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SEIB Uncover Coronavirus COVID-19 Challenges and Impact in Survey Designed for Livery Yards and Riding Schools
SEIB Insurance Brokers has undertaken a nationwide survey of livery yards and riding schools to find out more about the challenges facing these businesses at the moment .
The survey found that the effects of COVID-19 are far-reaching in the industry , but that some unexpected positives have been found . Reassuringly , many responses indicated that support is out there for yards – for those who know where to look .
Initially , this survey was organised by SEIB to find out how their commercial customers ’ businesses are faring at the moment , and to use the responses to put things in place to help provide support .
The results of the SEIB survey highlighted the important role government and charity grants and funding have played in helping yards since the first lockdown March . Several respondents said they had benefited from the British Horse Society hardship fund .
The need for clear communication – and knowing where to access information regarding financial support and advice were found to be lacking for some livery yard and riding school owners . One respondent claimed that “ the support is there but people don ’ t know about it .”
Fifty percent of survey respondents applied for business grants funded by the UK and devolved governments , whilst 13 % each applied for the COVID-19 job retention scheme and charitable funds – including the BHS hardship fund . Twenty-four per cent of yards have applied for government backed accredited loans , whilst a surprising 34 % of yards in the survey have not applied for any grants or funding from government or charity .
Another common theme amongst respondents was the impact that the return of business rates will have on
yards that are already down on income . A cited concern was that furloughing or laying off staff was not practical as animals still need caring for .
Whilst nearly 50 % of respondents said they turned horses out for the duration of the spring lockdown to reduce costs , this may not be an option as we head into Winter in lockdown number two . As a result , yard owners could face high wage , feed and bedding costs and reinstated business rates in the face of a much-depleted income .
Encouragingly , nearly two thirds of livery yards and riding schools surveyed said that interest in the service they provide has either remained the same or increased since lockdown . Other comments made by respondents reinforced the benefits of outdoor activity . These included mentions of a surge in interest in riding lessons prior to the second lockdown and appreciation of having the opportunity to take part in an outdoor activity . One respondent said : “ parents are trying to get their children into the countryside and we have lots of new riders since we reopened .”
SEIB as a company has a strong belief in ‘ putting something back ’ into the markets in which it operates . As part of this ongoing support , the first SEIB Livery Yard and Riding School Awards were held in January 2020 . These awards were introduced to celebrate and reward excellence in livery yard and riding school businesses which have variously been described as the ‘ backbone ’ of the equestrian industry .
The results of this survey into the impact COVID-19 has had on livery yard and riding schools will help provide further support at this much needed time .
For more information on the survey , including equine insurance visit www . seib . co . uk
# IAMPARTOFTHECHANGE
Launched to Increase Diversity and Inclusion in The Equestrian Industry
Reece McCook , social campaigner and the founder of Ride Out Racism , has teamed up with Daisy Honeybunn and her husband Pravin Mukhi , founders of the DHD Foundation , to create # IAMPARTOFTHECHANGE , a campaign to increase diversity and inclusion throughout the equestrian industry .
Explaining his experience within the industry , Reece said :
“ I started out by volunteering at my local riding school in Coventry , in return for rides , and was so excited when I eventually worked my way to achieving a working pupil placement with a top event rider , which was an exciting opportunity . However , in every equestrian establishment I ’ ve been in , I ’ ve been the only person of colour . Over the years I feel I have experienced a lot of discrimination , including being judged as a stereotype , and at times I ’ ve received actual verbal abuse . It was disheartening and I lost my confidence – my dreams were shattered and I didn ’ t think I ’ d ever be able to work in the industry . But with the support of friends and family I set up Ride Out Racism , in order to lower barriers and make the sport more accessible and diverse on every level .”
Reece met Hickstead Director Daisy after he was nominated to appear on her popular Horse & Country TV series , Daisy Dines With , through his role as an ambassador of The Urban Equestrian Academy .
The campaign projects include giving riding lessons to young people from disadvantaged communities , and providing funding for Reece to study on the British Horse Society ’ s ( BHS ) renowned BHS Coach In Complete Horsemanship programme .
The campaign will be launched on Thursday 26th November 2020 .
EVERYTHING HORSE : DECEMBER 2020 • 9