Riding schools on the brink of disaster, research shows

The future is "frightening" as our schools face challenges with costs, staffing and horsepower

- LUCY ELDER

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

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

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

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