The manifesto summarises key priorities in the sector which would benefit from government support.

Parliamentary candidates urged to recognise scope of equine sector

The British Horse Council (BHC) has released a new manifesto outlining the importance of the British horse sector to the 2019 election.

Representing the collective voice of the horse world, the BHC reminds parliamentary candidates of the scale of the equine sector, consisting of around 4.4m potential voters, made up of 1.3m people who ride regularly and 3.1m who would like to ride again. This sector is also the second largest rural employer after agriculture; contributing an estimated £8bn pounds to the UK economy.

The manifesto summarises key priorities in the sector which would benefit from government support. These include:

• The promotion of riding as great physical activity
• Protecting against infectious diseases
• Ensuring the continued availability of veterinary medicines
• Licensing equine sanctuaries and rehoming centres
• Encouraging the growth of the British horse industry and protecting those who work within it

In regards to any future arrangements with the EU, the manifesto asks candidates to recognise the skilled labour needs of the sector and ensure the smooth movement of horses with high health status.

Chair of the BHC David Mountford said: “Our manifesto is a punchy summary of the areas that are of vital importance to us within the equine sector. We aim to make as many people as possible aware of the scope of our industry, the horse’s contribution to society and the things we would like newly elected parliamentarians to focus on when they first step into office.”