‘The biggest single threat to our industry’
Horse & Hound reports from the National Equine Forum
BUSINESS rates are the “single biggest threat to the development of equestrianism in this country”, the industry has warned.
A panel discussion at the National Equine Forum on 8 March on challenges facing small equestrian businesses looked at a range of issues.
But Philip Baker, of Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire, said increased rates, which came into effect last April as a result of recalculations of businesses’ values, are the most pressing concern.
“Not only are they a threat to our riding schools, our future Olympic teams will suffer from a lack of facilities,” he warned.
Dame Caroline Spelman
MP, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group for the horse, who was also chairing the discussion, asked eventer and panel member Nick Gauntlett, who runs a stud and livery yard, for his experiences.
“We recently had our review, which was a very significant hike,” Nick said. “We were worried.”
Nick challenged the hike, feeling “a bit railroaded and bullied”, and an official who visited found he qualifies for relief as he stands a stallion at stud, and by legitimately splitting the different aspects of his business, he may end up paying nothing.
“You’ve got to challenge,” he said. “One person’s interpretation of the rules was very different to another’s and it’s going to help.”
“No doubt, there are a lot of anomalies in calculations,” Ms Spelman said, adding that the Treasury is “well aware” how badly the equestrian industry has been affected by the changes.
Panellist Victoria Highfield, of retailer Online For Equine, agreed businesses “have to be ready to challenge” valuations. “Small businesses often take what they’re told and run with it,” she added.
“Appealing is very important,” Ms Spelman agreed.
“The chancellor said he’s going to change the system; we’ve got to make sure it’s changed so it’s fair.”
Businesses were urged to continue to lobby government and contact their local MPs.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
“WITH so many restrictions through health and safety legislation, are we making things more dangerous for children and employees, who no longer get the same chance to experience danger, so just assume there will be no accident and are then totally unprepared when the unexpected happens?” asked Jane Skepper, author of the Competition Stallions Guide, who asked for advice on staying up to date with changing laws.
Panellist Carol Andrews, who has been running Wimbledon Village Stables for 27 years, said health and safety is necessary.
“You do get a lot of help from various organisations,” she said.
“It makes you really examine your business, but you do want peace of mind that no one will hurt
themselves at your business.”
Ms Andrews said all businesses should have contingency plans for the extra costs generated by meeting health and safety laws.
Nick spoke of a course walk he had led with schoolchildren at Blenheim, when the teacher asked: “Where’s the lifeguard?” at the water, and would not let her pupils cross it.
INTERPRETATION
“I TRIED to find out if this is really health and safety and was told no, this is interpretation of the rules. I think some things are written badly to allow you to interpret badly,” he said. “But I think we’re starting to go full circle and get practical again.
“Children need to find a seat; it’s always the ones who have got on, got out and had fun who ride so much better and more naturally than the ones people have been precious with.”
Nick said his yard is inspected by schools and colleges before young people come on work experience, which is an “easy way to keep up-to-date”, while Victoria agreed, saying the health and safety officer’s pre-work experience visit is free advice to ensure a business is compliant with the law.
World Horse Welfare fundraising director and panellist Emma Williams added that
insurance may be invalid without a relevant risk assessment, but that the insurance company had helped the charity write them.
The panel was asked to consider the challenge of finding and retaining staff.
Nick said all students at his yard are offered training towards NVQs, which provides a goal and also helps under-18s stay in education, as is mandatory.
“Very often, we find people who come having worked at college don’t always understand what hard work is,” he added.
“Some students possibly muck out a couple of stables at weekends and don’t quite understand the horses need mucking out every day. I’d like to see colleges take a bit more responsibility for preparing students for the real world. The horse world is tough and not for everyone and some need to work that out sooner rather than later.”
Ms Highfield said it is important to understand what motivates individuals, such as discounts, as are regular meetings to ensure they are happy.
Ms Williams said retention starts by writing the appropriate job description and asking the right interview questions, while Ms Andrews said she has weekly staff meetings and frequent social events, and is flexible to accommodate her staff ’s needs.