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'Without them… what are we' Riding Schools at risk - Cara's Blog Dec 2023

11/12/2023

1 Comment

 
Whenever I read a horse magazine, I almost always end up thinking – arrrghh I wish I had more computer time, I could have written this.  Then I remind myself, why on earth would I want more computer time, when I’m hanging out with our herd and you great wild folks.  The point is, these mags are writing about themes that resonate with us – great job editors.
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​Summer is madness here, so I tend to ‘binge’ read a backlog in quieter months.  So, apologies this is ‘after the horse has bolted’, but I hope you will still enjoy my thoughts on the BHS’s Summer edition.  Its cover page and first article got me somewhat fired up and I’m pretty sure they didn’t even mean the two to be connected, but if you stick the titles together it’s another story in itself – Riding Schools…without them…what are we?
 
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“Riding Schools at Risk”.   The article reports that a massive 15% of riding schools have closed since 2018, equating to 1.5 million less lessons available per year!  The reasons given were: 
  • excessively long waiting lists putting off new entrants  
  • difficulties attracting and retaining staff, particularly due to shortages in opportunities for training and qualifications.   
I completely agree with the BHS reasons.  Even in our back-water of Southend, Argyll, we have a waiting list for lessons.  We also suffer staff challenges.  There is nowhere in Argyll where youngsters can train for a career in horses.  This limits the opportunities for local youngsters, but also seriously hampers the ability of horse-riding businesses to prosper here.  As a result, many have closed and the running costs for the rest of us have become disproportionately high.  ​
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I hope the BHS continue to lobby Government to ensure that equal access to training is maintained across all local authorities. I also urge them to work with the Trekking and Riding Society for Scotland (TRSS) and its approved centers to allow us to play our part in this issue – it is not limited to BHS centres.

Anyone who knows me is reading this and thinking where is the but…. so here it comes…..but it’s an AND!
My one criticism of the BHS assessment of this issue is that it seems to have avoided what I consider to be THE biggest risk to our industry – being undervalued!

We all accept that horses have an incredible value to the wellbeing of humans.  The cover of the BHS summer addition ‘Without them…. what are we” and their #horsehumanbond campaign testify to this.  However, at the same time, people seem to think that horses should be easily accessible to everyone.  The harsh reality is that running a horse business is bloody expensive, full of red tape and fraught with risk.  You will always find someone mad enough to take on the mammoth task of offering public access to horses (folk like Nikki and I – I rest my case) but no one can keep doing this at the current pricing models.  ​
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Historically, many grass roots riding schools survived on ‘child labour’ (we’ve all been that girl mucking out 20 stables for a free half hour ride); a ‘Heath Robinson’ approach to their facilities; and, shall we say, an ‘economical’ approach to horse welfare. Whilst this set up taught me a huge amount as a child, changes in legislation and customer expectation have forced riding schools to up their game. This change is something that I whole heartedly applaud and I believe our industry, individual businesses, horses and riders are all the better for this. HOWEVER, this change comes at significant cost and this is the part that folks have not caught up with.

As a youngster my lessons costs £20/hr. 30 years later I find myself still having to justify to people why we need to charge £35, whilst the same people will happily pay twice that to sit on a quad bike which has no operating costs at rest. This is madness.

The math simply doesn’t add up anymore, and, in my opinion, this is why equestrian businesses are closing.

