The equine industry is part of the environmental and land‐based industries, represented by Lantra Sector Skills Council, which also includes the following industries: agricultural crops; agricultural livestock; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land‐based engineering; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber; and veterinary nursing. The sector as a whole currently employs 1,126,000 people (approximately 4% of the UK workforce) in around 230,000 businesses. In addition, there are an estimated 500,000 volunteers working in the sector on a regular basis. Approximately 42% of the workforce is self‐employed.
Equine industry includes the welfare, husbandry, supervision and riding of horses, which means there are opportunities ranging from livery operations to thoroughbred racehorse training. Employers in the industry include: riding schools; livery yards; racing yards; breeders; trainers; and those involved in various other equine‐related activities, such as coaches and rehabilitation. Equine encompasses:
- Riding schools and livery yards
- Competition and racing yards
- Studs
- Instructors
- Working horses
- Clubs and hunts
- Diversified equine activities
- Equine paraprofessionals, such as Equine Dental Technicians, Barefoot Trimmers (i.e. people who trim horses’ hooves that do not have shoes)
Key facts:
- There are 20,700 people working in the industry, in around 3,450 businesses.
- There are approximately 100 barefoot trimmers and 200 equine dental technicians in the UK.
- 80% of businesses employ 5 or less staff, 18% employ between 6‐25 staff, and only 2% employing between 26‐100 staff.
- Volunteers are a significant part of the workforce within the industry.
Jobs in the industry include: apprentice jockey, performance groom, PTT instructor, BHSAI Assistant Instructor, stable person, stallion handler, Coach Level 1 Stud Yard Supervisor, Coach Level 2 Stud‐hand, Coach Level 3 Supervised/Assistant Groom, foaling specialist, trek leader, yard manager, horse transporter, yearling manager, jockey.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 1,900 employees in the regional workforce, in around 300 businesses.
East of England – There are an estimated 3,250 employees in the regional workforce, in around 450 businesses.
London – There are an estimated 1,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 250 businesses.
North East – There are an estimated 500 employees in the regional workforce, in around 100 businesses.
North West – There are an estimated 1,850 employees in the regional workforce, in around 250 businesses.
South East – There are an estimated 3,550 employees in the regional workforce, in around 600 businesses.
South West – There are an estimated 2,700 employees in the regional workforce, in around 400 businesses.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 2,450 employees in the regional workforce, in around 300 businesses.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 1,550 employees in the regional workforce, in around 300 businesses.
Northern Ireland – There are an estimated 350 employees in the regional workforce, in around 50 businesses.
Scotland – There are an estimated 1,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 250 businesses.
Wales – There are an estimated 550 employees in the regional workforce, in around 150 businesses.
[N.B. Data derived from Experian National Surveys Database, 2008.]
