Did you know the Association of British Riding Schools ( ABRS +), has recently undergone a rebrand ? Wondering why ? In this month ’ s issue we find out how the association has evolved , how the re-branding came about , what to expect for the future , but most importantly , what the ABRS + stands for today .
An increase in the popularity of riding as a sport saw a boom in equestrianism in the 1930s . The increase in engagement and activity lead to concerns surrounding the level of competence and welfare in establishments . As a result , the Riding Establishments Bill was made law in 1939 to set standards whereby local authorities could appoint inspections of riding establishments by veterinary surgeons .
In 1954 , a meeting held by a variety of industry peers led to the creation of the Association of British Riding Schools ( ABRS ) to support , represent and promote the proprietors of these licensed establishments .
One of the founding members of the ABRS + was Suzanne Marczak of Suzanne ' s Riding School in Harrow , which is believed to have been one of the first licensed riding schools in the UK when it was established in 1939 .
Suzanne ' s Riding School became the first ABRS + testing centre and was under the same ownership for 65 years until closing its doors in 2004 . In its latter years , Suzanne ' s son , Julian Marczak , was the co-proprietor and Chief Instructor . Julian was heavily involved with the ABRS + whilst pursuing his equestrian career in instruction and running
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Kings Barn Equestrian in West Sussex . He has since published several books on equestrian training and riding techniques . In 2005 Julian became , and remains , the President of the ABRS +.
Said ABRS + president , Julian Marczak : " I have been associated with the ABRS + over many years , and I am especially proud of the various ways in which it is developing and widening its remit . The work is vital if the association is to have a stronger voice throughout the industry and exert greater influence where needed . The approach of the association when I joined the Board many years ago very much remains today , which is to place its members at the heart of all that it does , providing them with support and advice which is delivered in a down to earth , nonjudgmental way ."
Over the years , legislation for riding establishments developed with the introduction of additional criteria . The Riding Schools Act , as it is now known , has remained largely the same since 1964 . Yet , establishments are now subject to greater legislation , with additional welfare and control laws being introduced . Control of the licence issuing has been passed back to the local authorities in recent years , meaning there is less consistency , collusion or
In 1954 , a meeting held by a variety of industry peers led to the creation of the Association of British Riding Schools ( ABRS ) to support , represent and promote the proprietors of these licensed establishments .