The general public agree horse welfare should be a priority. Society also believes in fair working terms and opportunities for staff. These are now mainstream and imposed by law. Consumers want high quality, meaningful experiences – this is self-policed via reputation, these days ‘governed’ by TripAdvisor. So, if everyone is getting what they want, horses, consumers, staff, where is the problem – ah yes, the business owners and operators. From experience I can promise you, it is IMPOSSIBLE to deliver all of the above on a business model where £35/hour is still considered appropriate. The market MUST catch up if riding hubs are to continue to survive, never mind thrive.
What’s worse, my worry is that this ‘undervaluation’ comes as much from within as out with. In my opinion, most business operators are too modest to demand our (and our horses’) worth. And to make matters worse, I believe a lot of this has to do with the fact that most operators at this level are women. Controversial I know, and there is simply not time here to delve into the pits of feminism, but I have good reason to believe this. Please check out our ‘Straight From the Horses Mouth’ Newsletter from Feb 23 where I explain in more detail why I think we are where we are, and what I think we need to do to improve the situation in my article An Undervalued Industry – Even From Within. 
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What I would like to shout from the rooftops is: here is our opportunity to take some responsibility and put things right. Let’s continue to proudly raise the standard of horse care and welfare, alongside the quality and integrity of equestrian experiences. We shall do so, unashamedly charging a fair price for this. The industry and consumers must work together to encourage improvements, not squeeze prices down to wounding and unstainable levels. We hope that you will stand proudly beside us as we provide you with unforgettable adventures, whilst empowering and valuing your horses and hosts just as they deserve – together, let this be our legacy.

Cara Gelati
Dec 2023

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Wilder Ways goes Climate Campaigning for Greenpeace!

4/12/2023

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Last weekend, Nikki, Hilary & Christina took to the streets to try and recruit Climate Voters for Greenpeace's 'Project Climate Vote'. We've printed the full article below!
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Greenpeace volunteers have taken to Campbeltown’s streets as part of a national door-knocking campaign to recruit ‘climate voters’.
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Volunteers from the Kintyre Greenpeace group knocked on doors in the Ralston Road area last Saturday morning, talking to residents about the climate crisis and urging them to vote with climate and nature in mind at the next general election.

Project Climate Vote, Greenpeace’s nationwide mass door-knocking programme, is aiming to recruit one million ‘climate voters’ ahead of the next election to force UK political parties to strengthen their plans to tackle the climate, nature and cost of living crises now, at the election and in years to come.

Nikki Gelati from the Kintyre Greenpeace group said: “Most people in Campbeltown and across the country are concerned about the climate and nature crisis and want more government action on it, but politicians often ignore them.

“We want to change that by working together to make sure all political parties hear this message loud and clear. With an election on the horizon, this is the best shot we have to make sure our government is up to the job of tackling these issues – we must make our voices heard.

“Solutions like affordable renewables, home insulation and clean transport are already here, they’re popular, affordable and bring plenty of other benefits – what’s missing are political leaders willing to unleash them.
“So if, like most people, you want stronger, faster action on climate, now is the time to say that as loudly as you can and become a climate voter.”

Greenpeace UK is mobilising its entire volunteer network on Project Climate Vote. The door-knocking campaign will see thousands of people holding conversations about climate on the doorstep, over the phone and on social media, with a focus on dozens of key marginal seats, from now until the election.

People will be encouraged to register to vote ahead of the election and to hold the government to account afterwards.

More than 100,000 people, including celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Olivia Colman, Mel B, Will Poulter and Joe Lycett, have signed an open letter addressed to all political leaders demanding stronger action on climate, stating that “we will judge you at the next election”.

More than 3,000 volunteers signed up to take part in a launch call with writer and campaigner George Monbiot earlier in the year, and hundreds of events across the country have kickstarted a huge wave of climate conversations.

‘Climate voters’ will do everything they can to make climate and nature count in the national debate and will vote with these issues in mind.

In its manifesto, Greenpeace is calling for the next government to prioritise:
  • Fixing energy-wasting homes, unlocking affordable renewables and making public transport cheaper for everyone;
  • Boosting the economy, creating thousands of jobs and supporting communities dealing with climate impacts by channelling investment into green industries and taxing the biggest polluters more;
  • Protect nature at home and abroad from sewage and plastic pollution, destructive fishing and industrial agriculture.
​
Campbeltown Courier Nov 2023

You can read more about Greenpeace's Project Climate Vote here - ​Project Climate Vote | Greenpeace UK
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December 01st, 2023

1/12/2023

1 Comment

 
We are so chuffed to have received the Judges Commendation at the HITA Thistle Awards for Best Outdoor Adventure 2023! A massive thank you to all our amazing team, collaborators and customers who joined us on the night to celebrate with us. You can read the full article in the Campbeltown Courier here - High commendation for Kintyre horse-riding business - Campbeltown Courier
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We've been shortlisted for the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA)!

