (9) East Midlands Rural

Development Programme GOEM (17)

The Emphasis Network Public Health for the East

Midlands/GOEM (13)

Investment for Health East Midlands Regional

Assembly (12)

Women and girls in sport SE (8)

East Midlands Regional Economic

Strategy emda (11)

‘World Class’ Programmes

BEF/SE/UKS (2)

Crime and Disorder Partnerships GOEM (14)

Destination East Midlands emda (16)


These objectives have been pursued by exploring three key interacting elements of equestrianism: • Equestrian enterprise • Equestrian recreation and elite performance • Equestrian research and education

After outlining the methodology used in this study, this report addresses these elements and their interactions through four major sections concerning: • Current structure, linkages and influences • Opinion within the sector • Research opportunities • Centre of Excellence concepts

The report concludes by reviewing next steps and making recommendations for possible future actions.


Methodology The work plan was shaped by an overview of the sector, formed from existing documents, such as the Leicestershire Equestrian Strategy (18) and discussions with regional and sub-regional policy makers and agencies (GOEM, emda and Leicestershire County Council). A list of approximately 750 stakeholders within the East Midlands was identified from information sources such as a previous cataloguing exercise (6), the BETA Equestrian Directory (5), membership lists for various equestrian disciplines and local authority web sites. A questionnaire was circulated to these in 2003 to produce a snapshot of current opinion. This was followed in May 2004 by a series of open meetings across the East Midlands Region. The questionnaire, Appendix 1, was devised to reflect existing equestrian infrastructure and sector linkages, perceived business opportunities and opportunities for collaboration with the HE/FE sector. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 176 stakeholders (23% of those targeted). Appendix 2 contains a quantitative analysis of responses and representation of various equestrian stakeholder groups is considered in the next section. A common core agenda was used for each meeting to focus discussion around the three major themes listed in the introduction. Each meeting was attended by a small number (less than 10) stakeholders, typically from both industry and academe. Proportional input to the meetings from different stakeholder groups is shown in Table 5.

Stakeholder group % HE 8 FE 24 Riding schools and livery 40 Freelance instruction 16 Local Authorities 4 Sector governing / accrediting bodies 8

Table 5: Sub-sector representation at Stakeholder meetings

Within this study, a number of additional networking and mapping activities have taken place and will be discussed in the later sections.


Current structure, linkages and influences Structure The equestrian infrastructure in the East Midlands (and the UK) is highly fragmented. This situation has come about more through the participation of individuals in the evolution of heritage rather than its wider or higher level planned or engineered development. Individual initiative is a fundamental driver of fragmentation in modern equestrianism with many businesses, especially freelance instructors/trainers, riding schools and liveries, existing to support personal involvement with horses. An important aspect of this involvement has been the creation of businesses that enable proprietors to participate in equestrian sport. A consequence of this is that many aspects of equestrian sport are enabled through localised commercial enterprise. Whilst this powerful interest is recognised as an important driver for the existence of equestrian enterprise, it is not generally considered to be a strong influence on its economic performance. From the “outsider” perspective of policy makers and strategic partners, it may be important to acknowledge that many businesses are not seeking to maximise their profits. While an assessment of this aspect of business practice would be beyond the scope of this report, the “satisficing” behaviour and organisational culture of many equestrian businesses may act as a brake on their willingness to adopt best practice and innovation. This theme concerning “lifestyle businesses” is developed further below, in the “Opinion” section. From the questionnaire, Q2 ‘Your area of business / activity’, the largest reported business activities are competition training for both riders and horses, livery provision and provision of both freelance and riding school based recreational instruction. There is a sharp contrast between these areas of the sector and the low level of equestrian related manufacture in the region. Diversity, engagement with other economic sectors and the small scale of commercial initiatives characterise a diffuse industry that is partly driven by a committed interest in growing horse-related business activities. Considering equine care, the number of veterinary practices who responded was similar to the number of practitioners providing ‘alternative therapies’. Responses to ‘other’ for Q2, reflect the diversity of various niche and enabling enterprises that knit the more obvious activities together. Reflecting the emphasis of conventional activities in equestrianism, respondents’ participation interests were reported in Q3 ‘Your equestrian activity’. The major reported activities are competing in dressage, eventing, show jumping, riding for pleasure and hunting. Almost all of the respondents who reported their competitive involvement in dressage, eventing and show jumping also provided training in these disciplines. Linkages Some linkages do exist between stakeholders within equestrianism, typically resulting from their involvement in various types of competition, such as dressage or show jumping, etc. While traditionally competitive, these equine-related linkages are maintained through the national governing bodies of the equestrian disciplines. For this reason, much of the powerful dynamic of clustering plays no significant part in parts of the sector’s current overall economic performance. While many activities of trainers are shaped by the disciplines’ focus on competition, the business potential of riding schools and equestrian businesses such as tack shops is affected by the overall level of participation in equestrian activities and associated levels of demand. Seen by some as important for the formation of skills and competitive training of both horses and riders, hunting as a countryside sport relies on wider links with the rural infrastructure. Here, linkages are sustained with agriculture, and these in turn interact with the recreational needs of equestrianism and other user groups.


As may be expected from the character of the equestrian sector, Q4 ‘Your membership of equestrian bodies’ indicates that a significant number of respondents are affiliated in some way to the BHS. Other relatively substantial levels of affiliation reflect levels of participation and involvement in training within the major competitive disciplines. Given the broad ranging agenda of the BHS in the pursuit of best practice, its real influence is not reflected simply in the proportion of respondents, but is diffused through several important issues, such as off-road access, personal membership and accreditation of riding schools and liveries. To support policy development and implementation, Questions 5, 6 and 7 explored stakeholders’ views on developing a more collaborative style of working within equestrianism: Q5 ‘This questionnaire is part of a study to find out about the horse industries in the East Midlands

and how universities and further education institutions can work with the sector. Would you be interested in joining such a network?’

Q6 ‘Would you be interested in becoming more involved by (any of the following): - Attending a local (your county) meeting to discuss options for the horse industries. - E-mail or conventional mail exchange of views. - Contributing to a message board/forum via the internet (to be established). - One-to-one interview.’

Q7 ‘If the study led to any of the following outcomes would you be interested in contributing to: - A local (your county) business club or network to help promote your business interests and

exchange experience. - A region wide group to lobby for the horse sector to be recognised as a key contributor to the

East Midlands economy and well-being and to receive support from emda to do this. - A bid to British Equestrian Federation to establish a Centre of Excellence.’

Overall, almost 60% of respondents were positive in Q5 about networking with the HE/FE sector. In Q6 a similar proportion was enthusiastic about sector networking through meetings and email exchanges. In contrast, over 40% expressed no interest in taking part in internet forums or one-to-one fact finding interviews. Responding to Q7, over 50% were positive about becoming involved with local equestrian business clubs, with 60% supporting formation of a region-wide lobbying group. A similar proportion were supportive of efforts to establish a Centre of Excellence in the region. Influences The wider institutional context of equestrianism in the East Midlands is exemplified in fig.2, which shows a number of relevant stakeholder organisations and groups and their connectivity. Although fig.2 does not include all associated stakeholder organisations, it adds to fig.1, drawing together those who are particularly relevant to this study. Key points concerning fig.2 are: • Many policy influences on equestrianism in the region emanate from a national level of

organisation, e.g. BHS, BEF affiliated disciplines, etc. • Whilst many equestrian stakeholders are aware of the various wider regional stakeholder

groups and partnership organisations, their complex connectivity is typically invisible to those in the sector.

• Depending on their individual opinions and awareness, most equestrian stakeholders would classify many of the stakeholder groups and organisations in fig.2 from their own perspectives, either as enablers, constraints or currently irrelevant.

• The layout of organisations in fig.2 hints at various functional groupings and 'inner' networks. For example the left of fig.2 relates to various levels of government; Mainstream equestrianism lies in the centre with governing and organisational bodies towards the top; some aspects of the right hand side relate to equestrian heritage.


• The high degree of connectivity between the agencies involved is an indication of significant interaction between major political, economic and cultural influences.

• The detailed nature of some connections, along with lack of awareness within the sector and the possibility of introducing new linkages are all indications of capacity for adopting new activities and the scope for generating growth.

Several examples of the capacity for change and innovation are explored in some detail in later sections, especially where the diversity of “Opinion within the Sector” can be demonstrated as reflecting the scope for introducing new initiatives. In addition to these unfolding possibilities, other developments might include: • Equestrian stakeholders learning to work in a more coordinated way at the county level,

interacting with Sub-Regional Partnerships, Rural Community-, County-, Borough-, and Parish Councils to develop more integrated approaches to decision making and actions concerning the rural economy.

• ABRS, BETA, BHS, emda and the HE and FE sectors, local authorities and others jointly

developing a more integrated view of equestrian business development in relation to the rural agenda.

Fig 2: Key elements of the wider stakeholder network in which equestrianism operates

emda

Sport England

NHS

ABRS

GOEM

DEFRA

BHS

BEF Affiliated

DisciplinesPony Club

Rural Community

Councils

BEF

Sub-Regional Partnerships

BETA

Equestrian retail

FreelanceInstructors

and trainers

Police

Liveries

Ridingschools

Horse racing industry

RecreationalRiding

Associations

County Councils

Borough Councils

RidingClubs

Parish Councils

HE sector

Professional equine care

Bridleways Association

FE sector

Equestrian manufacture

RDA

Hunts

General public

Recreational riders

DCMS ODPM

Breeders

BHIC

A number of rural organisations are relevant but not shown due to the complexity of their connections


Opinion within the sector The questionnaire and meetings have provided opinion from within the sector in quite different ways. While the former suggested HE and FE roles that have been of benefit in other industries, the latter sought opportunities for synergies based on stakeholders’ current perceptions. Recommendations from this study build upon aspects of this dual approach. Equestrian enterprise The majority of equestrian businesses in the East Midlands (riding schools, liveries and freelance instructors and trainers) are concerned with providing services to individuals as riders and owners of horses. There are relatively few manufacturers of equestrian related equipment, although a substantial commercial infrastructure exists for the processing and distribution of horse feedstuffs. Additionally, the activities of riding schools and horse owners create a need for networks of veterinary, farriery, dentistry and retail services. To explore the scope for new initiatives, Section C in the questionnaire focused on various roles that the HE and FE sectors could fulfil in support of equestrian enterprise: Q8 Below are listed various services which might be of benefit to businesses in the equestrian sector

in the East Midlands. Please indicate if you would be interested in initiatives that

- Provide demonstrations of best practice and up-to-date products, service and technologies - Share expertise by the movement of people between Universities, Colleges and companies - Undertake research to assess the feasibility and viability of a Centre of Excellence Network

within the region - Provide easy access to information for companies on products, services and funding

opportunities - Liaise with official bodies (regional agencies, trade, sports and other umbrella organisations - Analyse markets, trends and economic trends - Support young people wishing to start rural businesses relevant to the equestrian industry

Q9 With the exception of the Peak National Park, tourism has not been a key concern of the region’s

equestrian businesses. Should we look for opportunities to bring tourists into the area. Respondents demonstrated considerable support for initiatives that provide new knowledge of products and services, sharing of HE/FE expertise, and assistance in developing networks and improved liaison. Innovative networking and liaison are strongly correlated with improved performance of equestrianism within the wider stakeholder network of organisations in the sector and partners in fig.2. Adoption of this approach would extend across the region and enhance existing initiatives being promoted within Leicestershire by the County Council’s Equestrian Strategy (18). Despite stakeholders' perceptions of the negative business, market and economic climate in which equestrianism operates, 70% of respondents to Q8 supported the notion of initiatives that supported young people starting businesses in the rural economy. However, this should be contrasted with discussions within the meetings. While these views suggested that working conditions are not favourable for young people, there may be scope for young people to start new businesses. Perhaps facilitated by emda and other regional partners, an initiative to support new business formation may reflect employment development initiatives that have been explored previously for agriculture. Over two thirds of respondents to Q9 were interested in promoting opportunities for equestrian related tourism, with Q10 indicating that bed and breakfast for horses, hacking, horse trials, trekking and TREC are seen as major themes. Pointing to new business opportunities, these responses suggest that there is some interest in links with initiatives to promote rural diversification and tourism development.


