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

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? 

“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.  ​

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.  ​

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. 

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