Research and insights

Understanding the equestrian landscape is key to supporting a healthy, inclusive and sustainable future for the sector. Findings from research and data analysis provides valuable insights which help shape strategies, inform decision-making and guide action for the Federation and wider equestrian community.

On this page, you’ll find our latest research reports and insights, all contributing to a clearer picture of where we are now and where we’re heading.

What’s impacting the sector

State of the Nation report 2024

Published: 17 June 2025

Drawing on research and data from British Equestrian, our member bodies, industry partners and national statistics, the report is used to track trends, highlight challenges and shape strategic plans and projects for the year ahead to support a sustainable and inclusive future for the equestrian sector. 

Key highlights from the 2024 report: 

• Participation and engagement on the rise: Federation memberships across our 19 member bodies rose by 11.7% between 2023 and 2024.
• Resilient but pressured equestrian centres and charities: Riding school numbers remain under pressure, but 57% express an interest and capacity to grow.  
• Cost-of-living impact remains: Rising costs continue to be a concern for current horse owners and newcomers alike. 
• Environmental sustainability in focus: Our Environmental Sustainability Report highlights climate-related risks to equine welfare and continued growth of the sport.
• Social value of equestrian activity: Initial findings from stage one of British Equestrian’s social value research involved a literature review which found significant physical, social and mental wellbeing benefits linked to equestrian activities.
• Workforce challenges identified: Research from the British Grooms Association revealed low wages, contract non-compliance and mental health concerns among grooms. However, where there are strong employment practices in place, working in the industry can positively impact employee wellbeing and job satisfaction.  
• Public perception: World Horse Welfare’s research on public attitudes, conducted by Voconiq, shows moderate trust in equestrian sports, with welfare, ethics and accessibility identified as areas for improvement to maintain the industry’s social licence. 

State of the National Report 2024

Equestrian in society

Social Value: Stage one

Published: 16 December 2024

This ambitious study aims to highlight the extensive benefits equestrian activities bring to individuals and communities, showcasing the unique social impact of the sector.

290 pieces of evidence were used for this analysis. A significant portion of these focused on equine-assisted therapy and its transformative effects on participants.

Find out more about the findings here.

Environmental sustainability report

Published: 08 December 2023

A comprehensive report was delivered by White Griffin which outlines the impact of equestrianism on the environment, the risks, challenges and opportunities we face, a baseline for the equine industry and recommendations.  

Key highlights from the questionnaire:

• 67% of those who took part stated environmental sustainability is very important to them.
• The responses indicate the potential of developing the relationship between equestrianism and agriculture with 73% of landowners grazing livestock alongside horses.
• 83% of respondents said waste was the most important topic to address with 80% of individuals citing removal of single use plastics as the second priority.
• Most organisations said lack of money (41%) and time (26%) as their barriers to change.
• Encouragingly, 94% of respondents requested training or access to information to help improve their environmental impact.

See the full report and how we’re working towards a greener equestrian future.

Health of riding establishments

Published: 05 October 2023

The survey ran two years in a row in order to measure any change and to also delve deeper into current challenges.

70% of centres saying that they’d like to improve their capacity but are struggling to do so – half of all respondent centres hold a waitlist with an average of 20 names. A significant shortfall of workforce – including coaches, volunteers and horses – across the sector is the major factor impacting the ability to deliver to customers.

Capacity issues are experienced by centres of all sizes and business operation models, but the issues are most keenly felt in the southeast and southwest of England. Additionally, 55% of centres say the cost-of-living crisis has worsened the capacity issues they face, due to increasing operational costs such as insurance, feed and energy.

See the full report here.

Horses For All research

Published: 06 April 2023

British Equestrian commissioned AKD Solutions to provide insight into the attitudes, perceptions and lived-experiences of Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse and socio-economically underserved communities in the UK, who may or may not be engaging in the equestrian landscape.

The research investigated the respondents’ experience of equestrianism in their current involvement, their familiarity and acceptance, the barriers and facilitators to participation, and opportunities around competition and working.

See the full report and our Horses For All strategy and action plan.