ABRS+ on expanding services to support livery yards

 

The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS+) is a well-known and highly respected organisation in the equestrian industry. On learning of a recent rebrand and development in services to support livery yard establishments, we were keen to discover more about what the future holds for the organisation. In this article, Cheryl Johns takes us back to the beginning to talk about the formation of the ABRS+, how regulations have changed the shape of equestrian riding establishments and what the new services have to offer for livery yard managers.

Article Author: Cheryl Johns

Where it all started

An increase in the popularity of riding as a sport saw a boom in equestrianism in the 1930s. This increase in engagement and activity lead to fresh concerns surrounding the level of competence and welfare in establishments. As a result, the Riding Establishments Bill was made law in 1939 to set standards whereby local authorities could appoint inspections of riding establishments by veterinary surgeons.

In 1954, a meeting held by industry peers led to the creation of the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) to support, represent and promote the proprietors of these licensed establishments.

One of the founding members of the ABRS+ was Suzanne Marczak of Suzanne’s Riding School in Harrow, which is believed to have been one of the first licensed riding schools in the UK when established in 1939. Suzanne’s Riding School became the first ABRS+ testing centre and was under the same ownership for 65 years until closing its doors in 2004. Suzanne’s son, Julian Marczak, was the co-proprietor and Chief Instructor in its later years. Julian was heavily involved with the ABRS+ whilst pursuing his equestrian career in instruction and running Kings Barn Equestrian in West Sussex. He has since published several books on equestrian training and riding techniques. In 2005 Julian embraced the association presidency for which he remains to this day.

I have been associated with the ABRS+ over many years, and I am especially proud of the various ways in which it is developing and widening its remit. The work is vital if the association is to have a stronger voice throughout the industry and exert greater influence where needed. The approach of the association when I joined the Board many years ago very much remains today, which is to place its members at the heart of all that it does, providing them with support and advice which is delivered in a down to earth, non-judgmental way.”

Said ABRS+ president Julian Marczak.

Over the years, legislation for riding establishments developed with the introduction of additional criteria. The Riding Schools Act, as it is now known, has remained largely the same since 1964. Yet, establishments are now subject to greater legislation, with additional welfare and control laws being introduced. In addition, control of licence issuing has been passed back to the local authorities in recent years, meaning there is less consistency, collusion or understanding for the industry.

For the last 65 years, the ABRS+ has remained the only equestrian association dedicated to supporting and representing the proprietors of professional equestrian establishments. The association provides support for licence applications, economic issues, educational and administrative aspects of the businesses. The ABRS+ holds its members central to proceedings, with the Board of Trustees being heavily involved in industry activities. Three members are proprietors of riding establishments, whereas others specialise in equine and non-equine business development, marketing and HR.

Licensing for Livery Yards

With the publication of ‘Britain’s Horse Problem’, a report by a group of equestrian charities in 2020 looking into equine welfare issues, the introduction of licensing for livery yards now looks ever more likely. At present, there is no livery yard regulation, no representation for yard owners, and no requirement for any level of competency for the proprietors. There is no way for those yards who are fully insured, competent, and following best practice guidelines to stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, cost often prevails for horse owners, and a lack of knowledge means they do not always make the best choice when choosing a new yard. The level of service and competence offered by a yard can significantly affect the satisfaction of livery clients and the welfare of horses in their care.

Realising a need to support these businesses, in 2020, the ABRS+ extended its membership to include livery yards and equestrian centres alongside its existing membership of riding establishments. Whilst the ABRS+ remains associated with riding schools, it remains a well established equestrian association. Clients of riding establishments often progress onto buying a horse or pony, thus seeking livery themselves. With this in mind, the addition of regulation for livery yards seems the perfect fit and natural progression with existing members.

It is apparent that many livery yards feel heavily unsupported, especially during the last 15 months, which has been a testing time for all. A large number of our existing riding centres offer a livery service, so the expansion is a natural one, fits perfectly with the resources and our values of promoting the highest standards while supporting our members and their businesses.”

Said ABRS+ Chair Jane Williams.

There is no specific ‘criteria’ for a livery yard as per other approval schemes, meaning the membership is open to yards of all sizes and all livery types outside the ‘standard’ scope of those offering DIY, Part and Full livery. With the addition of service, proprietors of all equestrian establishments can now benefit from the support, expertise and representation of the ABRS+, and ultimately via British Equestrian and national government. The development of new memberships types can only strengthen the association and give its equestrian community a stronger voice.

Support

The ABRS+ ensure its members’ voices are heard whenever they need support. The ABRS+ have successfully represented their members on issues such as rate relief, licensing, and, more recently, seeking clarification and financial support for members during the Covid pandemic.

As part of the membership expansion, the ABRS+ consulted its members and potential members. Since, the association has rebranded, reviewed and improved its existing member propositions for riding establishments and revamped the website.

ABRS+ membership now offers better benefits than before, including assistance to the Equestrian Employers Association, which offers employment, health, and safety guidance, and LiveryList, a livery yard directory and resource for yard owners. In addition, discounts are available on many equestrian services and products. Free welfare, legal, health, and safety advice from equestrian specialists is also available.

Whatever the equine establishment, support is available to get the paperwork in order and to help understand the business’s needs.

Peace of Mind

The ABRS+ offers peace of mind to owners and riders in that all approved and certified establishments provide high care and welfare standards. In a second aspect to the membership, the association will be increasing its educational offerings to encourage clients of all equestrian establishments to know what to look for in a ‘good’ riding establishment or livery yard.

The ABRS+ also offers education for the younger generation of riders and pony owners in all aspects of equine care, safety and equitation with its Rosette, Certificate and Equestrian Care Award schemes.

The ABRS+ is an association solely for its members rather than being a small part of a larger association. Membership is a hallmark of quality and gives equestrian establishments not only support but promotion too. The ABRS+ seeks to raise the expectations and standards while promoting the professional yards on offer.

Additional resources

The ABRS+ also offers members, and their staff, opportunities for professional development with CIEC coaching qualifications, safeguarding training and first aid courses.

While it has been difficult over the last 18 months, things are slowly starting to return to normal. There is no better option for those who want support and seek to stand out from the crowd than seeing what the ABRS+ has to offer. Membership is available from just £99; full details can be found on the ABRS+ website: abrs org.

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