The British Horse Society commissions research in the Blackdown
Hills
The British Horse Society (BHS) has commissioned a research
project aimed at identifying current levels of equine business
activity in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (AONB) in order to explore its potential for economic
growth. The Project is funded by the Blackdown Hills Leader+
Rural Development Programme and research is being undertaken
by Masters Students from the University of Plymouth, based
at the Seale Hayne Campus in Newton Abbott.
The BHS and the Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership is committed
to improve and enhance sustainable tourism and recreational
activity within the AONB, and horse related enterprises have
been identified as a potential area for growth. There are
funding opportunities available to support economic activity
in the AONB, and having data to prove that there is a market
demand will help to access these.
The overall outcomes of the research may be used to develop
the Blackdown Hills AONB as a ‘Centre of Excellence’
for equestrian activity, possibly promoting the idea of Black
Beauty Country. There is also the potential for an exciting
European connection with Sweden, which is keen to develop
joint ventures.
BHS chief executive, Kay Driver, said, “We are very
excited about this research and look forward to seeing the
results. Everyone who lives and works on the Blackdown Hills
and is involved with the horse industry, including leisure
riders, will be encouraged to complete a short questionnaire.
Feedback and information is needed from grooms, vets, saddlers,
instructors, livery yards, riding schools, trainers, breeders,
feed merchants, farriers, horse ‘B&B’ providers,
rug repairers, clipping service providers, facility providers
and others in the area to make this survey comprehensive and
fully inclusive.
Questionnaires are available now from local equestrian outlets,
can be downloaded from the Blackdown Hills website www.blackdown-hills.net
or direct from the Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership Office
in Hemyock (Tel: 01823 680681).
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