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Horses: Equine issues in government
Defra works for:
- the good of horses
- people who ride, own, or work with horses; and
- the sustainable benefits which horses bring to economies and communities.
Who does what?
The Horse Industry
The horse industry's gross output is worth approximately £4 billion per year, and attracts around 4.3 million riders, and directly or indirectly employs up to a quarter of a million people. It plays an important part in the national and especially rural economies, the social fabric of rural communities, and environmental and land management.
The industry is highly diverse. It includes large-scale commercial activities such as racing and sport horses, the leisure and recreational use of horses, and ancillary activities like farriery, equine medicine, tack and feed supply.
The Government
Jim Fitzpatrick is Minister for Food, Farming and Environment, which includes responsibility for animal health and welfare, and other equine issues.
Other public bodies
Other public bodies which relate to the horse industry include Natural England, local authorities (for example through their planning functions), the business support service Business Link, and UK Sport. More public sector links.
If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, please contact the Defra helpline (08459 33 55 77)
Page last modified:
16 November, 2009
Page published: 11 November,
2003