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Public Petitions Committee, 28 Apr 2004

28 Apr 2004 · S2 · Public Petitions Committee

Item of business

New Petitions

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department Equine Industry Team (PE723)

Muriel Colquhoun (Scottish Equestrian Association): Watch on SPTV

The time starts now. Good morning. Tim Watson, who is on my right, is the Scottish Equestrian Association's vice-chairman, and Alan Murray, on my left, is well versed in all the political procedures. I gave the committee a note about the petition, which I hope that all members have received. The petition's purpose is to raise awareness among all politicians of the horse industry and of the association and to secure a dedicated horse team in SEERAD, or at least someone in the Scottish Executive who knows and understands the diverse interests and expanse of sport and industry in the equine world, which is massive and touches on nearly every Executive department. No other sport or industry has the amount to put into local economies that the equine industry has.The Scottish Equestrian Association is the governing body of equestrian sports and is the umbrella organisation of 24 member societies. It covers 90 per cent of the equine sports and industry in Scotland and its membership is growing. It is vital to remember that. In the south, the industry is still fragmented, so Scotland has a unique advantage in the association's existence. That is a major plus and an achievement for the association, which was established five years ago. The other home nations struggle to have an all-inclusive discussion forum, but Scotland has that.The points to consider are in the Henley report, which I am sure that all members have read, because it was sent to them to give them an idea of what the petition is about. The report covers the United Kingdom. The UK Government commissioned that research, but the strategy for the horse industry is for England only. I attended steering group meetings and was disappointed that nobody from the Scottish Executive represented Scotland at them until the final meeting.Scotland desperately requires a strategy for equine sports and the industry. It must be understood that our plea is not for funding, but for recognition. Equine sports and industry's input into the Scottish economy is vast, but is being undermined by the Executive's lack of understanding and knowledge. If England, Ireland and Wales have strategies for the horse, where does that leave any future growth of the economy by equine sports and industry in Scotland?With SEA, Scotland has led the way. It is considered to be a good example of how a united organisation can work and promote growth. To continue to do that, we must have a level playing field with the other home nations. Equestrian sports and industry are worth well over £200 million to the Scottish economy. The Henley report estimated that equine sports and industry in the UK were worth £3.5 billion, so if Scotland's share were 10 per cent, it could be worth anything from £200 million to £350 million. Every week in Scotland, 200,000 people ride, drive or vault, and Scotland has approximately 100,000 horses and ponies. The number of subscribers to equestrian organisations is 17,500; those people compete in unaffiliated or affiliated competitions. Scotland has more than 500 equestrian clubs and 3,500 people compete every weekend. The number of volunteers in equestrianism is between 8,000 and 9,000.I am happy to take any questions on the equine industry.

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Public Petitions Committee, 28 Apr 2004

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