In creating ‘lifestyle’ businesses to support proprietors’ participation with horses, a number of stakeholders have developed their businesses over several years to become local, regional and, in a few cases, national foci for both recreational and competitive riding. Other businesses have alternatively remained local operators, but have grown through diversification of equestrian interests, for example provision of human and horse shiatsu and provision of a ‘home base’ for local branches of the Pony Club and British Riding Clubs. A sizeable part of the 'enterprise' discussion in each meeting concerned perceived limitations on business performance and growth:

Market size and disposable income: Much of the horse industry serves leisure needs and the low profile of participative equestrianism amongst the general public limits the scope for generating income from the current relatively small market. Over the past 20 or 30 years, riding has been a relatively low cost activity. However, increasing business costs are tending to force charges for riding lessons and livery beyond perceived reasonable levels. As a result, there is a growing trend for riding school customers to curtail lessons more quickly than in the past, in favour of buying their own horse and keeping it at livery. This negatively feeds into the wider equine business environment through reduced riding school income and a rising demand for livery accommodation based on price rather than quality of provision, safety and welfare. Such developments sustain the fragmented structure of equestrianism by enhancing sector stakeholders’ feelings of growing suspicion and uncertainty among business concerns. During the study, industry concerns for the future were expressed concerning the risks of “poaching” customers, the dilution of specialisms and loss of core knowledge previously safeguarded through traditional means of equestrian involvement in competitions or hunting, for example. Farm diversification: Industry stakeholders felt that diversion into equestrian sector activities is being encouraged for policy reasons and taking place without due regard for established livery businesses, quality of provision or rider and horse welfare. This is substantiated by the fact that the Regional Delivery Plan for Sustainable Farming and Food (19) contains no references to ‘equine’ or ‘equestrian’ issues. The extent to which farms are responding is indicated in a recent ‘Base Line’ study carried out by Nottingham University on behalf of GOEM (19), which identified that: • 62% of the 17,000 full time farm businesses in the East Midlands are involved in one or

more diversified activities. • 13% (1370) of these diversified farms have created new equine related businesses and

7.5% (790) have diversified into accommodation and catering. • The average net margin of these new equine and accommodation businesses is £925

pa and £14,300 pa, respectively. • 25% of new diversifications into equine and accommodation business have negative net

margin. Together with equestrian stakeholders' perceptions, these statistics for new equine businesses suggest that damage to the equestrian sector is being done with little clear benefit to new entrants. The above statistics are also interesting in that they highlight the comparative benefits of diversification into accommodation and catering. It is likely that these benefits could be markedly enhanced through various initiatives, for example tourism, that encourage income generation in rural areas by facilitating increased co-operation between the farming and equestrian sectors. Business rates: Generally, these were considered to be unfair on riding schools and liveries, especially where diversified farms were felt to be in subsidised competition. Within several meetings, a particular issue was the extent to which business rate


increases, arising from new developments such as construction of an all-weather riding area, mitigate against the growth/modernisation of small equestrian businesses. Insurance for freelance instructors, riding schools and liveries: Two specialist brokers dominate the market nationally and it is understood that people tend not to investigate alternative quotes, partly in view of their putative market expertise. Whilst recent increases in insurance costs have had a debilitating effect on business performance and sector stakeholder confidence, evidence of the key cost driver - increased customer litigation - was largely anecdotal and perhaps even perceptual. Recent legal decisions have affected insurers’ views of riders’ and horse owners’ liability for accident, leading to premium increases in the absence of changed practices. There is an urgent need for an objective and impartial survey, possibly HE/FE based, of accidents, claims, settlements, riding school standards and working practices over the past decade. This assessment could then be used as a basis for formal discussion between equestrian sector representatives and the insurance sector at national level to help better understand risk.

Staffing: Various issues influence the recruitment of young staff and their retention within equestrian businesses. Requirements of increasingly strict employment law have closed down a number of ‘in kind’ supplements to pay. Impacts from all of the previous points in this section steer businesses to set wages at lower levels and, in some cases, make redundancies. Although not expressed consistently in the meetings, it is recognized nationally that there is disagreement between equestrian businesses and the FE sector concerning suitable training for young staff. There is also the possibility that these issues contribute to the previously mentioned rising insurance costs and that a different mix of skills may beneficially impact on safety, supervision and accident rates.

Business Performance: Against this background of difficulty, equestrian businesses struggle to improve their performance. With increased commercial and regulatory pressures, some businesses have ceased trading and others have sought limited liability and/or not for profit status as training providers. Stakeholders at meetings felt that, if left unchallenged, these issues will continue to restrict equestrian enterprise.

Off-Road Access: Access to safe places for riding is fundamental to participation in equestrianism. In particular, the local availability and quality of such facilities underpins the operation of many riding schools and liveries. With supporting promotion of the wider business benefits, off-road access improvements can generate new business developments. With support from the Countryside Agency, the Pennine Bridleway in Derbyshire is an example of what may be achieved through involving a range of local partners in promoting the local infrastructure.

Assessment: While addressing current constraints, there is scope to grow equestrian enterprise through the development of new initiatives. However, to make sustainable progress on any issue, or combination of issues, it is essential to address the current fragmented structure of equestrianism in the region. A good example of this in practice is a coalition of riding schools in Leicestershire, called the 'Leicestershire Equestrian Enterprise Partnership' or LEEP. Also, the HE and FE sectors have a significant role in both facilitating these developments and being part of them.

Equestrian recreation and performance Equestrian recreation involves riding for pleasure using roads and off-road routes, along with participation in various competitive activities. Whilst there is no sharp distinction between recreation and lower levels of competitive participation, different levels of competition reflect


a clear spectrum of the ability, commitment and experience of riders, horses and trainers, along with levels of funding and support. Exploring the scope for enhancing and extending participation in section D of the questionnaire, over 70% of respondents expressed interest in both of the following Q11 If a joint bid were to go forward from the region to establish an East Midlands Centre of

Equestrian Sports Excellence, would you be interested in supporting or contributing to this? Q12 Would you be interested in supporting or contributing to a programme to promote and improve

access to schoolchildren to horse riding and equestrian activities amongst the general public, especially children.

These views were also supported in discussions at each meeting. Comments on the Centre of Excellence issue were significant and are addressed in more detail later. The infrastructure of equestrian recreation is influenced by several factors: • Since riding schools and liveries provide a home base for many recreational riders,

equestrian recreation and enterprise are tightly bound together. Several stakeholders commented on the likely damage to higher level competitive riding performance in the future due to business constraints that are seen as restricting the scope of instruction.

• While the activities of riding schools are regulated by the district councils, issues of training and best practice for proprietors and instructors are promoted by the business accreditation procedures of ABRS and BHS, as well as the training and examination structures that they offer their members. Development of these practices in response to wider influences is key to producing recreational riders who are competent in both riding and equine welfare.

• Access to safe riding also connects recreation and enterprise. Many access issues are currently being influenced by national and local government activities emanating, for example from the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, including (20):

Rights of Way Improvement Plans Local Access Forums Reclassification of Roads Used as a Public Path (RUPPs) as restricted byways The Discovering Lost Ways Project Development of local projects of economic and recreational benefit The Countryside Stewardship Scheme also offers new access opportunities

Contributing to the regional economy, an equestrian input to these initiatives is vital and can be markedly improved through facilitating better coordination with local partners and promoting innovative networking in the sector at various levels.

• Lack of off-road access, along with lack of connectivity between areas of off-road access exposes both horses and riders to risk from traffic and brings riders into contact with local government Highways Departments and Police enforcement on road traffic matters. This is an important dialogue, but currently an immature and unstructured one.

• The elitist image of equestrianism and the sector’s current lack of engagement with the wider general public has negative effects in several areas including: its lack of profile in relation to other recreational activities and promotion of conflict with other road users. Until recently, the equestrian sector only enjoyed marginal engagement with wider policy debates. While this situation is changing, negative perceptions of the industry can still affect the short “attention span” of policy makers.


• An element of organised networking exists within the recreational riding community. For

example The Pony Club and British Horse Society’s Affiliated Riding Clubs each have organisational infrastructures that are expressed at national, regional and local levels. A number of local initiatives in the East Midlands, such as Recreational Riding Associations, Riders’ Groups and a Riders’ Forum also provide a basis for networking and partnerships. Whilst these networks serve their intended purposes very well, each tends to have a strong focus and currently there is little connectivity that could encourage or enable co-ordinated action. Also, collectively, these networks do not represent the majority of recreational riders. Hence, there is a high degree of fragmentation amongst the recreational riding community, which mirrors that of the service providers.

• Prompted partly by insight gained in this study, one of the authors has been instrumental

in establishing a Recreational Riding Association (WESRRA – Appendix 3). This consists of around 100 recreational riders, two liveries and a riding school within two adjacent parishes in Leicestershire. This initiative aims to address a range of equestrian related issues locally, promote strategic partnership links and encourage increased co-ordination within the sector.

• Other networks like WESRRA, such as BRRA in Leicestershire, Bolsover Riders’ Forum

in Nottinghamshire and various local riders groups in Derbyshire, are local networks of riders that can include equestrian businesses. These networks represent a new level of ‘grass roots’ infrastructure that can work with local authorities and others in an integrated way to address local issues such as road safety, off-road access and community involvement.

• The number of recreational riders fixes the broad scale of demand for the services and manufacturing elements of equestrianism. Alongside measures to encourage wider participation in equestrian activities, initiatives that increase opportunities for recreational riding would be of wider significance for identification of new talent in equestrian sports. In addition to promoting new events through supporting the Long Term Athlete Development concept in an equestrian sport context, increased participation would generate increased business for the equestrian sector supply chain businesses and other sectors of the economy.

• Several opportunities were identified for improving access to horse riding, for example: Broadening the meaning and functionality of riding schools reflecting those found in Germany; Promotion of ‘Taster Sessions’, perhaps in conjunction with other sports; Greater availability of equestrianism as part of physical education in schools, exemplified by developments at Stepney Bank Stables (21) and activities promoted by Charnwood Borough Council in Leicestershire; Development of the tourism product and packages.

