Horses Deliver £1.2 Billion in Social Value

Horses deliver £1.2 billion in social value every year, new research shows.

Equestrian centres across the UK are doing more than teaching riding skills, they are creating a measurable impact on national wellbeing.

New research from British Equestrian, unveiled on 3 October at Saddlers Hall, reveals that equestrian activity generates £1.2 billion in social value annually, with each riding centre contributing an average of £292,000.

The study, carried out with Sheffield Hallam University, the Sport and Recreation Alliance, and social value specialists State of Life, looked at on-horse activities, off-horse engagement, and volunteering.

It shows that riding regularly, volunteering, or participating in equine programs delivers tangible benefits to individuals’ physical and mental health, personal development, and community wellbeing. Importantly, equestrianism reaches audiences often underrepresented in other sports, including women, older adults, people from lower socio-economic groups and disabled people. 

Speaking at the launch event in London, Jim Eyre, CEO of British Equestrian, said, “For the first time, we have solid evidence defining the true impact of equestrian activity for participants, volunteers and communities, while delivering real savings to public services. Equestrian centres are not just recreational hubs, they are national wellbeing assets.”

The findings also highlight personal stories behind the numbers. One member of the launch day discussion panel, Jehmar Jonas, spoke of his difficult experiences as a young boy 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.

Jehmar is now a youth worker and witnesses the special interactions even those most troubled can have with the 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.

Playing a crucial role...

From youth supported through Ebony Horse Club to people overcoming serious health challenges with the Riding for the Disabled Association, the research underscores the transformative power of horses.

For yards and those who work on them, the report reinforces the crucial role they play in their communities. Riding centres are where new participants take their first steps, volunteers make a difference, and careers in equestrianism begin.

Protecting and supporting these centres ensures more people can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of being around horses.

The full report, The Power of Horses: Equestrianism’s Social Value, is available to read and download from British Equestrian.

Download the report