Industry Strategy
The purpose of the horse industry strategy is to foster a robust and sustainable horse industry, increase its economic value, enhance the welfare of the horse, and develop the industry's contribution to the cultural, social, educational, health and sporting life of the nation. Eight interlinking strategic aims were identified as key. Each of these aims include specific action points intended to move the industry forwards toward its overall vision.
Click here for the full update of the Strategy Action plan (March 2007) in pdf form
Welfare Aim
The health and welfare of horses, ponies and donkeys in fundamental to the success of the industry, and underpins the whole of the strategy.
Aim 1
Bring the Horse Industry together and develop its national, regional and local impact
Just as coming together more will greatly increase the industry's national relevance, so greater co-operation at regional and local level will multiply its effectiveness.
Aim 2
Increase participation in equestrianism and develop the social contribution of the Horse Industry.
The future of the industry depends on adopting a more inclusive approach and attracting a constant stream of new riders. Moreover, while it is vital to increase participation for economic reasons there are other very good reasons for drawing new people into riding including its potential contribution to wider development, sport, health and social exclusion.
Aim 3
Boost the economic performance of equestrian businesses. This has many aspects including raising standards of business performance, encouraging cooperation, ensuring a level fiscal and regulatory playing field, addressing business problems and enhancing the value of equestrian goods and services including equestrian tourism.
Aim 4
Raise equestrian skills, training and standards means providing an environment in which people wish to build a career, attracting and retaining staff and improving opportunities for learning.
Aim 5
Increase access to off-road riding and carriage driving increasing provision of off-road equestrian routes and an effective network of public rights of way is a huge concern amongst many horse owners and riders.
Aim 6
Consider the environmental impact of the horse includes improving standards of land management, encouraging correct and safe manure storage and disposal and encouraging the use of native breeds in conservation grazing.
Aim 7
Encourage sporting excellence. We are already successful in many areas of equestrian sport but the industry needs to work hard to maintain this position by initiatives such as extending coaching development programmes, improving standards of facilities and engaging with unaffiliated bodies.
Aim 8
Improve the quality and breeding of horses and ponies There is a need to identify and develop lead bodies for the breeding of non-racing thoroughbred horses and ponies, to raise standards in studs, and look at the conservation of native and indigenous breeds.
