Horse Strategy Action Plan update presented at 2007 NEF

A comprehensive update of the joint Government/British Horse Industry Confederation Horse Industry Strategy Action Plan was presented today by Graham Cory, the BHIC's Chairman at the National Equine Forum 2007.

Graham Cory said:

"The Strategy for the Horse Industry in England and Wales which was published on 6 December 2005, by the BHIC and the Government, sets out a 10 year plan for developing the industry's economic performance, enhancing the welfare of the horse, and promoting its contribution to the cultural, educational, health and sporting life of the nation. The Strategy identified 50 Action points that were needed to drive forward this vision.

"This Action Plan was developed to make clear who is responsible for taking forward each individual Action point and what steps are needed to fulfill each Aim

"Work is already in hand in a number of areas. However, full implementation of all 50 Actions cannot happen overnight and it will require ongoing commitment and cooperation from all sectors of the Industry to ensure that continued real progress is made.

"In each area we have made significant progress. Examples include the following:

- Bringing the Industry together: in August 2006 Industry bodies launched an Equine Communications Network, bringing together more than 12 organisations, to provide a forum for exchange of information and to improve communication
- Increasing Participation in equestrianism: The British Equestrian Trade Association's (BETA) influential and detailed research, including the 2006 Omnibus Survey plus subsequent detailed sectoral reports, has led to a much greater understanding of equestrianism in the UK which is vital for formulating policies for greater participation. In addition, the BEF has put in place a Plan for Participation to increase grass roots participation
- Boosting the economic performance of equestrian businesses - much work under this Aim has been, and is being, done, including steps towards resolving problems with insurance, the setting up of a working group to look at the status of the horse, increased promotion of the UK industry abroad, and the launch of a BETA 3 module, 3 day management training programme aimed at the small equestrian business manager with little or no direct training in business.
- Raising equestrian skills and training: Research is being undertaken for all riding schools to identify particular training needs and skill gaps, and consultation is taking place to ensure the new 14-19 diploma is relevant to industry requirements.
- Access: An Equestrian Access Forum has been created to increase engagement between existing access groups. This Forum is working collaboratively to influence government and other public sector bodies to improve equestrian access on behalf of all riders and drivers.
- The Environmental impact of the Horse: A joint Defra/BHIC letter was sent to local authorities in 2006 outlining current successful projects, both in pasture management and waste, giving information on where to access information.
- Encouraging sporting excellence : The British Equestrian Federation's Facilities Strategy was launched in May 2006, and the Long Term Athlete and Equine Programme in March 2007
- Improving the breeding of horses and ponies. British Breeding's schemes have evolved considerably since the launch of the Action plan, with standardised evaluations now for all young sport horses, and continuing development of the Breeders' Quality Mark.

"The BHIC was created so that all sectors of the horse world could work effectively together. Whereas progress outlined in this update is encouraging, we recognise that there are some areas in respect of which much more needs to be done. The BHIC will continue to work with all the equestrian sectors to ensure that every one of the 50 Actions is brought to a satisfactory conclusion."

Click here for a pdf of the Action Plan update

 

 

March 22nd, 2007