British Equestrian has unveiled groundbreaking research that, for the first time, quantifies the monetary value of equestrian activity’s impact on UK society. The findings, announced on Friday 3 October at Saddlers’ Hall in London, reveal that equestrianism annually delivers £1.2 billion of social value across the nation.
Developed in partnership with leading social value specialists State of Life, the research provides measurable evidence of the sector’s role as a national wellbeing resource, demonstrating that each riding centre provides an average of £292,000 worth of value per year.
Understanding Social Value in Equestrianism
The UK government defines social or public value as “all significant costs and benefits that affect the welfare and wellbeing of the population” (HM Treasury ‘Green Book’, 2020). This encompasses both the direct benefit to individuals of improved wellbeing and the wider value to society, including savings to the state.
The research measured three key forms of engagement:
- On-horse activity
- Off-horse activity
- Volunteering
The Research Process
The social value research project began last year following a tender process. A research team from Sheffield Hallam University and the Sport and Recreation Alliance conducted a systematic search of academic databases, supplemented by a call for evidence. After thorough screening, 290 pieces of evidence were included for final analysis, with a significant portion focusing on equine-assisted therapy and its transformative effects on participants.
The literature review identified compelling evidence of equestrianism’s positive contributions across five social outcome areas:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Subjective wellbeing
- Individual development
- Social and community development
The second stage of the project began in May 2025, when British Equestrian partnered with State of Life to draw on stage one findings, plus sector-level and national data, to calculate a monetary figure on equestrian social value.
Key Research Findings
The headline findings demonstrate the substantial economic and social impact of equestrian activity:
- Total annual social value: £1.2 billion
- Riding schools contribution: 25% of total value, averaging £292,000 per school
- On-horse participation: £2,000 per year for adults riding twice monthly; £3,500 per year for young people riding weekly
- Off-horse participation: £2,000 per person, per year
- Volunteering: £2,100 per year for weekly volunteering; £1,000 per year for monthly volunteering
Launch Event: Stories Behind the Data
The findings were revealed at a capacity launch event at Saddlers’ Hall, London, attended by representatives from across the sector, government and stakeholders. Hosted by BBC’s Sonja McLaughlan, the event brought together research teams and a series of panels showcasing lived experiences of the power of equestrianism.
Becky Moody’s Keynote Address
Keynote speaker Becky Moody gave an insightful talk about her journey in the equestrian industry, from Pony Club member through to senior championship debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The key theme throughout was how, in times of stress or anxiety, time with her horses provided a safe space.
Powerful Personal Testimonies
Discussion panels featured individuals who have experienced the transformative power of horses firsthand.
Jehmar Jonas spoke of his difficult experiences growing up in a troubled area and losing his brother to knife crime. He found horses through Ebony Horse Club in London and now plays polo, working as a youth worker witnessing the special interactions even troubled young people can have with horses.
“I feel like, in my journey of healing from a lot of the things that I’ve witnessed and a lot of the things I’ve experienced, if it wasn’t for those touchpoints of horses and places like Power of Polo and Ebony Horse Club, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” said Jehmar.
Khianna Lucas-Young shared how, after battling leukaemia and other health conditions that left her paralysed and blind, she now rides with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
“It’s just a safe haven and it definitely did save me,” she said. “Mentally, physically, in every way, shape or form, I owe everything to the RDA.”
Why This Research Matters
This project marks a significant shift in how the value of equestrian activity is understood and communicated. It offers both narrative and numerical evidence that equestrian activity is more than recreational – it’s a contributor to national wellbeing and a strategic asset for social development.
The findings demonstrate the crucial role of equestrian centres as local hubs with national impact. They are where the majority of new journeys into the equestrian community begin, where volunteers give their time and where careers are built.
Importantly, equestrianism reaches audiences often underrepresented in other sports, including women, older adults, people from lower socio-economic groups and disabled people. This positions the sector as a powerful and accessible way to bring the benefits of physical activity in green spaces to communities who might otherwise be excluded.
Industry Response
Jim Eyre, CEO of British Equestrian, said: “This research marks a significant milestone for the equestrian sector – the beginning of a new stage, where we are able to clearly demonstrate our contribution to public health and wellbeing. For the first time, we have solid, measurable evidence defining the true impact of equestrian activity for participants, volunteers and communities, while delivering real savings to public services. It provides the federation with a powerful platform to ensure equestrianism is recognised as a proven, accessible way to support the nation’s wellbeing.”
Looking to the Future
Abigail Bevan, Insight and Research Manager at British Equestrian, looks forward to what this research means for the future: “It’s exciting to share the results of this project. This work is a vital step forward to show just how important data and insights are in supporting the sustainability and growth of our sector, meaning we can clearly demonstrate our impact on society and make a strong case for the role we play.
“It’s essential we continue to build on this knowledge to grow our impact and give more people the chance to experience the incredible power of horses. We hope it becomes a unifying tool for the sector, helping us align our messaging, advocate more effectively and work in partnership with government and other sectors to ensure our value is fully recognised and supported.”
Supporting Organisations
The project showcase panel included speakers from:
- Wirral Riding Centre, which hosts The British Horse Society’s Changing Lives Through Horses programme
- Park Lane Stables RDA
- Sport in Mind, discussing their partnership with British Equestrian
British Equestrian extended its thanks to the Worshipful Company of Saddlers for hosting the event and to all inspiring speakers who brought honesty and authenticity to the important conversations.
This report marks a turning point for the equestrian sector, providing the evidence base needed to amplify the extensive benefits of equestrian activity, champion the sector’s role in national wellbeing and ensure equestrianism is recognised as a key player in the future of sport, health and community development.