From this list, it is clear that a number of interconnected issues need to be addressed. Many of these relate to interactions between the wide range of diverse stakeholder organisations shown in figs.1 and 2. This conclusion confirms that there are new opportunities for equestrianism to benefit from better internal coordination and more proactive engagement with others. Individual riders, through their social networks and with their local riding schools and liveries, also have an important role to play by developing groups and Associations that can engage with strategic agencies and landowners concerning their local issues. Considering performance, the tables presented in the introduction indicate that the East Midlands has a considerable number of riders and horses that compete in the various disciplines. This number represents the broad spectrum of competition levels from local (within counties) up to around 5 or 6 riders at World Class and Olympic level. For riders at


the upper levels of the Olympic disciplines (Dressage, Eventing and Show jumping) funding is available from UKS through the BEF to support training also 2). Funding is available from SE (2) for riders who show promise of achieving this level in the future, again through the BEF. An important consideration in both funding streams is that riders engage with modern performance development processes, such as those developed at Loughborough University for other sports, in addition to traditional equestrian training. This engagement has been slow due to various diverging perspectives on performance issues between the disciplines’ governing bodies, the BEF, SE and UKS. Currently, SE and UKS only fund elite performance riders in the Olympic disciplines, creating a sharp divide between these and competitors in the non-Olympic disciplines and those riders, a majority in numerical terms, competing at lower levels in all disciplines for recreation. However, with recent developments, such as the government’s Game Plan for Sport (22) and its regional implementation (7) there is now an opportunity to redress this imbalance. However, to realise this, the equestrian sector needs to work out how to engage more effectively with the scope for innovation presented by the Long Term Athlete Development model promoted by Sport England. Given the numbers of instructors, trainers, riders at all levels and the existing sport science base in the East Midlands, much could be done to develop innovative instruction and training processes that integrate appropriate elements of traditional and modern practices. This would lead to several benefits: • Regional delivery of the BEF’s World Class Programmes • Delivery of comparable training at all levels in the non-Olympic disciplines • Generation of new enterprise. Establishing the East Midlands as a world leading centre

for equestrian instruction and training would impact on several strategies identified in fig.1 To test the possibility of this as part of this study, the authors organized two meetings exploring creation of a network of instructors and trainers within Leicestershire, proposing it as the Leicestershire Equestrian Competition Foundation (LECF - Appendix 4). Whilst not yet successful in establishing this as a sustainable network, the meetings were valuable in identifying appropriate stakeholders, recognising their difficulties in making significant step changes and their willingness to network in more exploratory ways, including the development of web pages that could be used for promotional purposes. While this initiative has benefited from local authority support, further development of this activity in future could also benefit from emda recognition of the regional equestrian cluster as well as wider engagement with the British Equestrian Federation and the unfolding Sports Partnership structures that are being promoted by Sport England at a sub-regional level. Equestrian research and education Traditionally, HE involvement in equestrianism has concentrated on veterinary research and teaching of veterinary degree courses. More recently, the FE sector has engaged with equestrianism through diversification of agricultural colleges in the face of declining agricultural requirements. These colleges fulfil two important roles: most providing training for young people aiming to work in riding schools and liveries; and a smaller number working in partnership with the BHS to provide training and examinations for future instructors. More recently, the HE/FE distinction has been blurred through a number of new universities developing partnerships with local colleges to offer a range of equine science degree programmes. This study has identified over 30 academics in the region who expressed interest in the survey and opportunities that it may bring about. These academics will be invited to a workshop during this summer to explore the formation of a regional research network, proposed to be the East Midlands Equestrian Research Group or ‘EMERG’. This will be a significant step in bringing together related aspects of the region's equestrian related


research base, including the forthcoming Veterinary School at Nottingham University. Creation of this network will recognise the complementary skills and expertise in both HE and FE institutions. An indication of the breadth of possible activity is given later. To provide a context for reviewing the likely equestrian involvement of the FE/HE sectors, the following questions addressed training and education in the questionnaire: Q13 Do you think there are enough training courses locally, to improve your knowledge and skills or

your staff? Q14 Would you be interested in attending/sending staff on such courses if they were provided? Q15 What specific courses do you think are needed?

- Management - Horse care - Horse management - Other

Q16 What kind of training would you be interested in?

- Training courses for employees on specific aspects of equestrianism - Training courses for more general skills associated with equestrian businesses - Develop training materials for use outside a formal college/teaching establishment - Other

Almost half of respondents to Q13 indicated that too few training courses are available and around 70% responding to Q14 stated their interest in attending and sending employees on appropriate courses. Responses to Q15 concerning particular types of courses were less clear. Given choice between Management, Horse care and Horse Management, around 50% expressed a need for each, but around 40% made no response. Responses to 'Other' in Q15 were varied, including a need for courses on teacher training, equine first aid, marketing and on-the-job training. When asked about training for specific or general aspects of equestrianism in Q16, respondents were similarly polarized, almost half indicating their benefit, but around one third offering no response. Comments received in response to 'Other' in Q16 were broad ranging, but with no great strength of opinion. Discussions with stakeholders within the meetings indicated a long standing mis-match between industry expectation and output from FE. With compelling arguments from industry and FE, there is a need to determine a new basis for training provision, with relevant stakeholders perhaps taking more account of the wider issues, some of which are discussed here. Key issues emerging from discussions were: • Closer industry links with colleges are important as a vehicle for assessing need and

effective demand for training. • Training on how to be an equestrian employer would be a way of addressing perceived

skill shortages and staff turnover – ICT/HR/Business skills. • To improve business performance among liveries, training programmes could include

horse and stable management, as well as customer care. • There are difficulties with GCSE/EDEXCEL assessments and criteria for training skills as

they are inappropriate and unsatisfactory. • While there were different views on whether college-based training meets the industry’s

needs, the NVQ system may be more appropriate and relevant. • Education is becoming a customer-led activity. While industrial placements are

encouraged, not all students are keen. Does exposure to the College environment affect students’ willingness to enter equine businesses?

• Market research into employment patterns and qualifications may help to promote the industry’s attractiveness to potential students.


The following questions were concerned with equestrianism working with the Region’s Universities as a way of promoting the drivers and dynamics of clustering: Q17 The Government is urging universities to work closely with businesses in their local area. Is this

of interest to you? Q18 If you are interested in working with Universities, how would this happen?

- Helping to develop EXISTING products or services - Helping to develop NEW products or services - Helping to improve business administration

Q19 What kind of collaboration would be of interest to you

- Student(s) working on a project of potential benefit to you - Academic staff undertaking consultancy for you - Research project of potential benefit to you

Around 70% of respondents to Q17 indicated their interest in the general concept of collaboration with universities. In exploring more particular issues in Q's 18 and 19, such as innovation and the development of products, etc, less than half indicated a positive response, with over one third choosing to make no response. Much of the research-focused discussions in the stakeholder meetings suggested a lack of awareness concerning practical opportunities for collaboration. Given the traditional background of equestrianism and its current fragmented structure, this is not surprising. However, agreement was found on the following points: • Application of relevant research can positively affect the performance of businesses,

riders and horses. • Joint academe and industry exploration of research proposals would be an important

mechanism for greater cohesion and sustainable development of the sector. Written open-ended responses The final question encouraged respondents to reiterate points from previous questions and to highlight any issues not already covered: Q20 Our survey has concentrated on a small part of the issues confronting the equestrian sector.

Please feel free to add further by considering some of the points below or any others you feel are important and commenting in the box below

(a) Effect of foot and mouth (b) The future of hunting (c) Diversification in farming (d) Scope for (horse) tourism in the East Midlands (e) Access to the countryside


From the 30 replies provided, table 6 shows the extent to which each of the above topics was considered.

Topic Responses Flavour Foot and mouth 5 (17%) Recounting negative effects Hunting 10 (33%) Supportive Farm diversification 14 (48%) 12 critical + 2 positive Tourism 4 (13%) Agreed that opportunities exist Access 9 (30%) Supporting need for improvements

Table 6: Breakdown of written responses to Q20

Additional comments were made on the following: - Value of research into health benefits of riding - The need for more equestrian awareness and interest within local authorities - Additional Funding required for training - Need to consider reduced Speed limits on minor roads - Added value in the Region from a Centre of Excellence and high quality training - Scope for development of equestrian facilities as shared community resources - Veterinary and welfare services and products should not be subject to VAT - Riders need to be educated in their use of the countryside as a way of improving

relations with farmers and landowners - Whilst the horse sector has many groups and associations, they do little to reduce

fragmentation - A wide range of views was expressed about training of employees in the workplace


Research opportunities Building on the previous points, and by taking a structured view of equestrianism, in part based on fig.2, a mapping exercise has identified significant opportunities. These are summarized with the help of fig.3, which divides equestrianism into five major interconnected research areas.

Fig 3: Primary equestrian research areas The following list exemplifies research activities in each area shown in fig.3. Each activity has either been identified by this study or has been developed previously through existing links between academics at Loughborough- or other Universities and equestrian sector stakeholders. The horse: Work in this area can apply and extend traditional equine veterinary research through integration of a broad range of expertise from other disciplines to consider themes that may impact on manufacturing processes in other sectors, wider business development or equestrian sport performance. Examples include: • Analysis of hoof wall formation, structure and mechanical properties. In addition to

supporting clinical and welfare issues, this work will contribute to the synthesis of new engineering materials. The United States Office of Naval Research has expressed an interest in this.

• Analysis of horse jump mechanics providing the basis for two computer models: To support

training of elite riders competing in cross country and show jumping, analysing energy expenditure and route planning; and the development of enhanced facilities, calibrating the difficulty of jumps together with their entry and exit conditions. Results from this research could in future feed into design and specification of facilities and to identification of new business opportunities.

• Measurement of physiological indicators of horse and rider psychology with real-time

feedback to the rider and trainer. Innovative technical developments here are also likely to impact on the real-time monitoring of various human and equine clinical conditions.

The horse

Equestrian enterprise

Therider

Elite performance development

Equestrian equipment


Equestrian equipment: Traditionally, many aspects of equestrian-related manufacturing have been craft based, relying on human skill and having no quantitative insight into product function or quality. Technical research in this area will have a profound influence on equestrian-related enterprise. Current examples suggest the types of developments that are possible and highlight the potential added value that could be generated by funding the extension of equestrian research and promoting it more widely: • A recently completed project involving undergraduate students at Loughborough University

and a carriage manufacturer in the region has developed a novel method for managing design and manufacturing information in SMEs. Further development and commercialisation of this methodology is being explored.

• Whilst the UK saddle making industry is currently buoyant, the reliance of larger

manufacturers on craft skills and their inability to recruit young trainees is likely to pose a significant threat within 15 years or so. Saddle manufacturers in the West Midlands are working with Advantage West Midlands, Loughborough- and Wolverhampton Universities to develop innovative design and manufacturing methods based on state of the art engineering analysis techniques. In addition to addressing problems of the industry’s current skills base, this work will aim to promote innovation and new product development.

Equestrian enterprise: Major opportunities reflect the need to address fragmentation, modernisation and exploration of new initiatives to promote growth. On various issues, the region’s research community may be a significant agent due to its relatively impartial presence in fig.2. To make an effective contribution, the research community will need to establish new forms of collaboration with a wide range of new funders and partners. For example: • The academic sector has a primary role in facilitating the creation of sustainable networks

that would start to engage with and take up the spare capacity in the equestrian sector. • Survey and analysis of insurance claims made by riding school and livery customers may

assist the growth of sustainable businesses and encourage improvement of the region’s wider equestrian and business infrastructure.

• Design of new training methods for people entering employment in equestrianism based on

better agreement between stakeholders and commitment of resources by/with partners would address quality issues and enhance business performance.

• Detailed analysis of equestrian sector/industry infrastructures in other countries, especially

Germany and France, which highlight good practice in the operation of local riding schools and equestrian tourism, respectively. Promoting business excellence in rural areas at a local level, this work could also encourage activities in various sectors that enhance the contribution of SME’s to diversification of the rural economy.

• Significant economic benefit could be obtained through adoption / adaptation of modern

business management practices and tools developed in other industry sectors. For example, techniques routinely used to simulate operation and optimisation of factory layouts have been applied at Loughborough University to the operation of riding schools and liveries. These new tools would enable convenient quantitative business forecasting and optimisation of resources.

• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (23,24,25) is an emerging technique for the treatment of

various mental disorders and rehabilitation of young offenders. It is timely to explore its benefit in the UK, through clinical studies that would bring together RDA, NHS and a range


of other stakeholders. In this way, equestrian research may provide an evidence base while identifying the scope for generating new business and engagement with an important health agenda. This should also be seen as an example of new initiatives, also including tourism, through which equestrianism can provide a service to wider society while also promoting sustainable businesses.

The rider: Traditionally, rider and/or horse performance is assessed visually at a distance by an instructor or trainer. However, technology is available to assemble visualisation systems that riders and instructors/trainers can wear during training, to display a range of factors that indicate rider and horse performance. Providing improved feedback to the instructor and rider, as well as an additional understanding of the partnership between horse and rider, this is an example of ‘Augmented Reality’ (26) which offers new opportunities to investigate biomechanical phenomena and provide real time feedback on performance. Elite performance development: Success under the equestrian funding regime established by SE and UKS relies on the integration of modern athletic performance development processes with traditional rider and horse training methods. Many of the innovations mentioned above provide mechanisms to enable this policy objective, with the possibility of spin off technology and processes enhancing elite performance in a wide range of sports. From the breadth of research activities in the foregoing list it should be noted that: • There are numerous opportunities for the HE/FE sector to become an integral and

influential part of equestrianism as a dynamic of contemporary economic and social life. • As a source of research excellence and expertise, the HE/FE sector can assist the growth

of equestrianism in number of technical and commercial directions, including the creation of an innovative, hi tech, culturally relevant image.

• Developments within equestrianism and the focus of equestrian business can be built upon to generate a range of wealth generating spin off activities.

• There is an opportunity, through EMERG or similar, to establish in the East Midlands a world class base for equestrian and related research.


Centre of Excellence concepts, benefits and opportunities In recent years there has been considerable interest in the possibility of creating a Centre of Equestrian Excellence in the East Midlands. Initially, thoughts centred on equestrian heritage and ways that it might be capitalized on, especially in Leicestershire (and Lincolnshire. Although considerable progress has since been made by project promoters in identifying rational elements of structure and purpose, no single model has yet emerged from the region, the BEF’s Facilities Strategy process or the associated deliberations at a national level. In part, this has been due to the rich variety of activity and fragmentation within equestrianism, wide ranging view points and specialisms of key stakeholders and lack of guidance from the BEF on its development of a national network of facilities for training of elite riders and horses. From a regional perspective, it is important to note that this network may include creation of a new National Equestrian Centre. Concepts Key concepts that have been debated for some time are: • The East Midlands region as a centre of excellence, also implying excellence of the wider

infrastructure for riding and excellence of the equestrian experience. • Hosting of a wider range of high level competitions. The region is well regarded for

annually hosting two international eventing competitions. However, as indicated in the Introduction, it lacks similar profile in other disciplines, such as dressage, endurance, show jumping, etc.

• The development of a new physical centre that would be a focus for instruction, training

and competition. • A research centre or network that could support equestrianism through innovation in

various commercial, veterinary, technical and operational areas. • A joint industry / FE network, as well as a centre for the development of vocational training • An equestrian museum, possibly linked to academic study of cultural, heritage/tradition

and zoological issues. Whilst these concepts address key elements of equestrianism, each is vague about implementation. Indeed, there is overlap and several possible projects share aspects of implementation. While there are great potential advantages of creating a Centre of Excellence in the East Midlands, there is a possible risk in the view of many in the industry of damaging existing equestrian business through inappropriate implementation. Reflecting these opportunities and concerns, it is suggested here that the remit of a Regional or National Centre should comprise of four key elements that draw together and would then realise all of the above concepts: • Provide high quality instruction and training for riders and horses • Host national and international level competitions • Have an international presence in equestrian related research • Play a pivotal role in developing all aspects of equestrianism

If a Centre of Excellence were developed in the region to complement the existing infrastructure of the industry, it should aim to strike a careful balance between adding new


resource where needed and helping existing resources to modernise. This approach allows the possibility of developing a new physical centre as a strong focal point whilst also adding value to existing businesses. In this way, a Centre would act as both a focus and driver of sustainable economic growth in the rural economy. Beyond this core expertise, the research element would impact the wider manufacturing economy through generating spin-off intellectual property. Benefits On the basis of this functionality, establishing the National- or a lesser Regional Centre of Excellence in the East Midlands offers numerous benefits to the region: • Wider international recognition of the region’s sporting, recreational and cultural profiles. • Increased attractiveness and visibility of the East Midlands as an internationally

competitive location for inward investment • Increased international standing of the region through the hosting of significant equestrian

events. • Due to its relatively central position and good transport networks, a major Centre in the

region would encourage greater attendance than many other UK and international locations.

• A focus for developing better equestrian engagement with the rural agenda through promoting an enhanced equestrian infrastructure.

• A strong driver of equestrian related tourism through enhancing the growth and viability of rural businesses by disseminating best practice and raising the profile.

• Attraction of riders and horses nationally and from around the world for high quality state of the art training.

• Opportunity to encourage and promote developments in equestrian business management in both service provision and manufacture.

• New focus on technical understanding of equestrian equipment to support improved standards of new product development, including functionality, design, manufacture and business performance.

• Wide ranging spin offs from technical understanding into other sports, as well as clinical techniques and processes, and the engineering of biomimetic and other intelligent materials in other sectors of the economy.

Opportunities For convenience below, specific measures to realise these advantages as opportunities are grouped under potential activities of a notional Centre in the East Midlands: • Provide high quality instruction and training for riders and horses

- Promoting a network of instructors, trainers and riders exemplified by LECF. - Development of innovative instruction and training processes through integration of

traditional training methods with human sport science at Loughborough University, equine psychology at Nottingham Trent University and equine sport medicine at Nottingham University.

- Marketing of new expertise and innovative training/instruction processes to establish international customer base.

- Enhancement of instruction and training processes through adoption of innovative methods of performance measurement and visualisation developed within the research element, as summarised below.

- Commercialisation of new processes through training the trainers and franchising. • Host national and international level competitions

- Burghley and Chatsworth are well established international eventing competitions.


- There is a need for a recognised network of good quality venues across the region for eventing at lower levels.

- There is a need for arena based facilities to host competitions in dressage, show jumping and other disciplines, providing seating for audiences of around 10,000.

- Endurance riding competitions require adequate off-road access on routes of up to 100 miles. This would be dependent on (and good reason for) better engagement of equestrianism with wider rural issues with partners across the region.

• Have an international presence in equestrian related research

- The East Midlands already has a broad equestrian related research base. - The forthcoming veterinary school at Nottingham University is a significant addition. - EMERG or similar can provide a mechanism for uniting academic and industry

stakeholders. - Currently recognised research topics provide a broad starting point for developing a

sustainable research network. - Significant potential spin-offs for innovative technology development and new business

sectors already identified. • Play a pivotal role in developing all aspects of equestrianism

- Encourage / facilitate better engagement of equestrianism with partners in the region that are addressing wider rural issues.

- Encourage / facilitate development of new off-road access for various user groups in association with farmers, landowners, local authorities and partners.

- Encourage / facilitate increased participation in recreational riding and carriage driving in association with the relevant equestrian sport governing bodies, Riding for the Disabled Association, the DoH and the various NHS PCT’s.

- With partners promoting tourism development in the region, Encourage / facilitate development of equestrian related tourism products, including adequate accommodation, veterinary, farriery, dentistry, repair and retail networks.

- Develop and promote improved business practices and effective use of ICT, with LSC’s and the FE sector.

- Develop and promote improved vocational training with LSC’s, the FE sector and equine businesses.

- Commercialisation or other promotion of equestrian research results. - Encourage / facilitate better consideration of equestrian related services in a range of

government thinking, e.g. EAP, health and wellbeing, changing demographic issues and active recreation for all ages.


Moving the region forward The strength of opinions and levels of business and recreational activity measured in this study indicate that equestrianism has considerable heritage and cultural value, as well as significant capacity for growth and delivery of wider benefits. Next steps Sustainable development of the region’s equestrian sector can best be achieved through its taking collective ownership of the issues that affect it. Engagement with a wide range of partners and networking will be also essential to develop and facilitate new initiatives leading to its growth. • Networking: Potential is currently limited by fragmentation and the independent-minded

character of many equestrian stakeholders. Whilst an important part of the sector’s heritage, this business culture may be transformed through encouragement of networking and capacity building to establish collective industry opinion and vision. It is important that this process is informed by new knowledge of business practices and training opportunities.

• Wider engagement: Given its broad ranging potential, a further lever of change is for

relevant organisations external to equestrianism, for example many of those noted in fig.1, to encourage and help steer developments. This new style of engagement may be encouraged by understanding the value that equestrianism has for these agencies and communicating this to the equestrian sector. For example considering tourism, a more joined-up equestrian sector could work with both the region's farm diversification agenda and other tourism initiatives to develop a range of products. To be successful, this would require partnering with various stakeholder organisations shown in fig.2.

• Focus for partnerships and infrastructure: Establishing a Centre of Equestrian

Excellence in the East Midlands would contribute to the region’s aspirations in a number of ways. Whilst decision making on various aspects of this also involves various national equestrian organisations and other stakeholders, regional government could exert a strong ‘pull’, justified by the number and quality of existing equestrian resources, and the creation of appropriate partnerships for further development.

• Innovation, research and technological development: The existing distributed

community of equestrian related academics could be brought together to develop an international quality research base within the region. In addition to its equestrian focus, this network is likely to develop spin off technologies having considerable commercial value.

Recommendations for action The current dormancy of equestrianism is a symptom of the sector’s lack of identity and a consequence of it not ‘moving with the times’ over the past 30 or 40 years. However, dormancy need not equate to demise since the existing equestrian infrastructure, together with the enthusiasm of many equestrian stakeholders for positive change, offers ample opportunity for modernisation and growth. GOEM, emda, EMUA, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders can all contribute to and benefit from the development of a vibrant and healthy equestrian sector in the East Midlands. In particular: GOEM has an opportunity to develop equestrianism by raising its profile and that of the region by encouraging “cross-cutting” and innovation in a range of government policies and wider thinking, for example:


• Engaging with DEFRA and BHIC's encouragement of the industry to create a 10 year development plan.

• Acting on behalf of DEFRA, encouraging stakeholders in the region to engage with the 10 year development plan.

• Promoting within DCMS, DoH and HO consideration of the potential benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, linking with the unfolding international base for research and practice, examples of UK best practice and emerging activities of EMERG.

• Promoting within DfES and DCMS greater use of horse riding as part of the school curriculum in association with the British Horse Society.

• Assisting applications for DTI funding of research collaborations between industry stakeholders and the HE/FE sector.

emda can provide strong encouragement by formally recognising in its policies that the Region’s equestrian sector is a “cluster” and provide direction through funding for: • The promotion of network development and initiatives to promote recognition within the

equestrian sector of its collective business identity, responsibilities and opportunities. • Encouraging the development of EMERG by providing funding to support projects that

encourage innovation in the industry and the development of networking with businesses. • Pilot- and case studies that bring EMERG and equestrian sectors together to explore

modern business management practices. Additionally, emda should: • Lead on establishing regional links to key national stakeholders – e.g. Sport England, UK

Sport, the BEF and national governing bodies of the individual equestrian disciplines, to further the profile of East Midlands equestrianism on the national scene.

• Work with the sector and business support agencies, building on the findings of this report to better support commercial equestrian activity in the region, through adopting a formal ‘cluster’ approach to the sector.

• Together with GOEM and representative organisations of the equestrian sector, explore the wider benefits of establishing a Centre of Equestrian Excellence in the region and better coordination of proposals.

