Hartpury University has been appointed by British Equestrian to lead a major national research project that will build the most comprehensive picture to date of Britain’s equestrian workforce.
Running through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, the landmark project will examine the people who underpin the equestrian sector, from paid employees and self-employed professionals to freelancers and volunteers, and provide new evidence to support the future development and sustainability of the industry.
The project builds on Hartpury’s extensive equestrian expertise, industry networks and track record in applied research designed to deliver real-world impact.
Professor Jane Williams, Director of Research at Hartpury University, said: “This project is an important opportunity to build a clearer understanding of the people who underpin the equestrian sector.
“By combining our robust research expertise with meaningful engagement across one of our specialist industries, we’ll create the evidence needed to inform future workforce development and help British Equestrian build a more sustainable and inclusive sector.
“We’re proud to be leading this research and look forward to producing insights that can make a real difference for the workforce.”
The research will address important gaps in existing workforce data, including who works and volunteers within the sector, the roles they perform, their skills and qualifications, and the challenges and opportunities they experience.
Led by Hartpury University, with PR partner Northern Hive supporting stakeholder engagement and communications, the project will be delivered across several phases.
A national workforce survey will establish a baseline covering demographics, roles, qualifications and key workforce challenges. This will be followed by interviews and focus groups, enabling the research team to explore the experiences of people working and volunteering throughout the sector in greater depth.
Hartpury researchers will then analyse the findings to develop recommendations around standardising workforce roles and terminology, mapping career pathways and progression routes, identifying skills and training needs, and addressing workforce gaps.
The work is expected to result in a national dataset, insights report, workforce development roadmap and monitoring framework that can support long-term action across the equestrian industry.
Abbie Bevan, Insight and Research Manager at British Equestrian, said: “I’m excited to be working alongside Hartpury and Northern Hive to get this project started. The equestrian workforce is the backbone of our sport and activity, and with increasing pressures, we need strong evidence to support the sector in the best way possible.
“This survey is the vital first step. We want to hear from as many people as possible, from volunteers and coaches to yard staff, grooms, officials and business owners. Every response will help us better understand the workforce and shape the support, training and opportunities needed for the future.”
As the first stage of the research, Hartpury and British Equestrian are encouraging people from across the equestrian workforce to take part in a national survey.
Paid employees, freelancers, self-employed professionals and volunteers are all being invited to share their experiences of roles and career pathways, training and qualifications, recruitment and retention, progression, inclusion, wellbeing and workforce sustainability.
Responses are anonymous and will contribute to a national evidence base designed to inform future workforce development, training opportunities, support and career pathways across the sector.
Those whose main role is paid can complete the workforce survey here: https://bit.ly/BEFWorkforceSurvey26
Those whose main role is voluntary can complete the volunteer survey here: https://bit.ly/BEFVolunteerSurvey26
Participants can also enter a prize draw to win one of five £50 LeMieux vouchers.
Both surveys close on 31 October 2026.
The project forms part of British Equestrian’s commitment to developing a sustainable, inclusive and thriving equestrian community.
For Hartpury, it represents another opportunity to use specialist research and industry collaboration to address real-world challenges and contribute to the future development of the equestrian sector.
The findings will help inform practical approaches to recruitment and retention, clearer and more accessible career pathways, skills and training, inclusion, wellbeing and long-term workforce sustainability.
