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 2025
Published: 26 May 2026
Key highlights from the State of the Nation 2025 report include:
- Participation and engagement continue to grow: Federation memberships increased by 16%, while social media followings across British Equestrian and its member bodies rose by 21%, demonstrating sustained engagement with equestrian activity and communities.
- Equestrianism delivers significant social value: The second stage of British Equestrian’s social value research, The Power of Horses, found that equestrian activity generates an estimated £1.2 billion in social value each year, with a positive impact on wellbeing, inclusion and community connection. Riding schools alone generate an average of £292,000 in social value per centre per year, highlighting their importance as grassroots community assets.
- Strong impact for underrepresented groups: Participation data shows equestrianism continues to reach groups often underrepresented in other sports, including women and girls, disabled people and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, positioning the sector as a valuable contributor to national inclusion, health and wellbeing priorities.
- Equestrian centres, charities and workforce remain under pressure: While participation is rising, ongoing cost-of-living pressures, rising operating costs and workforce challenges continue to impact riding establishments and community facilities, threatening local access if not addressed.
- Equestrianism’s role in wider societal challenges: Set against national evidence of declining physical activity, widening inequalities and growing pressures on health and education systems, the report demonstrates how equestrian activity can contribute to preventative healthcare, social connection and positive life outcomes across all ages.
State of the Nation report 2025
Equestrian in society
Social Value
Stage one published: 16 December 2024
Stage two published: 08 October 2025
Equestrian activity has extensive benefits for individuals and communities. Physical activity and social connection, along with the partnership with horses, brings a unique impact of the sector.
Our pioneering two-stage project to determine the true value of equestrianism for society has revealed our sector to be annually worth £1.2 billion in social value.
See the full research and 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.
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.