Equestrian Social Value Horses Changing Lives
Ground breaking research has established that horses and equestrian activity in the UK create substantial social value, estimated at £1.2 billion each year. This figure, announced at a launch event in early October, has been welcomed by the equestrian sector as hard evidence of how significantly horses contribute to people’s lives beyond sport and recreation.
Research Background and Purpose
The British Equestrian Federation, together with social value specialists State of Life, revealed the research at an event attended by figures from UK Sport, Sport England and government. The study aimed to quantify how equestrian activity benefits individuals and society, building on earlier work that explored physical and mental wellbeing outcomes. The research sought to combine statistical data with real-life experiences to demonstrate horses’ true impact in a way that speaks to policymakers and stakeholders.
Headline Social Value Figures
The key finding shows that equestrianism generates £1.2 billion in social value every year. On average, this equates to about £2,000 per adult who rides regularly and approximately £3,500 for each young person who participates weekly. These monetary estimates provide a means to express the non-commercial benefits of horses in financial terms.
Why Quantifying Value Matters
Those involved in presenting the research stressed that, while many people already know how much horses can influence wellbeing and personal development, putting these benefits into a recognised monetary framework helps articulate their significance to wider audiences. In a time of fiscal constraint, grassroots equestrian facilities such as riding schools are under threat, yet they serve as vital access points for many individuals to encounter horses, build confidence and connect with others. Demonstrating measurable value is seen as essential to support these community assets and advocate for the sector’s role in public health initiatives.
Health and Personal Development Benefits
The research highlighted that equestrian activity meets recognised thresholds for moderate physical exercise and can contribute to muscle control and coordination. Specific studies referenced in the presentations showed that equine therapy offers significant advantages for people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and autism spectrum disorders, and may even ease chronic back pain. There is evidence that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder experienced marked improvement during and after equine-assisted therapy. The opportunity to engage with horses has also been shown to improve school attendance and behaviour, reduce negative habits like gaming addiction, and support acquisition of life skills such as responsibility, emotional control and empathy.
Voices of Change
Alongside the numerical findings, the launch event included testimonies from individuals whose lives have been transformed by contact with horses. One youth worker described how horses helped him redirect his life after personal tragedy, offering humility and hope. A young rider with significant health challenges credited horses with helping her through a dark period, and another described how her bond with a pony supported her recovery from trauma and mental health difficulties. These personal accounts illustrated the deep emotional and psychological impact that horses can have.
Looking Ahead
The organisers of the research emphasised that the launch marks the beginning rather than the end of efforts to use this evidence to support the equestrian community. Priorities include helping riding schools thrive, engaging with government, health and education sectors, and continuing conversations about how the social value of equestrianism can be integrated into strategic planning. The report itself is described as both a reflection of the known life-changing influence of horses and a tool to amplify that understanding within policy and public spheres.
This new research firmly establishes the social value of equestrian activity at £1.2 billion annually and showcases how horses change lives through physical, mental and community benefits. It provides a powerful evidence base for recognising horses as valuable contributors to wellbeing and public health.
Do write and share your reflections upon this matter as we consider how best to promote and protect these life-enhancing experiences with horses.
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