• Encourage and facilitate productive networking of the equestrian sector in its engagement with stakeholders in the rural business agenda.

• Consider the potential for developing equestrianism as a driver for increased tourism in the region.

• Facilitate proactive dialogue within the equestrian sector and with local partners concerning development of tourism products.

• Build on the best practice and experience in Leicestershire, to develop a regional strategy for continued development of the equestrian sector.

EMUA now has an opportunity to: • Explore with other stakeholders the possibility of establishing a Rural Economies special

interest group. • Explore and learn from the EMERG initiative in developing a modern rural agenda within

the educational sector.


Local Authorities are encouraged to: • Engage more positively with the equestrian sector, recognising its widespread links into

the rural economy and its potential for growth. • Explore a new enabling role in relation to activities of the sector, of course recognising the

importance of existing statutory functions. • Explore examples of best practice among various local authorities, recognising that Rights

of Way Officers have the potential for making an important contribution to development of equestrian tourism. The Pennine Bridleway in Derbyshire and current moves nationally towards preparing Rights of Way Improvement Plans are valuable examples of what may be done by engaging with a wide range of partners. Whilst some liaison is already taking place on these matters, there may be further scope for exchanges of best practice across the region.

Equestrian Stakeholders As specialist providers of expertise and services to people in the East Midlands, equestrian businesses and organisations have an opportunity to grow their activities sustainably, while enhancing local opportunities for leisure, recreation and sport by: • Engaging with activities and projects brought forward by local and regional partners; • Developing best practice while encouraging quality within the sector; • Adopting innovation and knowledge transfer as the basis for new forms of practice; • Work towards establishing collective industry opinion, responsibility and vision,

recognising that this can be done on various levels: - Riding schools and liveries working with horse riders to create forums or riding

associations that can encourage and partner Local Authorities in integrated approaches to local issues.

- Recognise the mutual advantages of coordinated action based on networking, for example between riding schools, liveries and freelance instructors/trainers

- Recognise the potential offered by the proposed strategy for the UK horse industry - Encouraging and supporting wider developments from the “Stratford Proposal” that is

being brought forward to provide opportunities for modernisation by the British Equestrian Federation, in association with Sport England and the equestrian disciplines

- Whilst recognising the value of heritage and tradition, give serious consideration to delivering ‘equestrianism in the 21st Century’

All of these thoughts are tentative and brought forward for clarification.


Acknowledgements The authors are grateful for the contributions made to this study by the Environment and Heritage Service, Community Services Department, Leicestershire County Council. This project was supported by HEFCE as part of a collaborative University programme (HEROBC Innovation and Regional Fellowships) aiming to support University contributions to regional economic development and research commercialisation (27). The programme supports projects at the Universities of Nottingham, Leicester and Loughborough.


References 1. http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/horses/topics/research.htm

2. http://www.bef.co.uk/worldclass/fsworldclass.htm

3. http://www.sportengland.org/priority_sports

4. http://www.uksport.gov.uk/enlighten/vwpg.asp?ID=93&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uksport.gov.

uk%2Fgeneric_template.asp%3Fid%3D12185

5. http://www.beta-uk.org/

6. “EQUESTRIAN RESOURCES IN THE EAST MIDLANDS”, “Leicestershire, Equestrian Centre of Excellence” Partnership, 2002.

7. http://www.sportengland.org/eastmidlands_index/eastmidlands_in_your_region/east_midlands-regional_plan_for_sport.htm

8. http://www.sportengland.org/women-and-girls-project.pdf

9. http://www.sportengland.org/social-enterprise.pdf

10. http://www.sportengland.org/sport-em-june03.pdf

11. http://www.emda.org.uk/res/

12. http://www.investmentforhealth.org.uk

13. http://www.empho.ork.uk/emphasis.htm

14. http://www.go-em.gov.uk/crime/index.php

15. http://www.go-em.gov.uk/dcms/index.php

16. http://www.emda.org.uk/documents/emTourismStrategyFull.pdf

17. http://www.go-em.gov.uk/rural/englandrd.php?x=0

18. http://www.leics.gov.uk/p_t/tourism/visitor_information/equestrian/strategy.htm

19. http://www.go-em.gov.uk/rural/sustainablefarming.php?x=0

20. http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/cl/

21. http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools/resources/placestovisit/detail.cfm?id=406

22. http://www.number-10.gov.uk/su/sport/report/01.htm

23. http://www.catra.net/info/silent.html

24. http://www.wellchildassoc.org/eap.htm

25. http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/best/article.php?aid=41669

26. http://hci.rsc.rockwell.com/AugmentedReality/

27. http://www.emua.ac.uk/pages/otherprojects.html

East Midlands Equestrianism

Appendix 1

Questionnaire

East Midlands Equestrianism - Appendix 1.1-

A small task force from Loughborough University and Leicestershire County Council is undertaking a study of the potential for developing the equestrian sector as a key part of the East Midlands economy. The study will concentrate on entrepreneurship, recreational and elite participation, and the needs for workforce training and research, but will inevitably touch on other concerns. By taking part in this survey, you are helping to inform decision makers in local, regional and national government, of the popularity and scale of equestrian activities. The study will also explore the importance of equestrian businesses in the regional and rural economy. Please take a few minutes to fill in this questionnaire. A series of open, local meetings will take place across the Region later in the year to debate some of the issues, which are raised by this survey and the accompanying study. Information collected by this survey will only be used to support this study. We hope that this information gathering initiative will encourage you to participate in further ways. As well as the responses to the “participation” section of the survey, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you further. Please contact: Bob Wood, Loughborough University by e-mail at [email protected] or ‘phone 01509-227632 Section A: General Questions

1. Please give your postcode or town/village: ............................................

2. Your area of business/activity. Do you provide any of the following? (Check all that apply)

Breeding horses/ponies Competition training (horses) Competition training (riders) Dealing horses/ponies Equine care (Alternative therapies) Equine care (Dentistry) Equine care (Farriery) Equine care (Veterinary) Equine welfare/rescue Insurance Land Owner Livery Manufacture (Carriages) Manufacture (Lorinery)

Manufacture (Saddlery) Manufacture (Stable maintenance) Manufacture (Stables) Recreational driving Recreational driving instruction Recreational riding Recreational riding instruction (freelance)

Recreational riding instruction (riding school)

Retail/repair

Other (please specify).......................................................................... 3. Your equestrian activity. Do you participate in any of the following? Check all that apply. (Please check

T if you provide training)

Highest level/class or Recreation

T

Dressage Driving Endurance Eventing Hacking Hacking Horse Ball

Highest level/class or Recreation

T

Hunting Polo Polocross Reining Show Jumping Showing Trek Vaulting

Other (please specify)..........................................................................


4. Your membership of equestrian bodies. Please indicate which of the following you are a member of or

affiliated to. Check all that apply:

Association of British Riding Schools British Dressage British Equestrian Trade Association British Equestrian Vaulting British Equine Veterinary Association British Eventing British Horse Ball Association British Horse Driving Trials Association British Horse Society British Reining Horse Association British Show Jumping Association

Endurance GB Pony Club Riding for the Disabled Association Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Worshipful Company of Farriers Worshipful Company of Loriners Worshipful Company of Saddlers Country Landowners Association

Other (please specify)..........................................................................

Section B: Promoting the industry through concerted efforts

5. This questionnaire is part of a study to find out about the horse industries in the East Midlands and how universities and further education institutions can work with the sector. Would you be interested in joining such a network?

Very Interested/Moderately Interested/Only through filling in this survey

6. Would you be interested in becoming more involved by (any of the following):

Attending a local (your county) meeting to discuss options for the horse industries – Yes/No E-mail or conventional mail exchange of views– Yes/No Contributing to a message board/forum via the internet (to be established) – Yes/No

One-to-one interview– Yes/No

7. If the study led to any of the following outcomes would you be interested in contributing to:

A local (your county) business club or network to help promote your business interests and exchange experience. – Yes/No A region wide group to lobby for the horse sector to be recognised as a key contributor to the East Midlands economy and well-being and to receive support from emda to do this. – Yes/No A bid to British Equestrian Federation to establish a Centre of Excellence – Yes/No

Section C: Equestrian Enterprise

8. Below are listed a number of services which might be of benefit to businesses in the equestrian sector in the East Midlands. Please indicate if you would be interested in initiatives that:

Provide demonstrations of best practice and up-to-date products, service and technologies

Great Interest/Some Interest/No Interest Share expertise by the movement of people between Universities, Colleges and companies

Great Interest/Some Interest/No Interest Undertake research to assess the feasibility and viability of a Centre of Excellence Network within the region

Great Interest/Some Interest/No Interest


Provide easy access to information for companies on products, services and funding opportunities Great Interest/Some Interest/No Interest

Liaise with official bodies (regional agencies, trade, sports and other umbrella organisations)

Great Interest/Some Interest/No Interest Analysis of markets, trends and economic trends Great Interest/Some Interest/No Interest Support for young people wishing to start rural businesses relevant to the equestrian industry.

Great Interest/Some Interest/No Interest 9. Tourism has not (with the exception of the Peak National Park) been a key concern of the region’s

equestrian businesses. Should we look for opportunities to bring tourists into the area. Very Interested/Moderately Interested/Not interested

10. Which of the following tourist activities do you think could be viable in the East Midlands

Pony Trekking Hacking Trail Riding Horse Trials Carriage Riding Bed and Breakfast for Horses Le TREC

Other Horse activities (please specify below

Other Country Pursuits (please specify below)

Other pursuits.......................................................................................................

Section D: Recreational, Competitive and Elite Performance

11. If a joint bid was to go forward from the region to establish an East Midlands Centre of Equestrian

Sports Excellence, would you be interested in supporting or contributing to this? Very Interested/Moderately interested/Not interested at all

12. Would you be interested in supporting or contributing to a programme to promote and improve access

to schoolchildren to horse riding and equestrian activities amongst the general public, especially children.

Very Interested/Moderately interested/Not interested at all

Section E: Training and Education

13. Do you think there are enough training courses locally, to improve your knowledge and skills or your staff:

Yes/No/Don’t Know 14. Would you be interested in attending/sending staff on such courses if they were provided

Very Interested/Moderately Interested/Not Interested 15. What specific courses do you think are needed?

Management Yes/No Horse care Yes/No Horse management Yes/No Others (please specify)


16. What kind of training would you be interested in?

Training courses for employees on specific aspects of equestrianism Yes/No

Training courses for more general skills associated with equestrian businesses Yes/No

Develop training materials for use outside a formal college/teaching establishment Yes/No

Other (please specify)

Section F: Working with Universities

17. The Government is urging universities to work closely with businesses in their local area. Is this of interest to you?

Great Interest/ Some Interest/ No Interest

18. If you are interested in working with Universities, how would this happen?

Helping to develop EXISTING products or services Yes/No Helping to develop NEW products or services Yes/No Helping to improve business administration Yes/No

19. What kind of collaboration would be of interest to you

Student(s) working on a project of potential benefit to you Yes/No Academic staff undertaking consultancy for you Yes/No Research project of potential benefit to you Yes/No

Section G: Taking the Equestrian Industries Forward We hope this consultation has provided an opportunity for you to express your views, opinions and knowledge you have on the horse industries in the East Midlands. We also hope this questionnaire has prompted you for your ideas on how to take the sector forward.

