There could be an opportunity for the equestrian industry in a post-Covid world, as people’s lives and preferences are changing.
H&H has spoken to riding schools that enjoyed huge surges in interest after the initial lockdown, including Lavant House Stables in Chichester, and Wellington Riding in Hampshire.
Wellington general manager David Sheerin told H&H: “We’ve been crazy busy.
“Most of our adult clients have been working from home, so instead of riding on a Sunday morning, they’ve been coming three times a week; we’ve seen a big increase in the number of times people ride weekly.
“The huge increase in interest makes sense, and it’s been a dreadful situation but I think the opportunity is massive.”
Mr Sheerin said he is an “eternal optimist”, but he believes the rural economy in general could benefit from some of the changes wrought by Covid.
“We’ve got adults working from home, looking for outdoor activities; health and wellbeing are a great priority,” he said. “Of course, we are just outside London but there’s been a mass exodus from cities and people spending more time in the country.
“The whole nine-to-five commute thing has gone; a huge proportion of society now has the time and money to ride.”
This story is from the December 24, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 24, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future
Aidan Coleman
Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room
Badminton groundsman
Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather
Pulling power
Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times
Townend leads British domination
The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star
Birch is back in the big time
A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again
Comeback queens reign
Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true
Pender keeps it in the family
Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"