Dossier to put Scottish horse economy to the fore

Horsescotland intends to make the strengths and benefits offered by the equestrian industry clear to the Government

- BECKY MURRAY

A NEW manifesto aims to put Scotland’s £335m equestrian economy on the Scottish Government’s radar, while increasing inclusivity and modernising regulation.

Horsescotland’s 2021 plan provides data on Scotland’s equestrian sector and the organisation’s plans for the next four years. It includes figures from the 2019 British Equestrian Trade Association Scotland-specific survey, which shows the Scottish equestrian economy is estimated to be worth £335m; Scottish racing contributes £306m more.

Horsescotland’s aims include encouraging participation by tackling misconceptions such as elitism, improving accessibility, modernising regulations for riding schools, developing breeding programmes for native Scottish breeds, and promoting welfare with licensing of sanctuaries and improving traceability of equines.

Horsescotland chairman Grant Turnbull told H&H the aim of the document, launched before the Scottish election on 6 May, is to heighten awareness at Government level of what the equestrian community offers, not just in economic input but from a health and wellbeing perspective.