The equestrian sector after COVID-19

Executive Director, Lucy Katan, shares her COVID-19 story and thoughts on the future of the equestrian sector after the pandemic...

Since the coronavirus hit the UK, the phone has been ringing non-stop with members worried about their income, confused about funding/grants and concerned about how they are going to afford to live.

The BGA and EEA team are working non-stop to bring you news as it breaks, and providing information on funding and grants and advice on what to do.

I’m proud that our small team was so ‘on the ball’ that we are leading the way within the equestrian world.

Why the BGA matters now more than ever

This crisis has highlighted why the BGA was created, for grooms to have an association that is there to help and support but also understands their situation. For the first time, other people in the industry have started to recognise that being a groom is a livelihood and not just a hobby.

For those who run equestrian establishments, and employ staff, these are understandably worrying times.

The BGA’s sister organisation, the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) has also received a high volume of calls and supported so many employers over the past weeks.

For those employers who have paid their business rates (where applicable), correctly had their staff on PAYE, and even had a not- for-profit company structure – funding, furloughing, SSP refunds, and other grants have been possible.

For some, they have discovered that they are in fact a business and suddenly, for those who have bent (or ignored) the laws and rules for many years, a reality that they were vulnerable and on their own. For many this has come as a sharp wake up call.

Illegal self-employment equals no support

The thousands of grooms who are told they are self-employed, when they are not, or whose employers who are paying cash only, are the ones worst affected because they are not entitled to receive anything more than Universal Credit.

They couldn’t be furloughed nor receive the Statutory Sick Pay entitlement – they were on their own. For some grooms, the realisation of the consequences of being in an illegal false self-employment situation was a shock. This makes me very uncomfortable, as we all know that these individuals are the hardest workers, and they have received absolutely nothing!

How has Covid 19 affected the industry?

Although it is a hard time for many it is important to know how the coronavirus has affected the industry.  The Impact Survey we ran in April revealed that:

• 89% of equestrian businesses have seen a financial impact
• 5% of all equestrian businesses are worried that they will face closure
• 80% of freelance grooms reported working fewer hours
• Over half of employed grooms have seen their hours reduced, been furloughed, or been made redundant.
• 61% of respondents felt the current situation is impacting their mental health.

The findings demonstrate that the entire industry is facing a time of unprecedented challenge. Coronavirus presents an array of difficulties which vary depending on business type and grooms’ way of working, but it is clear, this is a problem that impacts everyone.

I am also really proud and pleased that during this crisis we are the leaders in mental well being support in the equestrian sector and our members can access Grooms Minds and Employers Minds. 

What does the future look like?

We are living in uncertain times but I have two hopes post COVID-19 that ensures grooms and employers are protected.

At this time, it is essential that the industry as a whole prioritises those that run businesses and earn a living and livelihood from horses. Without them, others will be unable to enjoy the hobby and sport.

So I would ask that grooms and employers consider life post COVID-19:

We need your help and support

Every business is taking a financial hit, and so I can’t stress to you how important it is that you continue your membership and encourage your friends to join the BGA and your employer the EEA. 

It is important to remember that this isn’t forever. If you need us, we are here to support you."
 

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