Surveys Show How Virus Is Hitting Our Industry

Retailers, trade businesses, livery yards and riding schools have spoken out about the effects of pandemic restrictions

- Eleanor Jones

The equestrian industry shows a “real desire to survive” the coronavirus pandemic – while the effects should act as a wake-up call to some businesses.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), and the British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), have carried out impact surveys on members.

The BETA surveys, completed by nearly 200 members, found the virus is “posing the greatest threat to the future of our trade most of us will have ever experienced”.

The immediate impact on turnover in supply and distribution was slightly less than for retail. Nearly 58% of trade member companies’ turnover was down, while over 75% of retailers saw a decrease in sales.

Companies dealing in feed, bedding and health products typically showed an increase rather than decrease in turnover, albeit short-lived, while those dealing in mainly rider-related items such as clothing had an “overwhelmingly negative impact”.

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