Sounding Board meeting report - 16th June 2004
The
first sounding board meeting to aid the development of the strategy for
the horse industry in England and Wales was held on the 16th June in London
by Defra and the British Horse Industry Confederation. Around 150 people
from a wide range of backgrounds and experience attended this meeting.
Many organisations as well as individuals were present, including representatives from British Equestrian Federation, British Horse Industry Confederation, British Horse Society, National Equine Welfare Council, International League for the Protection of Horses, Association of British Riding Schools, British Equestrian Veterinary Association, bridleways and access groups, many breed societies, feed manufacturers, educational institutions, insurance associations and equestrian press including Horse and Hound and Your Horse, as well as government representatives from Defra, Department for Culture Media and Sport, local government and county councils.
Private individuals present included owners of riding schools, livery yards and rescue centres, competitors, leisure riders, breeders, trainers, owners of private equine businesses, farriers and many others.
The meeting was opened by James Bradley, recently appointed Official for the Horse. James welcomed everyone and explained that the day was an important step in the development of the strategy for the horse industry in England and Wales.
The Minister for the Horse - Alun Michael addressed the industry and expressed his appreciation of the commitment shown.
The Chief Executive of the British Equestrian Federation, Andrew Finding , spoke on behalf of the industry and acknowledged the Minister's support of and interest in the industry and his determination to make a difference.
- Click here for full agenda of the day
- Click here for Alun Michaels speech
- Click here for Andrew Findings speech
Six Strategic Issues
Six strategic issues have been identified by the British Horse Industry Confederation (BHIC) as being essential to the industries growth. The development of each part of the strategy is being led by an industry individual (or 'champion') who the BHIC decided would be best placed to take that issue forward in the strategy. These issues were discussed in small groups throughout the day in order to come up with constructive actions for the industry and for Government.
The six issues were presented by the champions with key points they had preliminarily identified, prior to the discussion groups.
1. Promoting a better industry image - Annie Dodd/Tristram Ricketts (British Horse Industry Confederation)
- How does the Industry see itself?
- How does the outside world see the Horse Industry?
- Options for action
- Funding and Resources
- Outcome
2. Improving the economic performance of equine businesses - Claire Williams (British Equestrian Trade Association)
- Fiscal and regulatory constraints inhibiting business growth
- Enhancing the value of equestrian products and services
- Improving business skills and access to sources of advice and assistance
- Active inclusion of horses in the development of the wider rural growth agenda and land use policies
- Enhancing the value of UK equestrian tourism
3. Encouraging Sporting Excellence - Andrew Finding (British Horse Industry Confederation)
- Promote cultural change
- Expand support for talented people & horses
- Access for more young people
- Increase participation
- Standard setting
- Professionalism
4. Improving the quality of British bred horses - Graham Suggett (British Equestrian Federation)
- Communication
- Publicity and marketing
- Centralising and sharing of data and resources
- Unifying standards and actions
- Government support
5. Improving skills, training and standards - Cathy McGlynn/ Fiona Birt-Llewellin (British Horseracing Board)
- Recruitment and retention of staff
- Lack of skilled staff
- Importance of practical training for both employees and employers
- Need for greater collaboration
- Funding issues
6. Improving access to riding and off road riding - Margaret Linington-Payne (British Horse Society)
- The importance of riding schools
- Urban and rural riding
- Riding on roads
- Riding off road
- Impact on equine tourism
Partnerships
As well as these six sets of issues, there will be a section regarding the partnerships between the industry and the Government and how the horse and equine industries are integral to the government's objectives - such as action on social exclusion, addressing the rural/urban divide and encouraging young people into sport. Graham Cory - British Horse Society, will take 'champion' this issue.
Summary thoughts
Click on each heading to see feedback from the six groups
- Promoting a better industry image
- Improving the Economic performance of Equine businesses
- Encouraging sporting excellence
- Improving the quality of British bred horses
- Improving skills, training and standards
- Improving access to riding and off road riding
Next steps...
The next stage is the completion of the draft chapters by the 'champions', following the ideas and issues raised at this meeting, and the publication of a draft strategy early in the new year. There will be an opportunity for anyone to tell Defra and the BHIC their views on this draft strategy once it is published. Keep checking this web site for full details and updates on the progress and development of the strategy and to download the draft strategy when it is produced.
Page last modified:
19 May, 2005
Page published: 30 June, 2004