HARTPURY University has been chosen to lead a major national research project examining the people who keep Britain’s equestrian sector running.

British Equestrian has appointed the Gloucestershire university to deliver what it says will be the most comprehensive picture to date of the country’s equestrian workforce.

The project will run through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, looking at paid employees, self-employed professionals, freelancers and volunteers working across the industry.

Researchers will examine who works and volunteers in equestrianism, the roles they perform, their skills and qualifications and the challenges and opportunities they experience.

Hartpury will begin by helping to deliver a national workforce survey establishing a baseline covering demographics, roles, qualifications and key challenges.

That will be followed by interviews and focus groups designed to give researchers a deeper understanding of people's experiences across the sector.

The findings will then be analysed to produce recommendations on standardising roles and terminology, mapping career and progression routes and identifying skills, training requirements and workforce gaps.

A national dataset, insights report, workforce development roadmap and monitoring framework are expected to be produced to support longer-term action.

Professor Jane Williams, Director of Research at Hartpury University, said the project represented an opportunity to develop a clearer understanding of the people underpinning the sector.

She said combining Hartpury's research expertise with engagement across one of its specialist industries would create evidence capable of informing future workforce development and helping to build a more sustainable and inclusive sector.

Abbie Bevan, Insight and Research Manager at British Equestrian, described the equestrian workforce as the “backbone” of the sport and said stronger evidence was needed as pressures increased.

She encouraged everyone from volunteers and coaches to yard staff, grooms, officials and business owners to contribute to the research.

British Equestrian's latest State of the Nation report said equestrian centres, charities and the workforce remained under pressure despite rising participation.

It highlighted the impact of cost-of-living pressures, increasing operating costs and workforce challenges on riding establishments and community facilities.

The organisation said improved research and data would help it understand the sector and track issues including participation, workforce sustainability, welfare and social impact.

The new Hartpury-led study will also explore recruitment and retention, career progression, inclusion, wellbeing and the long-term sustainability of the workforce.

Hartpury has longstanding links with British equestrian sport through its specialist equine teaching, research and competition facilities.

People whose main equestrian role is paid and those whose main involvement is voluntary are being invited to complete separate anonymous surveys.

Participants will be asked about their roles, career pathways, training, qualifications and experiences within the industry.

The surveys, which take around 20 minutes to complete, will remain open until midnight on October 31.

British Equestrian said responses would contribute to a national evidence base intended to shape future training opportunities, workforce support and clearer career pathways throughout the industry.

The appointment places Hartpury at the centre of work intended to influence how Britain’s equestrian industry attracts, develops and supports its people in future years.