20/9/2023

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We are so honoured to be shortlisted for Best Outdoor and Adventure Experience and can't wait to attend the awards ceremony in November.
Read more here - ​Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2023 - shortlist announced! (ross-shirejournal.co.uk)
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Podcast "DIVA Debrief: November 2022"

5/11/2022

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Podcasts are more than just background sounds. They are an excellent medium in which you can feel involved, inspired, and entertained.  We were delighted to be invited to contribute to the Beyond Borders series.

So just put in your headphones and listen to the latest episode of DIVA Debrief podcast - the whole thing is a great listen but if you are short of time, we start at minute 13!
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Campbeltown Courier: Kintyre horse-riding centre among world's top attractions

26/9/2021

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We are thrilled to have been awarded a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for the second year running and to have been featured in the Campbeltown Courier.

This award is given to the top 10% of tourist attractions across the world that consistently deliver fantastic experiences, earning outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor time and time again over the last 12 months. We have recently reached over 100 reviews, all at 5 stars. Click the link to read the full article and to find out what this award means to us!

Campbeltown Courier News

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HIE Magazine: Harnessing the Power of Female Rural Entrepreneurs in Argyll

18/6/2021

1 Comment

 
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We are thrilled to be featured in the latest issue of HIE magazine. Click on the link below to hear our start up journey. This issue also touches on Cara's relationship with W-Power and how they have spearheaded the women entrepreneur community in Argyll. 

HIE Magazine Issue 7
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The Observer Magazine: A breath of fresh air - from seaside yoga to woodland runs, our 20 best outdoor adventures

27/9/2020

0 Comments

 
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These horses keep calling me back to Scotland!

30/12/2019

1 Comment

 
'Earth is large, so why would I go to Scotland to ride horses three summers in a row? I blame Wilder Ways.' - The wonderful Amy Finch has written an article on her adventures with ourselves and the herd across some of Scotland's remotest locations and best kept secrets.

We absolutely love, and are forever grateful for stories like this - providing nostalgia of adventures gone by. Head over to the Boston Globe to read the full article and to find out what kept Amy coming back!
1 Comment

Knoydart Riding Holiday

22/11/2019

1 Comment

 
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Want to know more about what to expect when exploring with us in Knoydart and hear what we get up to? One of our regular clients has written a blog entry about her time with us in Knoydart and she had us HOOKED from her opening line. Read the blog below to find out what our holidays are like from the travelling to get there to the memories after. 
Knoydart Blog By Lisa,USA
File Size: 604 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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  • Home
  • Adventures
    • Calendar
    • Riding Holidays >
      • Short Break - Wilderness Journey
      • Week Holiday - Ultimate Adventure
      • Extreme Wilderness - Knoydart (special away location)
      • A Horsemanship Humanship Gathering
    • Horseback Archery
    • Cross-Country Jumping
    • Clinics
    • Events
    • Riding Lessons
    • Adventures to Order
    • Previous Adventures >
      • 2024 Adventures
      • 2023 Adventures
      • 2022 Adventures
      • 2021 Adventures
      • 2020 Adventures
      • 2019 Adventures
      • 2018 Adventures
      • 2017 Adventures
  • Facilities Hire & Livery
    • Arena Hire (Outdoor Arena +/- Show Jumps)
    • Cross-Country (Course Hire)
    • Livery
    • Own Horse Holidays
    • Own Horse - Training (incl. Case Studies)
  • Venue
    • GLEN KERRAN FARM
    • The Farmhouse
    • Mull of Kintyre
    • Directions
  • The Herd & Us
    • The Herd
    • Us
  • Blog and News
  • Volunteers
  • Terms
  • Contact