Stimulating Innovation

Equestrianism is a complex industry, covering a wide range of

activities across the East Midlands region and beyond.

As well as offering diverse recreational pursuits and sportingcompetition, equestrianism generates extensive activity in

universities and colleges, supporting training and offering an increasing

variety of leading edge research opportunities.

Key areas of equestrian enterprise in the East Midlands include

competition training, livery, and recreation. The region is also host to

a number of international riding competitions, attracting thousands of

participants and visitors each year.

Over 165,000 people already enjoy horse riding pursuits in the East

Midlands alone, and the sector has a significant scope for growth.

Read on to explore the exciting opportunities

for the development of equestrianism,

and find out how you can help drive innovation…

Research led by Loughborough University and Leicestershire CountyCouncil* has identified a number of opportunities for improvedperformance of the equestrian industry across the region, in terms ofboosting the following sectors:

Equestrian enterpriseThere is scope for a number of new initiatives, including:

• updating of business skills to reduce risk

• development of business networks that raise the profile of equestrianism

• promotion of sustainable rural diversification through equestrian related tourism

Equestrian recreation and performanceOpportunities to increase participation in horse riding for pleasure and competition include:

• establishing an East Midlands Centre of Equestrian Sport

• improving access to horse riding amongst school children and the general public

Equestrian research and educationThe formation of an East Midlands equestrian research network would be a significant step in

co-ordinating equestrian research and education, leading to closer and more effective

partnerships with equestrian industry.

Equestrianism plays a major role in our economy. There is great potential to

boost development in this important sector.

We need your support to implement a collective vision for a prosperous future for equestrianism.

* Supported by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HECFE)

The challengesA significant challenge in moving equestrianism forward is the highly fragmented nature of the

sector, caused by the large number of small, often micro-sized businesses delivering

equestrianism commercially.

We must tackle the ‘elitist’ image of equestrianism and lack of engagement with the wider

general public, to increase access and participation in horse riding and to raise the profile

of the sector.

The opportunitiesThe future of equestrianism is extremely promising, with significant opportunities for

modernisation and growth.

Innovation and sharing best practice will drive developments forward.

To achieve sustainable progress, the fragmented structure of equestrianism must be

addressed. All stakeholders, including equine businesses, trade associations and government

bodies, should form strategic networks to identify common concerns and opportunities.

Networking and engagement between a wide range of partners is essential

to drive new initiatives to boost prosperity.

Moving the industry forwardMany industry stakeholders have applauded our proposal for a collaborative approach to

develop the sector.

The following proposals received a particularly positive reaction:

• networking with Higher and Further Education colleges

• involvement with local equestrian business clubs

• formation of a region-wide lobbying group

• establishing a multi-disciplinary ‘Centre of Equestrian Excellence’ network in the East Midlands

Equestrianism needs you!As an industry stakeholder, you can help to realise the potential of equestrianism and boost

the impact of the sector on our local economy.

Your support is vital. We welcome your feedback and comments.

How would you like to see equestrianism develop?

For example, how should we capitalise on our equestrian heritage as a

valuable product for attracting equestrian and non-equestrian customers into

the East Midlands?

Do you have any suggestions for innovations in the equestrian world?

To have your say and help make a difference, visit

www.eastmidlandsequestrianism.org.uk

A full copy of the report, "The Character of East Midlands

Equestrianism in the 21st Century", can be downloaded free

of charge from the website.