26 July 2000

Riding Schools in Crisis?

On 26 June we reported that the Government was to consult publicly on proposals to extend rate relief to various horse enterprises linked to farm premises and will revise planning guidance to give clear encouragement to diversification, for example to use redundant farm buildings and to encourage small-scale horse enterprises on working farms. The Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Baroness Hayman said at the time: "The Action Plan for farming made clear our recognition of the importance of horse-related activities to the rural economy and we are taking a range of actions to help encourage developments in this area." To farmers who do diversify or introduce equestrian businesses on farm premises, this encouragement is likely to take the form of reduced or zero rated business rates. At a time when licensed riding schools a closing down at a rate of one per week this will alarm equestrian businesses which are not attached to farms. According to Alan Bingle, Head of Riding Schools Approvals for the BHS, the position is in fact more constructive than first impressions may give. The initiative could have opened up the opportunity for consultation and debate for the whole equine industry including riding schools. Specifically, now that responsibility for the industry as a whole has been given to MAFF, the government now acknowledges the value of equestrianism to the rural economy. This is a crucial time. The Chairman of the British Horse Industry Confederation, Mr Michael Clayton, (who is also the Chairman of the BHS) will be a major contributor to the consultation process with government and MAFF regarding these issues. He is committed to equal treatment for all departments of the equestrian industry. In order that there is fairness for all with regard to riding schools Alan Bingle is calling for help from riding schools to supply him with evidence to support their argument. You can find more details at: http://www.bhs.org.uk As a consequence of riding school closures many horses are in need of re-homing. Animals that have grown up together are being separated and re-housed at other establishments.