Horse Organisations set up communications network

More than a dozen equine organisations have established a network to improve communications with each other, the media and the public - in line with recommendations in the British Horse Industry Confederation's Strategy for the Horse Industry in England and Wales.

The Equine Communicators Network (ECN) has been set up to provide a forum for those working within communications in the horse industry.

Oliver Wilson, Director of Communications of The British Horse Society, has been confirmed as inaugural Chairman of the Group until July 2007.

British Dressage, British Eventing, the British Equestrian Federation,British Equestrian Trade Association, British Equestrian Vaulting,British Equine Veterinary Association, The British Horse Society, the British Horseracing Board, British Show Jumping Association, the International League for Protection of Horses, Riding for the Disabled Association and the British Horse Driving Trials Association have formed the Network - agreeing a package of measures.

Mr Wilson said: "All of us in the newly formed Equine Communicators Network are pleased to have established a cross-industry consensus on how best to communicate with each other, our members, the media and members of the public. I am very grateful to all the member bodies of the ECN and Defra for their support."

Annie Dodd, British Horseracing Board nominee Director of the BHICsaid: "Patchy communication between the various parts of the horse industry has been much criticised in the past.  This group will help us work together more effectively and make the most of opportunities such as the new website." 

The Confederation's website - www.bhic.co.uk was relaunched with a host of new features at the National Equine Forum in March 2006. The site includes useful background information about thehorse industry including the progress with the Strategy, careers and education, equestrian tourism, horse sport and voluntary opportunities.

A link to a central media events diary under development by the BEF will be added shortly. 

For further information, please contact: Oliver Wilson, Chairman, Equine Communicators Network (ECN), on 01926 707738 or o.wilson@bhs.org.uk or Annie Dodd, BHIC, 020 7152 0000 or adodd@bhb.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Here is the full text of the agreed proposal:

BHIC/Defra Strategy for the Horse Implementation of Actions 2 & 3  Develop a Horse Industry Communications Network To provide: Effective means of communication and consultation with general public And effective two-way communication within the Industry Specification and resources to be identified by mid 2006.To be operational by mid 2007 Website start up costs to be supported by Defra;

1. Outcome of Industry Consultation on Communications It was agreed that

i) Information on the Industry, its component parts, keymessages and opportunities needs to be easily accessible to the general public.

ii) A private information network for participating Industry associations should be established.The first part of this objective has already been achieved with the relaunch of the BHIC website. The redesigned BHIC website (www.bhic.co.uk) was launched on 22 March 2006.  It provides: * Access to the BHIC/Defra Strategy Action Plan * Updates on the implementation of the Action Plan * Basic facts and figures on the Horse Industry * Links to documentation such as the Strategy, Henleyreport, BETA report etc * Links to Horse Industry associations and other websites * Alphabetical list of Industry issues with links forfurther information * News * Email sign up facility for direct updates on Action Plan progress and other news * Avenue for comments and/or questions via the email facility The relaunch has been financed by Defra and BHIC. Further enhancements will include: Link to BEF-sponsored events diary * Expansion of alphabetical issue list to include items such as Careers/EducationVoluntary opportunitiesCharitiesWelfare/Vet advice  Equestrian tourism opportunities Horse sport results  Olympics update NED Horse networks - when done

3. Private Information Network The initial view was that a limited access section could be provided on the website.  On further consideration, it is considered that this wouldbe expensive to set up and administer, because it would require a login function, with different levels of membership.  It is recommended therefore, that this private circuit is operated by email to namedindividuals/associations forming a specific Communications Group It is also recommended that this Group, which would be an enhancement ofthe current grouping, would be inclusive and would meet on a six-monthlybasis to review the communications process and amend it if necessary inthe light of experience; It is suggested too that the Chairmanship ofthe Group should rotate according to an agreed timetable

4. Resources Website manager: function - monitor contentupdate links as necessary add news items update Action Plan deal with email contact BHIC has appointed Cathy McGlynn to this rolebGroup Manager/Secretary: function - organise regular meetings of Group update by emailon developments disseminate crisis information eg Defra communication.It is suggested that this role would not be onerous and could be takenon by someone already fulfilling a communications role within aparticipating association.

5. Action Required 5.1 Name of revised site.It is proposed therefore that the current name www.bhic.org.uk - should be retained on the premise that, with repetition, it will become familiar and thus the natural and obvious place to look for information.  This would be helped greatly if the websites of all participating organisations agreed to provide a link to www.bhic.org.uk

5.2 Identification of resources As noted above, the question of resources for managing the website has been resolved.

5.3 Funding Consideration could be given to opening the site to advertising and/or sponsorship

August 30th, 2006