Why Prices Are Rising Across the Equine Industry — And What It Means for Riding Centres

The equine industry has always been built on passion, resilience, and early mornings layered with mud, hay, and a lot of dedication. But over the last few years, centres like ours have been navigating rising costs across every area of horse care — often at rates far beyond normal inflation. To keep our horses healthy and our services running safely, it’s important to explain what’s changing behind the scenes.

The Rising Cost of Horse Care

Across the UK, equine businesses are feeling a sharp rise in costs that impact the daily running of a yard:

Forage & Feed

Hay and feed are significantly more expensive than they were not long ago. This is driven by:

• Unpredictable weather damaging harvests
• Higher fuel and machinery costs for farmers
• Increased costs of fertiliser and land management

Every horse eats forage all day, every day — so even a small increase has a big effect.

Insurance

Insurance premiums for riding centres have risen dramatically, even for yards with excellent safety records. This is due to:

• Higher claim volumes across the industry
• Rising legal fees
• Increased regulatory demands
• Overall inflation in the risk-assessment sector

Insurance is essential, but it’s no longer the steady cost it once was.

Veterinary, Bedding & Supplies

Routine vet care, shavings, supplements, and equipment have all risen in price due to transport costs, staffing shortages, and global supply issues.

These increases aren’t optional extras — they’re the backbone of safe, responsible horse care.

The Human Side: Staffing in a Tough Industry

Another challenge sweeping through the equestrian world is staffing. The reality is simple: the equine industry is tough. It requires physical graft, long hours, and deep commitment. Fewer people today are willing — or able — to take on that kind of work, especially at entry level.

We don’t blame anyone for that. Yard work is demanding. It’s outdoors in all weather, and the responsibility for horse welfare never stops. But this shift in the workforce is having a real impact on yards nationwide.

At the same time, we’re always looking for equine-centric, passionate, reliable people who genuinely want to work with horses and be part of a team that values them. Good staff are the heart of any riding centre, and we recognise how valuable they are.

Why Riding Centres Are Raising Prices

Most riding centres operate on incredibly tight margins. When every essential cost rises — feed, insurance, vet bills, staffing, compliance — centres must adjust their prices simply to stay sustainable.

This isn’t about turning bigger profits.

It’s about ensuring:

• Horses receive proper care
• Staff are fairly paid
• Facilities remain safe
• Lessons and hacks can continue into the future

Without these adjustments, many centres risk being unable to continue at all, and the UK has already seen closures because of exactly these pressures.

Thank You for Supporting Your Local Riding Centre

We understand that price increases affect everyone, and we never make these decisions lightly. Your support — through lessons, hacks, events, and even word-of-mouth — keeps places like ours going.

Our priority is, and always will be, the health and happiness of our horses and the safety and enjoyment of our riders. Being transparent about the pressures the industry is facing helps us keep that promise.

Join Our Team – We’re Always Looking for Future Equine Professionals

As the industry evolves, one thing remains the same: great people are the heartbeat of every riding centre. At EVRC, we are always on the lookout for future valuable members of the team — individuals who are passionate about horses, eager to learn, and committed to the welfare and experience of both horses and riders.

Whether you’re experienced in the equine world or looking to build a career in a hands-on, rewarding environment, we’d love to hear from you. The work is demanding, but for the right person, it’s incredibly fulfilling — and you’ll be part of a team that genuinely values dedication, reliability, and love for the industry.

If you think you’d be a good fit, or you know someone who would, please get in touch with us.