20. Our survey has concentrated on a small part of the issues confronting the equestrian sector. Please feel free to add further by considering some of the points below or any others you feel are important and commenting in the box below

(a) Effect of foot and mouth (b) The future of hunting (c) Diversification in farming (d) Scope for (horse) tourism in the East Midlands (e) Access to the countryside


-

Appendix 2

Analysis of questionnaire responses

East Midlands Equestrianism -Appendix 2.1-

-

Section A: General Questions

1 Location (from supplied post codes)%

Derbyshire 36 20.5Leicestershire & Rutland 53 30.1Lincolnshire 26 14.8Northamptonshire 19 10.8Nottinghamshire 33 18.8Outside opinion 2 1.1No response 7 4.0

2 Your area of business/activity. Do you provide any of the following? (Check all that apply)

%Breeding horses/ponies 34 19.3Competition training (horses) 69 39.2Competition training (riders) 60 34.1Dealing horses/ponies 15 8.5Equine care (Alternative therapies) 12 6.8Equine care (Dentistry) 4 2.3Equine care (Farriery) 0 0.0Equine care (Veterinary) 14 8.0Equine welfare/rescue 6 3.4Insurance 5 2.8Land Owner 61 34.7Livery 57 32.4Manufacture (Carriages) 1 0.6Manufacture (Lorinery) 0 0.0Manufacture (Saddlery) 7 4.0Manufacture (Stable maintenance) 3 1.7Manufacture (Stables) 2 1.1Recreational driving 9 5.1Recreational driving instruction 7 4.0Recreational riding 44 25.0Recreational riding instruction (freelance) 52 29.5Recreational riding instruction (riding school) 35 19.9Retail/repair 29 16.5No response 9 5.1Other - see below

No. Resp. No. Resp.Agricultural show organiser 1 Hunt groom 1

BHS exam training 4 Hunting 1Borough Council 1 Lecturing 1

Breaking 2 Leicestershire show organiser 1Bridleways Association 1 Local Authority 1

Career training 1 Manufacture feed and supplements 4Chiropractor 1 Manufacture grooming/clipping equipment 1

Competition venue 1 Manufacture riding surfaces 1County Council Economic Development Unit 1 Racehorse training 1

Driving for the Disabled 1 RAF 1Event organisation-1D 1 RDA 2Event organisation-3D 1 Research 1

Fencing manufacture and erection 1 Resting racehorses 1Field officer-BETA & Loriners 1 Saddle making bespoke 1

Forestry Commission 1 Teaching horse care 2Horse racing 1 Teaching NVQ & ABRS 5

Horse show organiser 1 Working hunter judge 1

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0


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3 Your equestrian activity. Do you participate in any of the following? (Please check T if you provide training for competition)(This summary does not include provided indications of standard or level of participation and training)

Participation Provide training% %

Dressage 73 41.5 68 38.6Driving 14 8.0 9 5.1Endurance 11 6.3 10 5.7Eventing 46 26.1 34 19.3Hacking 78 44.3 33 18.8Horse Ball 4 2.3 3 1.7Hunting 49 27.8 20 11.4Polo 1 0.6 2 1.1Polocross 2 1.1 2 1.1Reining 0 0.0 1 0.6Show Jumping 64 36.4 57 32.4Showing 34 19.3 30 17.0Trek 7 4.0 8 4.5Vaulting 0 0.0 0 0.0No response 31 17.6 31 17.6Other - see below

Other equestrian activity No. Resp.Breeding 1

Flat racing 5Gymkhana 1

Land owner, host for endurance, hacking and le Trec 2National Hunt racing 5

Point to point 1Pony Club 1

Racing 1RDA instruction 2

Side saddle 2Team chasing 1

Trail riding 2

4 Your membership of equestrian bodies. Please indicate which of the following you are a member of or affiliated to:

%Association of British Riding Schools 19 10.8British Dressage 40 22.7British Equestrian Trade Association 21 11.9British Equestrian Vaulting 0 0.0British Equine Veterinary Association 10 5.7British Eventing 32 18.2British Horse Ball Association 4 2.3British Horse Driving Trials Association 2 1.1British Horse Society 98 55.7British Reining Horse Association 0 0.0British Show Jumping Association 32 18.2Endurance GB 8 4.5Pony Club 24 13.6Riding for the Disabled Association 12 6.8Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 11 6.3Worshipful Company of Farriers 2 1.1Worshipful Company of Loriners 1 0.6Worshipful Company of Saddlers 2 1.1Country Landowners Association 18 10.2No response 16 9.1Other - see below

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0


-

Question 4 cont.Other membership of equestrian bodies

No. Resp. No. Resp.AMTRA 1 National Federation of Bridleways Assocs 1

AQHA 1 National Trainers Federation 2Breed Socs. 3 Quorn Hunt 1

British Driving Soc. 8 Racecourse Assoc 1British Riding clubs 3 Racehorse Owners Assoc 1

British Vaulting Assoc 1 RAF Equitation Assoc. 1Byways and Bridleways Trust 1 RPSS of GB 1

Cottesmore Hunt 1 Side Saddle Assoc 1Countryside Alliance 5 Soc. of Master Saddlers 2

Driving for the Disabled Assoc. 1 Sport Horse of Great Britain 1Horsewatch 1 Thoroughbred Breeders Assoc 1

HPA 1 Training the Teacher of Tomorrow 1Jockey Club-3 3 UK Chasers 1

LEEP 1 Union of Country Sports Workers 1Leicestershire and Rutland Bridleways Assoc 1 WES 1

National Coaching Federation 1

Section B: “Promotional Questions” –[Questions that push forward the idea of concerted regional/local action through networks]

5 This questionnaire is part of a study to find out about the horse industries in the East Midlands and how universities and further education institutions can work with the sector. Would you be interested in joining this type of network?

%Very Interested 39 22.2

Moderately Interested 61 34.7Only by filling in this survey 33 18.8

No response 43 24.4

6 Would you be interested in becoming more involved, by (any of the following):

Attending a local (countywide) meeting to discuss options for the horse industries %

Yes 103 58.5No 50 28.4

No response 23 13.1

E-mail or conventional mail exchange of views%

Yes 101 57.4No 50 28.4

No response 25 14.2

Contributing to a messageboard/forum via the internet%

Yes 60 34.1No 80 45.5

No response 36 20.5

One-to-one interview%

Yes 70 39.8No 74 42.0

No response 32 18.2

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0


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7 If the study led to any of the following outcomes would you be interested in contributing to:

A local (countywide) business club or network to help promote your business interests and exchange experience%

Yes 96 54.5No 47 26.7

No response 43 24.4

A regionwide group to lobby for the horse sector to be recognised as a key contributor to the East Midlands economy and well-being and to receive support from emda to do this

%Yes 107 60.8No 32 18.2

No response 37 21.0

A bid to British Equestrian Federation to establish a Centre of Excellence %

Yes 103 58.5No 37 21.0

No response 46 26.1

Section C: Equestrian Enterprise

8 Below are listed various services which might be of benefit to businesses in the equestrian sector in the East Midlands. Please indicate if you would be interested in initiatives that

Provide demonstrations of best practice and up-to-date products, service and technologies %

Great Interest 46 26.1Some Interest 96 54.5

No Interest 13 7.4No response 21 11.9

Share expertise by the movement of people between Universities, Colleges and companies %



Undertake research to assess the feasibility and viability of a Centre of Excellence Network within the region %



Provide easy access to information for companies on products, services and funding opportunities %



0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0


-

Liase with official bodies (regional agencies, trade, sports and other umbrella organisations %



Analyse markets, trends and economic trends %



Support young people wishing to start rural businesses relevant to the equestrian industry%



9 With the exception of the Peak National Park, tourism has not been a key concern of the region’s equestrian businesses Should we look for opportunities to bring tourists into the area.


Moderately Interested 74 42.0Not Interested 34 19.3

No response 23 13.1

10 Which of these tourist activities do you think could be viable in the East Midlands%

Pony Trekking 69 39.2Hacking 115 65.3Trail Riding 56 31.8Horse Trials 89 50.6Carriage Driving 54 30.7Bed and Breakfast for Horses 127 72.2Le TREC 69 39.2No response 20 11.4Other Horse activities - see belowOther Country Pursuits - see below

Other Horse activities No. Resp. Other Horse activities No. Resp.4-in-hand scenic tours in the Dales 1 More higher level training for riders in Derbys and Notts 1

Clinics & seminars by local trainers 3 Most attempts at something new are bankrupt within 6 years 1Dressage 1 None totally viable if hours counted 1

Educational and training holidays 8 Not a good area for horse tourism 1Endurance 1 Off-road carriage driving 3

Holidays involving all of the listed activities 1 Point to point 1Horse driven caravans 1 Racing 1

Horse shows for spectators 3 Show jumping 3Horseball 2 Showcases for breeders and producers 1

Houses for rent in good hacking areas 1 Side saddle 1Hunting 8 Top quality venue for competition 1Jousting 1 Weekend breaks for dressage 1

Long distance trails 1 Weekend breaks for eventing 1More off-road access 1 Weekend breaks for hunting 3

Western training 1

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0


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Question 10 cont.

Other Country Pursuits No. Resp.Country fairs 1

Game fairs 1Promotion of countryside and heritage 1

Sheepdog trials 1Shooting and fishing 1

Walking and bird watching 1

Section D: Recreational, Competitive and Elite Performance

11 If a joint bid were to go forward from the region to establish an East Midlands Centre of Equestrian Sports Excellence, would you be interested in supporting or contributing to this?



No response 20 11.4

12 Would you be interested in supporting or contributing to a programme to promote and improve access to schoolchildren to horse riding and equestrian activities amongst the general public, especially children.



No response 20 11.4

Section E: Training and Education

13 Do you think there are enough training courses locally, to improve your knowledge and skills or your staff:%

Yes 48 27.3No 76 43.2

Don't know 29 16.5No response 23 13.1

14 Would you be interested in attending/sending staff on such courses if they were provided%

Very Interested 62 35.2Moderately Interested 60 34.1

Not Interested 33 18.8No response 21 11.9

15 What specific courses do you think are needed?

Management %Yes 80 45.5No 19 10.8

No response 77 43.8

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Question 15 cont.

Horse care %Yes 97 55.1No 12 6.8

No response 68 38.6

Horse management %Yes 96 54.5No 12 6.8

No response 68 38.6

Others - see below

Other specific courses No. Resp. Other specific courses No. Resp.Alternative therapies 1 Human resources 1

BHS courses 3 Integration of sport science into riding tuition 1Child protection 1 Interpersonal skills 1

Competition skills 1 Marketing 3Computer skills 2 More hands-on 1

Customer services 2 NVQ 1Eqiutation inc. side saddle 1 On the job BHS training in riding schools 3

Equal opportunities 1 Quality procedures 1Equestrian tourism 1 Retail 1

Equine biology 1 Road safety 2Equine specific first aid 4 Schooling horses in particular disciplines 1

Feed awareness 1 Special needs 1Feed forum 1 Stable management 1

Fitting of safety products 1 Teacher training 9Health and safety 1 Team building skills 1

Seminars to service providers and resourcemanagers on the needs of horse riders 1

16 What kind of training would you be interested in?

Training courses for employees on specific aspects of equestrianism%

Yes 76 43.2No 43 24.4

No response 57 32.4

Training courses for more general skills associated with equestrian businesses%

Yes 83 47.2No 34 19.3

No response 59 33.5

Develop training materials for use outside a formal college/teaching establishment%

Yes 84 47.7No 32 18.2

No response 60 34.1

Other - see below

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Question 16 cont.

