Is The Equestrian World Struggling?

Having been a horse owner for over twenty years, and been riding for more than 30, during recent years I have noticed more struggles in the equestrian world than ever before. Whilst there are many challenges facing the everyday horse owner, how does this show throughout the equestrian industry? Owning a horse in 2025 certainly feels more challenging and complicated than it ever has before. Here are some of the struggles I have noticed in our local equestrian community. I would love to hear if you feel the same?

Rising Costs  (And Not Just a Little Bit)

Let’s face it horses have never been cheap but the rising costs of horse ownership combined with the ever lasting cost of living crisis is causing many horse owners to make cut backs where they can. Whilst there are savings to be made by buying bedding in bulk or opting for second hand goods, necessary services such as farrier and vet visits cannot be compromised. A few years ago many people would have plenty of spare pennies for training, shows, attending events and fun rides. Attendance at these events has definitely dropped in our local area, making it harder and harder for organisers to run. Are we getting to the stage where horse ownership is only going to be possible for the rich?

The Next Generation of Riders

I cant help but worry about the number of riding schools that have closed in our local area. Where are our next generation learning to ride? We don’t want horse riding to become a sport purely for the elite. When I was younger there were several riding schools very close to home, but sadly all of these have now shut. Running a riding school as a successful business is not only very hard word but financially very challenging. Clearly in this area it isn’t proving viable – I wonder if it is like that across the country?

Changes in the Environment

Alongside the Riding Schools I have also seen the closure of many livery yards. Some of the larger yards have also been turned into full livery, which isn’t affordable for all. Meanwhile a lot of the smaller yards in Hertfordshire many have fallen victim to planning – with grazing fields being turned into Housing Estates. I currently find myself in this exact scenario as planning permission has been submitted for 100 houses to be built on my small yard. Are we getting to the stage where we are short of places to actually keep our horses? We have also seen the closure of many local bridleways which is so disappointing. The last place we want to ride is on the roads!  

Working in the Industry

Is there a staff shortage in parts of the equestrian world? I frequently see yards repeatedly advertising for grooms or yard help. There’s no denying this is hard graft and do the staff get the recognition and pay the deserve? I know of quite a few people who have left the equestrian industry to pursue a new career in a different sector. Some careers in the equestrian world do not seem to be properly managed and changes need to be made to prevent burnout and high turnover of staff.   

How Do We Move Forward?

Whilst it may feel like it’s all doom and gloom in the equestrian world there is also much to celebrate. I feel the biggest movement right now focusses on horse welfare, with changes in training methods and care having our horse’s best interest at heart. Now is the time where I see more people putting the horse first and the sport second. If it’s one thing us horse owners know how to do, it’s adapting and persevering in any given situation. We’ve always found creative ways to keep going and now is the time to work together do this again. Change can bring progress so let’s keep on working to build a brighter and kinder equestrian future.