Report - Appendix I: What do people use their horses for?

Appendix I:   What do people use their horses for?

The1996 National Equestrian Survey estimated that about 60% of the 0.5m horseowners ride at least twice a week. For all riders (2.4m) the figure is lower: 25% ride twice a week, and an additional 22% ride about once a week. Unfortunately, there is very little data on participation in the different forms of horse-riding.

Hacking is the main purpose for which horses are acquired and used. The National Equestrian Survey in 1986 suggested that 31% of riders participated in hacking as an activity, and 12% in long distance riding. Anecdotal information suggests these figures may have changed with the growth of endurance rides and other activities.

The GHS showed that a quarter of rider had participated in competition in the previous year, and that nearly half had received tuition.

	%
Horse-riders who were members of a club for that activity in the 4 weeks before interview	15
Horse-riders who participated competitively in that activity in the 12 months before interview	27
Horse-riders who received tuition in that activity in the 12 months before interview	48

General Household Survey 1996