Other kinds of training No. Resp. Other kinds of training No. Resp.Alternative therapies 2 NLP 1

Coaching 2 No more training, please God! 1Customer care 1 Outside formal/teaching very important 1

Developing teachers teaching ability 1 Part-time study for equine degrees 1Equine behaviour 1 Psychology 1

Equine sports therapy, Mary Bromley 1 Quality 1First aid 1 Racehorse care and management, 3rd level 1

Help in applying for grants and fund raising 1 Too many available 1Introductory sport science 1 Work with concerns that are already running 1

Marketing 2

Section F: Working with Universities

17 The Government is urging universities to work closely with businesses in their local area. Is this of interest to you?%



18 If you are interested in working with Universities, how would this happen?

Helping to develop EXISTING products or services %Yes 84 47.7No 27 15.3

No response 65 36.9

Helping to develop NEW products or services %Yes 87 49.4No 22 12.5

No response 67 38.1

Helping to improve business administration %Yes 62 35.2No 37 21.0

No response 77 43.8

19 What kind of collaboration would be of interest to you

Student(s) working on a project of potential benefit to you %Yes 91 51.7No 22 12.5

No response 63 35.8

Academic staff undertaking consultancy for you %Yes 37 21.0No 58 33.0

No response 81 46.0

Research project of potential benefit to you %Yes 84 47.7No 27 15.3

No response 65 36.9

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Section G: Taking the Equestrian Industries Forward • The potential end of hunting has already had a large effect on Flagg. It's only claim to fame and

day of economic boom was the annual point to point. This was suspended during F&M and is not unlikely to restart. The whole area - and we are in centre of the National Park - are very poorly served by bridleways and other off road riding. Our competitors also have to travel a long way to any high level events.

• We desperately need research into the health benefits of riding, at all ages, esp. the mature in

order to tap into funding. This is something lboro Univ is perhaps very well equipped to undertake. I think you will find there are a lot of mature women in the 'sport', who have taken it up/returned to it for 'fresh air and exercise'. What about men? Children? How will diminish of hunting affect the profile of the riding population? This is where most mature men participate.

• If too many farms diversify into livery there will be an over capacity in certain areas.

• Must not offer incentives only to new diversifications, that are not available to existing businesses.

Must be fair to all. Q20(d) Too many new rights of way are for cycles/pedestrians only but would be suitable for horses too with little alternations. Need more vigorous councillors with equestrian interests.

• Development of town riders, any scheme to enable rides to keep off roads. Farms set up DIY

yards with no one in charge who is experienced with horses with disastrous consequences • Q20(c) They (farms) get too much help already and are crippling existing equine businesses.

• There are many quality livery yards in the East Midlands charging reasonable prices for their

services, this was affected badly when farmers diversified into this area by using old farm buildings and charging lower prices. They do not provide the same service and livery yards but can be £7.50 per week cheaper so the F.M.D. had a knock on affect to our industry.

• Q20(c) There are only certain amount of riders requiring livery because if many more farmers are

encouraged to diversify, supply will exceed demand. Farmers would be encouraged to provide routes around their land (on headlands) for what riders pay a yearly sub (successful scheme in operation at Radcliffe on Trent. Q20(e) If I were a farmer, I would not welcome free access for all i.e. walkers, motor bikes, etc onto my land.

• Already seeing lots of farms moving away from cattle to run livery yards, some already have cross

country courses, definite increase in number of horses in area • Hunting is vital importance for the survival of our feed business, as we do employ 5 full time staff.

More farmers have moved away from Livestock due to F&M and depressed prices, so we have suffered on that side of the business. We have gained more trade on the Horse and hobby farmer side. We are farmers of 800 acres but we have also adapted to serving the public with products we produce. (Adapted more than diversivication)!

• Foot and Mouth: I was very lucky in that I have three riding schools in easy reach of my shop and

the clientel of those schools kept me busy they did not close down as two of them are on the edge of the city and third limited to access to the main road. From 1 ton of horsefeed a week 1 sold non until October. Hunting: 50% of my clients hunt 50% of those do nothing else and will sell their horses so I am looking at a 25% drop in trade and repairs. Diversification: A number of local farmers have diversified but the amount of horse owners does not appear to have increased - I am seeing a lot more 1st time riders but riding school locally have closed down due to the heavy rates burden and insurance premium

• Diversification in farming - market research shoould be done prior to Government grants being

issued as so many Equestrian projects are now starting with all trying for the same no. of clients leading to centres only running at 1/2 the capacity.


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• It would be helpful to have more funding available to help keep up to date once qualified with further training.

• We are a company with a turnover of £27 million! We currently work with FSA, UKASTA, BETA,

all vet and equine colleges. We actively support the equine industry UK wide. Recommend you liase with BETA who will be able to provide you with nearly all the info you need. Teresa Hollands Dobson & Horrell Ltd.

• Farming diversification is effecting the horse industry due to the fact that farmers are getting

rebates of upto 100% on rates and don't seem to have the same problems as everybody else getting things like planning permission. I personally don't think the horse industry should be classed as industrial - we are making our living from the land just like the farmers are. This should be taken further and looked into more. Maybe then, less riding schools would have to close down.

• The foot and mouth destroyed my saddlery repair business, as the ban on hunting will do the

same. We diversified with our livery business. • The aid given to farmers to diversify in this area has affected my centre….I can't get planning

permission ( attached to LISTED BUILDING) or any incentives to diversify myself. • If hunting is banned the businesses it supports will need other equestrian outlets. Drag hunting

will not replace it because farmers who tolerate the hunt will not accept people if they are only drag hunting. There is scope for the expansion of tourism (horse) but it would help to have a 30 mph speed limit on all non AandB roads! Greater access to the countyside would help out, it needs to be done with the farmers and to their financial advantage. We do not expect to walk through a factory, we walk round it, so if more was done to make access sympathetic to farming practice rather than demanding access through working yards and across the middle of fields we might get more progress.

• A centre of excellance for encouraging the youth towards squads for various disciples - dressage

BSJA and eventing etc as Sports UK areas so large travelling or grass roots level proves inhibitive by cost and time so losing potential talent locally.

• Several equestrian companies have opened in the area over my 25 years in practice. These

specify in livery without frills stay in business, usually using farm buildings and fields that are already there. Those that start as riding schools etc after a first flourish go bankrupt over several years. Those that are financed by a large private purse connecting a business but do not run at a commercial profit - generally hobby related work for wife or in retirement.

• There should be far more riding off the road as traffic gets busier. Farmers should be paid to

provide off road tracks instead of set aside and growing ragwort. Communities could have managers (like we have playing fields!) and could share equipment. More indoor facilities could be made cheaply available to all who ride all year round. Plus there should be no VAT on veterinary or welfare services or products.

• Hunting is important in relation to countryside management - fox coverts (woods and rough

patches) which encourages ALL forms of wildlife. Hunting helps to keep bridleways open and clear, for all riders. There is an ever increasing demand to provide riders of all capabilities off the increasingly busy roads. Farmers have the opportunity to convert boundries and fringe land into 'off road' riding/jumping etc. Previous items need addressing before increasing horse 'traffic' on the busy roads of the East Midlands. It is important that you liaise with the Bridleways Association and County Council to ensure ALL bridleways are maintained and 'forgotten' ones re-opened, gates hang well and electric fences removed. Educating riders important viz shut gates, avoid crop damage, avoid panicing sheep etc. The above items are a priority for general riding/hacking/endurance riding etc.

• The horse sector has many groups and associations already. At times this number can be a bad

thing as members are so divided and the focus of the needs of equestrian divided so that it is not one clear strong voice (eg FMD)


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• More interest from local councils in keeping bridleways in good, passable order. I have seen

entrances/exits overgrown, therefore, dangerous, to horse, rider and motorists, speed limits on road's with bridlepath access. 60 mph is not a safe limit. Better safety concern's for equestrians would improve/attract more activity.

• Already farmers close to me are going down this line. None I know of have the knowledge needed

to keep horses welfare above profit! Poor fencing, over crowding, knowledge of correct feeding/shelter etc. owning the land is not enough.

• Training of employees within workplace, not college simulation.

• Hunting = however people may feel about hunting in Leics, they should be made to realise the

impact a ban will have. The way the countryside is managed will change considerably and access may not be as pleasant as we know it today. The Equestrian economy will suffer but there are many horses in the country not used for hunting which should keep things ticking over. Tourism= Already exists with bridlerides and hunting - the latter is excellent for bringing money in dueing the winter months where other farms of H.T. are very slack. This aspect will be a bitter blow if hunting is banned. Summer tourism will improve with better manufacture of RIGHTS OF WAY. This issue is being addressed.

• The abolition of hunting will effect our business. I apologise if some of my answers are a little

vague but as a company we have manufactured grooming and dipping flexible drive machinery for over 50 years and in recent years we have manufactured over 20 strapes of studs. As an individual I own three horses which I drive for pleasure only. We as a company are quite willing to offer training and help with any of our products.

• Easier diversification in farming. 2. Large number of racehorse trainers and point to point yards in

area so therefore more availability of racing industry qualifications. 3. Promotion of hunting - horse tourism, hunting holidays. 4. Tourism - racing breaks, large number of racecourses within locality, Leicester, Towcester, Southwell, Uttoxeter, Huntingdon, Market 'Rasen, Doncaster, Warwick, Stratford, Worcester. Training yard visits.

• The foot and mouth was devasting, but we have recovered. The future of hunting is essential to

the horse business. Diversification is helpful. Horse tourism in the midlands is tied up with hunting. Access to the countryside is plentiful, but bridleways, kept open are essential. The horse business will die without hunting.


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Appendix 3

WESRRA constitution and first newsletter


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WOODHOUSE EAVES & SWITHLAND RECREATIONAL RIDING ASSOCIATION

The Constitution of the Woodhouse Eaves & Swithland Recreational Riding Association was adopted at Committee meeting 10 on 19 September 2003

CONSTITUTION 1) Name The name of the association shall be 'The Woodhouse Eaves & Swithland Recreational Riding Association,’ hereinafter referred to as 'the Association'. 2) Objectives The objectives of the Association shall be:- • Work closely with County, Borough and Parish Councils, Police, road safety organisations, the

Bridleways Association, the British Horse Society and others concerning road safety, access to off-road riding opportunities and quality of equestrian related amenities.

• Operate on a local level, encompassing horse riders, activities and equestrian businesses in one

or more parishes depending on the size of the equestrian population. • Promote awareness and positive relationships between local equestrianism and the general

public, particularly in enhancing road safety awareness amongst riders to complement concerns of the County Council and British Horse Society.

• Raise awareness of equestrianism amongst other users of local roads and off-road routes. • Provide a focus for equestrian activity and networking for activities, individuals and businesses

within the locality, possibly creating opportunities for the wider general public to engage with and participate in equestrian activities.

• Encourage increased participation in and association with equestrianism at a local level. • Provide a new resource in terms of volunteers willing to assist in the development and

maintenance of off-road routes. • Promote development of equestrian activities in Leicestershire by forming links with similar

Associations that may form elsewhere. 3) Membership a) Membership of the Association shall be open to all individuals and corporate bodies who shall not

benefit directly from funds raised by the Association. Membership is renewable annually. The Committee has the right to refuse an individual’s membership application or renewal of membership if a majority of the Committee votes that the individual is likely to bring the Association into disrepute or have a negative influence on the Association fulfilling its objectives.

b) Where members assist in the objectives of the Association, this will be done on a voluntary basis

and the Association will not be responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by any


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member. Members under the age of 18 years must provide documented parental consent prior to engaging in any assisting activities.

4) Committee a) There shall be a committee (all of whom shall be unpaid) consisting of

Chairman Secretary Treasurer Four Members The Committee shall be elected annually from among the members of the Association.

b) Should a committee member be absent for three consecutive committee meetings without

explanation or fail to attend at least 75% of committee meetings within their period of office, that member will be removed from the committee.

