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The equestrian industry, like any other industry, has its share of problems and achievements. On one hand, the industry was successful in promoting equestrian sports through various centers and strengthening local community engagement. On the other, it faces problems like an increase in equine deaths, equestrian centers operational issues, and economic or financial issues.

In Britain, the equestrian industry has also had reeling problems and continues to operate in spite of it. However, last year, a national survey was conducted on the equestrian centers across the country and found they are facing supply and demand issues, coupled with other issues. This year they again conducted the survey to check whether the conditions improved from last year.

Survey puts up grave picture of Equestrian Centers

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According to Horse Talk, the British Equestrian this year again conducted research on the equestrian centers to identify the progress made from last year. The survey was conducted in cooperation with other equestrian organizations such as the British Horse Society, the Association of British Riding Schools, and others. In the finding, it came to light that many equestrian centers are still working at seventy-five percent capacity. Seventy percent of centers showed their willingness on more capacity but shared their inability to do so. Fifty-four percent of the centers operate with a waiting list of twenty names on average. The other concerns of the centers are the lack of coaches, horses, and capacity issues.

Regarding capacity, fifty-five percent of the center says that the cost of living with an appreciation of the price of feed, energy, and insurance has affected their capacity. Mandana Mehran Pour, head of participation in British Equestrian, said, “Put simply, our equestrian establishments are on the brink of a disaster and traditional delivery models are under threat if we don’t find ways to address the issues“. She further explained that centers are at a critical point and improving the manpower and horsepower shall lead to the center’s operation at a hundred percent capacity. Despite the ongoing problems, the centers are optimistic about a better future head.

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Equestrian centers’ hope for the future

The equestrian centers in Britain have shown their optimism in these grim situations. Sixty-one percent of the centers stated that they have a positive outlook and hope for their establishment. Many have started to scale their operation and focus on finding solutions to the shortage of horses and manpower.

Read More: “I’m Completely Shattered”: 20-Year-Old Equestrian Prodigy Opens Up After Announcing Early Retirement

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They have started to find ways to reduce the waiting list and offer better services. A significant time of centers have shifted to offering off-horse activities to reduce the need for coaches and horses. They have found additional income avenues in Livery services, pony parties, and others.

Watch The Story: Equestrian Community Rallies to Improve Social License in Horse Racing