The Equine Industry Flashcards
How much is the equine industry worth in the UK?
In 2014, the industry as a whole was worth £7.65bn.
What percentage of the total equine industry is made up of leisure and sport horses?
Leisure and sport horses account for £4.2bn.
This equates to 54.9% of the entire industry.
What are some positives of the British equine industry?
- traditionally a big part of farming and transportation.
- increased number of leisure riders
- horses have a special place in British culture, with strong links to the army and the Royal family.
- it is aspirational to own a horse, due to Royal affiliation
- encourages equality; men and women are able to compete against each other up to the highest level, the RDA allows disabled people to ride
- inner city riding schools are increasing and helping to keep kids off the streets
- in the UK, businesses can get some tax relief from allowing horses on their land (riding schools/DIY yards on farmers land).
How are horses seen in the UK/USA and Europe respectively?
In the UK and USA, horses are seen as pets o a leisure animal.
In Europe, they are seen as an agricultural animals, meaning if they do not make money or are of use, then they have to go. They are also eaten a lot more frequently in Europe.
What are some factors that caused the expansion of the equine industry?
1992 - reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy
1998-2003 - farm commodity prices and farm incomes fall
1995-2007 - economic growth and relatively low inflation.
What are some key developments and challenges facing the equine industry?
- Brexit and the changing economy -
Possible impact on the movement of horses in and out of Europe*, impact on the pound to the euro - will people have enough money to spend on their horses? Will equestrian companies e.g. Shires be hit with hard tariffs and be forced to put their prices up?
*hopefully maintained by the Tripartite Agreement - Passports and the NED -
There were plans for a NED to register every horse in the country on one database, however this has still not come about. There is no penalty for not notifying anyone that the horse has died or been sold. Horses are required to have a DEFRA approved passport however. - Olympic legacy -
Equestrian events became more accessible at London 2012 as they were held in Greenwich Park. This sparked public interest.
4. Disease surveillance/prevention - Recent outbreak (Feb/March 2019) of equine influenza and the ongoing need for vaccinations.
- Control of drugs -
Increased precision of the tests. NAF Clean Sport - Increased TV coverage/media -
Shows the sport as more accessible and less elitist, e.g. Olympia, Badminton and the racing. Social media has become increasingly important - owners, trainers, jockeys, sponsors, brands, businesses etc all have social media pages aimed at attracting customers.
What is the Tripartite Agreement?
An agreement between the UK, France and Ireland that allows the free movement of horses between them. It predates the UK joining the EU in 1972 and should hopefully mean that movement is unaffected. Latest update to the TPA was in 2014.
