Innholdsfortegnelse for 11-Jul-2019 i Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound|11-Jul-2019

Cautiously optimistic

THE results of the 2019 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) make interesting reading and are giving “cause for optimism” (news, p5). There are standout figures that are food for speculation and warrant further investigation. Here’s speculation for now. There are 16% fewer horse owning households than at last count, four years ago. Despite this, there are 500,000 more regular riders. There’s no evidence of riding schools being inundated with new clients. Quite the opposite, as those surveyed quote lack of access as a reason for stopping riding or failing to restart. How then are more people riding more often? Do we really have a vast amount more sharers now? Is everyone going on riding holidays? For my own part, I’m moving slowly but surely through the BETA survey demographics. I’ve…

1 min

Horse & Hound|11-Jul-2019

Cautious optimism but industry action needed

THE 2019 National Equestrian Survey paints a “cautiously optimistic” picture of our industry — but action must be taken to protect our riding centres. The British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) four-yearly report shows a growing number of regular riders, after a decline in the past 10 years, but fewer horses and horse owners. The survey also found an increase in consumer spending, from £4.3bn to £4.7bn since 2015. But there are “significant challenges” for former riders who would like to return to the sport, with access to horses cited as a reason for 22% of lapsed riders. BETA executive director Claire Williams told H&H “cautious optimism” is the right phrase to describe the industry overview. “On the whole, the survey gives a positive overview, with an upturn in some rider…

2 min

Horse & Hound|11-Jul-2019

IN BRIEF

RECOGNITION FOR LONG SERVICE A CHARITY that supports children by teaching them riding and horse care has celebrated four staff with a total of 70 years’ service. The Horse Rangers Association, Surrey, honoured Theresa Barrett, Georgie Rider, Becky May and Kerry Bedford, who have been with the charity for 25, 20, 15 and 10 years respectively, at its annual awards day. Chairman of trustees Jeremy Schomberg said: “The fact Theresa, Georgie, Becky and Kerry have been with us so long is testament to what a unique organisation Horse Rangers is and I’d like to thank them from all of us for their dedication and hard work.” LESS FREQUENT FEI RULE CHANGES FEI sport rules may only be changed every four years in future to simplify their implementation. At an FEI…

QUESTIONS have been raised as to why some events are struggling for entries, while the number of starters is above average. Eridge Horse Trials (13-14 July) cancelled on 2 July, a week after its ballot date, as a lack of entries meant it was “unviable”. “Many factors have combined, including clashing with other BE [British Eventing] events and the loss of a sponsor, and despite a heroic last-minute push for entries we simply haven’t met the target required,” said a statement from the organisers. “We hope you understand we are financially unable to run at a loss. Many people have tried so hard to make the event happen and while we are grateful for the effort and untold kindnesses, the gamble is just too great.” Poplar Park (2), due to…

3 min

Horse & Hound|11-Jul-2019

Unique chance to help Haiti’s horses

DONORS have a “unique opportunity” to double their impact, as a project helping working horses and donkeys in Haiti has become the first of its kind to receive match-funding from the UK government. The World Horse Welfare initiative aimed at helping owners care for their equines will provide training in saddlery, veterinary treatment and horse care. It aims to support owners in improving the health of their horses and open opportunities for people to earn incomes. World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers said: “Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and still trying to recover from the devastating earthquake in 2010. “But there is great appetite to access new skills and knowledge — and empowering local people through training not only improves the welfare of their working…

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Horse & Hound|11-Jul-2019

HORSES IN THE NEWS

ENABLE The John Gosden-trained “queen of racing” had her 10th consecutive win in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. This was the five-year-old’s first run since she won at the Breeders’ Cup meeting in November (report, p80). TRIPPLE X III The stallion who helped Britain to showjumping team Olympic gold in 2012 with Ben Maher is to be retired aged 17 at Hickstead. He went on to more success with Canada’s Tiffany Foster, including team Pan Am Games gold in 2015. SEA OF CLASS The star filly has sustained a career-ending bout of colic. Trained by William Haggas, the multiple Group One-winning daughter of Sea The Stars was in intensive care as H&H went to press.…

FIRE is a huge threat to a yard — a danger to lives and property — and both structural and day-to-day factors affect the risk. Buildings of metal, stone or brick construction pose significantly less risk than timber stabling. Cement or compacted earth floors provide good fire resistance and tiles or slates are ideal for roofing — felt or corrugated roofing can melt into stables. Jim Green, of the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association, explains: “The biggest concern is of fire being able to perpetuate. Brick walls and tile roofs will help to contain a fire, while if there is a roof void, fire will travel through it. It’s hard to stop such a fire.” You need more than one exit to reduce the risk of being trapped…

6 min