Report - Section 3.4

3.4   Key findings/issues

• The input to the national economy of the UK equine industry is estimated to be around £2.5 billion, just over one third the size of farming’s contribution of £7 billion.
• The equine industry is the second biggest employer in the rural economy, providing over 150,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
• Each riding establishment is estimated to provide 6 full time job equivalents, or two full time jobs for every 9 horses.
• With farm incomes lower than they have ever been in the last 30 years, farmers have become increasingly dependent on income from secondary non-agricultural activities. The equestrian industry has been identified as an important area for diversification by the development agencies as it offers a diverse range of jobs in the countryside.
• At a local level, the average expenditure on a single horse was £3,905. If this figure is applied to the 3,600 local horses in the Leader+ area, the annual spend on horse keeping in the area amounts to £14.058m. Over 120 businesses in East Sussex have been identified as relying on the sector. The equine industry is very important to the region, county and local area.