About
horsescotland is the national organisation for all equestrian sports and activity in Scotland and was founded in 1998. The vision that we share with our members is:
​
​
" We aspire to empower Scotland to be
a leading, inclusive nation for horse
sports and activities"
​
​
The key outcomes for Scottish equestrianism are to:
-
increase the overall levels of participation and equestrian activity in Scotland
-
enable Scottish riders, drivers, vaulters and equines to excel on the world stage
-
support horsescotland member bodies to flourish by working collaboratively
horsescotland is a partner of sportscotland (the national sports agency) and seeks to enable equestrian sport and the equestrian sector in Scotland to develop and excel through the highest levels of participation in the sport and the highest levels of growth for the country's equestrian industry.​
horsescotland 2021 Manifesto
Fair work first SGB statement
horsescotland, as a partner of sportscotland, is committed to the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First policy, taking to deliver high quality and fair work, and workforce diversity.
We, horsescotland, are committed to delivering on the following Fair Work First criteria:
Living wage
-
horsescotland is an accredited Real Living Wage employer.
Effective voice
-
horsescotland is committed to fostering an environment where every voice matters. We prioritise open dialogue and invite feedback, where it is relevant to do so.
-
We directly engage with our staff through surveys and provide opportunities for transparent discussions with our senior management.
-
Workforce development
-
horsescotland believes that investing in our staff and we committed to workforce development.
-
horsescotland participate and engage in appraisal and CPD programmes to assist and support workforce development.
Zero hours contracts
-
horsescotland do not inappropriately use zero hours contracts.
Diversity and inclusion
-
horsescotland are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels seen, valued and respected.
Flexible and family friendly working
-
horsescotland have a support flexible and family working practices and policies
Fire and re-hire
-
horsescotland opposes the use of “fire and re-hire” practices.
This statement has been approved by sportscotland as part of our ongoing partnership/ funding agreement.
The survey has been funded by horsescotland. The findings from the 2023 National Equestrian Survey deliver robust and concise information on the state of the equestrian sector in Scotland. This summary provides insights on a range of important areas for the equestrian sector in Scotland – ranging from riding participation to estimates of consumer spending. They provide a base of information from which horsescotland and member bodies can support and promote the sector moving forward.
National Equestrian Survey 2019
Strategic Plan 2021-2025
We aspire in our Vision to enable Scotland to be a leading, inclusive nation for horse sports and activities.
Our Mission is clearly focused upon connecting the Scottish equestrian community, and collaborating with partner organisations and government, to enable people, horses and places to prosper.
​
The Guiding Principle informing all that we do is to promote progression and performance with respect for the welfare and safety of horses and their people.
horsescotland is the umbrella body for all equestrian activitiy and industry in Scotland representing 24 Member Bodies and a growing number of individual and club members, providing high quality support, funding, training and coaching for all those with an interest in the horse.
Our Vision
​We aspire to empower Scotland to be a leading, inclusive nation for horse sports and activities
Our Mission
To connect the Scottish equestrian community
To collaborate with partner organisations and government
To enable people, horses and places to prosper
Our Purpose
To enable the progression, performance and development of those in equestrianism to excel at what they do best while ensuring respect for the welfare and safety of horses and their people.
Our Values
Equality and inclusion
Widening access for participation
Respect for the environment
Securing pathways for progression at all levels Enthusiasm, fun, pleasure from equine activity Teamwork and collaborative development at all levels
Celebrating success
Financial sustainability
What horsescotland does?
All member bodies of horsescotland, with the backing of their fellow members, deal with issues vital to the progress of the Scottish equestrian world.
Key achievements include:
-
establishing a network of club competition coaches, enabling growth of participation and sporting success
-
leading the development of the Scottish Coaching Certificate, providing our coaches with a nationally-recognised qualification
-
increasing sportscotland funding year on year, plus capital funding of £450,000 for the construction of the Scottish National Equestrian Centre
-
riders on our performance programme representing the UK at all levels from junior to senior, including Scott Brash a former member of the performance programme becoming an Olympic Gold Medallist, London 2012 and becoming World No. 1 in 2013/14
-
production of policies for equality, disclosure, child protection and volunteers. Provision of these services to our member bodies.
​
To continue the growth of equestrian sports and activities horsescotland faces challenges in:
-
increasing participation
-
improving safety
-
enhancing experience
-
supporting the development of world-class facilities, riders and coaches
​
​
How does horsescotland Operate?
horsescotland is the umbrella body for all equestrian activitiy and industry in Scotland representing 50 Member Bodies and a growing number of individual and club members, providing high quality support, funding, training and coaching for all those with an interest in the horse.
horsescotland representatives lead projects or discussions relevant to their particular association in liason with all other interested parties. e.g. Road Safety is managed by the TRSS, ABRS and Pony Club as they are the main participants in that campaign - however, their activity reflects the interests of all involved, i.e. those who ride or drive horses on the road
horsescotland Partners
As well as our Member Bodies there are key bodies that horsescotland works with, they are: