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British Equestrian publishes State of the Nation 2025 report

Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Today, British Equestrian has published the third edition of our annual State of the Nation report, providing a comprehensive, data-led overview of the UK equestrian sector and the growing focus on social value.

Drawing on research and insight from British Equestrian,  the member bodies, national partners and leading organisations across sport, health and education, the report tracks participation trends, highlights emerging challenges and identifies opportunities to support a sustainable, inclusive and socially valuable future for equestrianism across the UK.

The 2025 report builds on the progress and foundations laid in previous editions, reflecting on developments throughout 2024 while placing equestrianism firmly within the wider national context of health, wellbeing, education and community resilience. It also aligns with British Equestrian’s five-year strategy to 2030, where data and insight are central to informed decision-making and long-term impact.

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.
• Building for the future: The State of the Nation 2025 report reinforces that equestrianism has reached a pivotal moment. A range of evidence shows both a growing relevance to society and an urgent need to protect and build the sector through collaboration, investment and improved insight.

Looking ahead, British Equestrian will continue to harness the power of evidence, by developing research and data to better understand the sector and support year-on-year tracking of participation, workforce sustainability, welfare and social impact.

Rebecca Gibson, Head of Development and Inclusion at British Equestrian, said, “The State of the Nation 2025 report shows clearly that equestrianism is far more than a sport. The evidence demonstrates its ability to deliver meaningful social value, improve wellbeing and reach people who are often missed by other forms of physical activity. By placing data and insight at the heart of our work, we can better protect the future of the sector, support our communities and ensure horses continue to enrich lives across the UK.”

Abigail Bevan, Insight and Research Manager at British Equestrian, added, “This growing evidence base allows us to build a clearer, more complete picture of the equestrian sector, from participation and social impact to welfare and workforce challenges. Understanding this landscape is essential if we are to track progress, respond to pressures and demonstrate the true value equestrianism brings to society.”

Read the report:

State of the Nation 2025