The lay of the land
The equine industry includes many different types of business, the majority being SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises), covering:
On the horizon
Many people in equestrian businesses are there because of a desire to work with horses.
One of the biggest hurdles is the pressure to adjust and modernise management practices to attract and retain skilled employees.
There are many well managed and successful equestrian businesses that retain good staff. These successful practices should be held as examples of excellence to promote the image of the industry and to encourage people to forge their careers within equestrian businesses.
The top five areas in need of improvement, as reported by equine businesses in England, are:
Some businesses within the industry expect an increased need for the following skills:
The skills currently required for the different occupations in the industry include management, associate professional, skilled trade, machine operative and elementary skills.
In the next three years, skills for managers, associate professionals, skilled trades and elementary occupations will need to be improved.
Digging deeper
Our research helps us to keep education and training relevant to your industry. We study the skills and labour requirements of the equine industry, and ensure these needs are met through your training.
For more detailed information, read the Equine Sector Skills Agreement Stage 5 Report.