5) Subscription: Membership of the Association shall be free.

6) Meetings

a) Committee Meetings A minimum of seven days notice shall be given to hold a committee meeting. Four members of the committee of whom at least one shall be the Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer shall constitute a quorum If the Chairman is absent from a meeting, the members of the Committee shall elect a Chairman for the meeting from among the members. b) Annual General Meetings The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall take place in the month of October and shall be convened by the Secretary. An AGM shall be convened by the Secretary giving at least fourteen days notice to the Members of the Association The business of the AGM shall be to receive a report from the Committee, to approve the annual accounts, to appoint auditors, to elect the Officers and Committee members for the following year and to consider any matter of which reasonable notice has been given to the Secretary. c) Special General Meetings. The committee may resolve to summon a Special General Meeting at any time. On receipt of a request in writing by any ten Members of the Association, the committee may resolve to summon a Special General Meeting. The Secretary shall give not less than fourteen days notice of a Special General Meeting specifying the business to be transacted. d) Voting Every matter at all meetings shall be determined by a simple majority of those present and voting on the question. In cases of equality of votes the chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. 7) Accounts a) All moneys shall be held in a separate bank account in the name of the Association with such

Bankers as the Committee shall from time to time direct. All cheques drawn on such bankers shall be signed by any two of the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

b) The accounts shall be balanced annually as at 5th April.


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8) Powers and Duties a) The Committee shall have the general management and direction of the moneys and other assets

and of the affairs of the Association in accordance with the aims of the Association. b) The Committee shall have powers to fill a casual vacancy or vacancies on the Committee and the

co-opted person shall hold office until the end of the next Annual General Meeting following their co-option.

9) Auditor An auditor who need not be a member of the Association shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. 10) Rules Within the limits prescribed by this Constitution the Association may from time to time make and alter rules and regulations for the conduct of the business of the Association and for the summoning and conduct of their meetings PROVIDED THAT a resolution for such changes shall be included in the business of a Special General Meeting or an Annual General Meeting and passed at such a meeting. The provisions of this Constitution may be altered by a two thirds majority of those present and voting at a Special General Meeting convened for the purpose and of which not less than fourteen days notice shall have been given to all the Members. 11) Winding Up The Association may be dissolved by a resolution passed by a simple majority of Members of the Association present and voting at a Special General Meeting convened for the purpose and of which not less than fourteen days notice shall have been given to all the Members. Upon dissolution the property and assets of the Association shall be applied to such charitable purposes as the Committee may determine.


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NEW TRACKS ON THE BEACON Through collaboration between WESRRA and the County Council, planning permission has been granted for new riding and cycle tracks on the Beacon. As shown on the map, the tracks will provide a circular route with various loops near to each car park. Although the new tracks will replace the existing track through the plantation and across the heath, they will provide around 3.5 km of new off-road riding AND carriage driving. According to Andrew Rorison of the County Council, phase 1, connecting the East and West car parks along Beacon Road, will be open around Easter time. Phase 2, along the North edge will open towards the end of 2004.

ROAD SAFETY will always be an important issue and WESRRA is developing several projects that will benefit the local community as well as us horsey folk. Speed limits The Committee is working with the County Council, the Woodhouse Eaves Parish Plan development group and the operators of the Combined Services College at Garats Hay to lower the speed limits between Beacon cross roads and the Quorn-side of Old Woodhouse. Horse signs The County Council has agreed, “within reason”, to erect the triangular warning signs at locations that we specify in the two parishes – see ‘Have Your Say’, below. Video evidence Whilst we all have stories of near misses and other incidents, these stories have far less influence on the County Council and Police than hard video evidence. The Committee is raising funds to buy hands-free video equipment that riders can use. The movies that we can then compile from the recordings will allow us to make a far stronger case for change.

OFF-ROAD ACCESS In addition to developments on the Beacon, the Committee is developing contacts to explore new access ranging from the back of Beaumanor to the top of Deans Lane. We are also in the early stages of exploring new access in and around the Swithland Woods area.

NETWORKING The creation of WESRRA has been encouraged by the County Council’s Equestrian Strategy and Action Plan, and various Departments within the County Council have welcomed working with us. Good relationships have also been established with the National Forest Co. and the Leics. Constabulary’s Road Safety Unit, creating opportunities for new projects in the future. David Pollard, County Council member for Blaby, is encouraging formation of a Recreational Riding Association to influence land use in that area and there may be a similar development to open up equestrian access to Watermead Park. WESRRA is also actively involved in formulating the Woodhouse Eaves Parish Plan. Although it’s only a short time since the concept was aired in June 2003, WESRRA has already had a significant influence both locally and around the County. If more members were willing to become actively involved we could achieve a lot more, not only for Woodhouse Eaves and Swithland, but also for equestrianism in the County

FROM THE COMMITTEE We hope that this newsletter demonstrates that individuals working together can cause change for the better. In doing this, WESRRA’s main objective is to be professional in representing the interests of those who ride or drive in the parishes of Woodhouse Eaves and Swithland. The fact that many of our current activities are focussed in Woodhouse Eaves is a reflection of several things - the willingness of people to get involved, the limits of their knowledge, the comments received on membership forms and the number of returned questionnaires. Unless you tell us what you want, we can’t do anything. The recent addition of Janet Beeby to the Committee is very welcome and we hope that more people from Swithland will also get involved. We need your expertise and knowledge!

HAVE YOUR SAY If you would like to make any comments, or would like more information, please contact any of the Committee members. We would especially like to hear about where horse signs should be placed. Please fill-in and return the questionnaire. If you can’t find it, we can let you have one! Do you know anybody who rides or drives in Woodhouse Eaves and Swithland, who is not a WESRRA member? If so, please get them to join. There will be a series of open meetings throughout 2004. The first of these will take place on Friday 13th of February at 8pm in the Pear Tree at Woodhouse Eaves.

Contacts: Janet Beeby 01509 890805 Fiona Gregson 07952 231365 Kate Leeson 01509 890249 Ann Overton 07833 137821 Liz Randall 07808 652499 Jean Trosper 07811 053689 Andy Wells 07748 837141 Bob Wood 07766 750063 Jill Wood 07900 827344

THE WESRRA BUGLE

Break Back Lane

East (Lower) car park

To Deans Lane

West (Upper) car park

February 2004

TROT ON …………


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Appendix 4

LECF agenda and workshop content


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LEICESTERSHIRE EQUESTRIAN COMPETITION FOUNDATION (LECF)

MEETING 0

(6.30pm 15 October 2003)

The Sir John Beckwith Building Loughborough University

AGENDA

1. Welcome and focus

LECF – A network of instructors, trainers, coaches and academics working together to deliver world class instruction and training for riders and horses.

2. Leicestershire County Council Equestrian Strategy and Context for LECF

3. LECF Drivers and Opportunities + discussion

4. Proposed LECF Aims and Objectives

5. Proposed LECF structure

6. Refreshment break

7. Discussion

8. Identification of next steps

9. AOB

LCC STRATEGY AND CONTEXT FOR LECF The aim of the Equestrian Strategy for Leicestershire is: “To provide a framework for the development, marketing and promotion of equestrianism and rural issues in Leicestershire to maximise economic, social and environmental benefits to the County.” The aim will be achieved by actions supporting the following strategic objectives of the Equestrian Strategy for Leicestershire: • To promote the development of local equestrian and rural businesses; • To raise the local profile of equestrianism and encourage increased participation; • To encourage provision of improved access for riders and assist the development of a network of

off-road routes; • To encourage development of Leicestershire’s attractiveness as a destination for horse tourism; • To create and encourage effective local partnerships; • To encourage achievement of quality standards; • To attract major sources of funding for the development of equestrian related activities and

facilities.


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LECF DRIVERS • For equestrianism to prosper within the Sport England, UK Sport and sportcoach UK frameworks,

there is a need to integrate traditional rider and horse training with relevant aspects of sport science.

• There is also a need to develop processes that educate future instructors, trainers and coaches in this integrated approach.

• Equine sport medicine has been effective in developing competition performance in the horse, but the performance capacity of the rider remains relatively untapped.

• Availability of existing insight into rider biomechanics within the equestrian community. • Emerging technology to assist deeper understanding of riding, leading to improved performance. • Sport England’s plans for future development of recreational sport. • The Leicestershire County Council Strategy and Action Plan aims to promote all aspects of

equestrianism LECF OPPORTUNITIES • A broad range of expertise in the county, with a forward-looking County Council. • The county has a high profile equestrian presence through

(1) Heritage and tradition (2) Recognition of current thinking and initiatives

• The county has a high profile sport science presence at Loughborough University. • The possibility of a Veterinary School at Nottingham University. • The possibility of collaboration between the equestrian and sport science communities (human

and equine) to investigate new techniques for instruction and training. • Availability of technology that can enable a quantum leap in understanding. • To establish sustainable high quality programmes for instruction, training and competition which

attract inward investment through sponsorship and other funding. • To establish the county as a premier location for equestrian training of riders and horses. • To address all equestrian disciplines. • To support the BEF’s World Class Start and Potential- and World Class Performance

Programmes. • To make use of advice and assistance from emda and other enabling organisations within the

East Midlands. PROPOSED LECF AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Aims • Establish instruction and training for riders and horses within Leicestershire as a business cluster

that is supported by emda and other bodies. • Deliver instruction and training for riders and horses that is nationally and internationally

recognised for its high quality. • Pioneer the development and use of new methods of instruction and training for riders and horses. Objectives Create a network of instructors, trainers, coaches and academics working together to: • Provide sustainable high quality programmes for instruction, training and competition. • Attract inward investment through sponsorship and other funding of programmes, riders and

horses. • Devise new approaches to instruction and training for riders and horses that integrate appropriate

parts of traditional methods and modern sport science. • Provide a forum for members to discuss and develop the network to the sustained benefit of their

individual businesses and the network as a whole.


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PROPOSED LECF STRUCTURE Two major themes – • Provision of instruction and training • Development of new methods for instruction and training PROVISION OF INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING • Uniform scales of rider and horse performance in each discipline and instruction. • Trainers, instructors, riding clubs and riding schools within LECF identify where their provision is

on the relevant scales • LEEP members, freelance instructors and Pony Club provide general instruction, along with

individual specialisms. • Loughborough University to provide Sport Science support where appropriate. • Nottingham University to provide Equine Science support (assuming that the Vet. School proposal

goes ahead). • Inclusion of appropriate facilities within the network? - likely to identify resources that are available,

but not owned by a network member. • Network ‘fronted’ by a coordinator and web site, providing a ‘one stop shop’ for riders, horse

owners and sources of funding. • Co-ordinator steered by and responsible to an LECF Management Group • Co-ordination tasks:

− Promotion and publicity − Generation and administration of sponsorship for riders, horses and training programmes − Placing of customers − Arrangement of accommodation where necessary − Processing payments − Collation and reporting of feedback from members and customers − Collation of nominations for winners and arrangement of prizes for Leics. Equestrian Awards. − Maintenance of web site content

METHOD DEVELOPMENT • Practitioners and Sport Scientists …

− Identify athletic elements of riding and traditional instruction and training methods (biomechanics, psychology and nutrition for riders and horses).

− Identify those elements of riding and traditional instruction and training methods that don’t align with current sport science.

− Synthesize new instruction and training processes based on better understanding. • Could be done via PhD effort. • Equipment development is an overlap between LECF and EMERG (East Midlands Equestrian

Research Group)

Documents

The CHARACTER of EAST MIDLANDS EQUESTRIANISM...• Facilitate proactive dialogue within the equestrian sector and with local partners concerning development of tourism products. •