ABRS+ In the Media

As a member dedicated association, the ABRS+ wants not only to promote your establishment but to educate your clients too. We have regular columns and features in some of the UK’s best-known equestrian publications, are recently featured in local and national media representing our members, and work hard to develop and maintain working relationships with other associations, businesses and bodies to provide the necessary coverage to promote and educate.

Please see below for links and copies of our recent appearances, features and mentions!

| NOVEMBER 2021: ABRS+ quoted in H&H Article “Start of the End: School Loss Must Spark Major Debate”

Horse and Hound published an interesting article detailing the increasing loss of riding establishments not only through the covid pandemic aftermath but also because of increased business costs such as rates. Our Trustee and Director of Member Services George Baber was quoted in the H&H article which can be read here

| AUGUST 2021: “Asking the Right Questions When Looking for a New yard” article in Absolute Horse Magazine

We have had the opportunity to provide a series of articles Absolute Horse magazine. Last month our article focused on educating horse owners as how to find a ‘good’ livery yard, whether they are first-time pony owners, or experienced owners of many years there are always pitfalls that can be avoided by having a simple checklist of ‘best practice and expectations when looking for a yard to try to find the most suitable yard for your needs.

You can view the article in the full magazine in the November/ December (page 32)

| SEPTEMBER 2021: “Love Your Livery Yard” 4-Page Spread in Horse and Rider Magazine

ABRS+ Trustee was the ‘expert’ on this national publications article in relation to improving and recognising standards for livery yards and promoting ‘best practice’ for livery yards, in line with the extension of the ABRS+ memberships now being open to recognise Certified and Approved livery yards.

| SEPTEMBER 2021: “Change is Coming” 4-Page Spread in Everything Horse Magazine

You can read our article in Everything Horse. This article covers changes within the industry with regards to the education of horse owners with regards to expectations of livery yards and equestrian establishments, and the increasing knowledge of what to look for when owners seek a yard, as well as yard owners understanding their obligations as both a business owner and service provider.

You can view the article in the full magazine in the August Issue (pages 42-45)

| AUGUST 2021: “Asking the Right Questions When Looking for a New yard” article in Absolute Horse Magazine

You can view the article in the full magazine in the September/ October Issue (page 21)

| JUNE 2021: “Covid Learning Effect” article in Absolute Horse Magazine

This bi-monthly edition of Absolute Horse features a great article from the ABRS+ about the learning effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on riding establishments and livery yards.

| JUNE 2021: 4-Page Spread in Everything Horse Magazine

Popular equestrian publication Everything Horse has featured a four-page spread on the ABRS+ in their latest edition. It covers a little about the history of the association and explains the reasons for the expansion to now include, and support, livery yards and equestrian centres.

You can read the full article by clicking here: ABRS+ in Everything Horse

| FEBRUARY 2021: ABRS+ Chair and Forest Farm Riding School featured on BBC Radio Sussex

ABRS Chair, Jane Williams, and Sue Orpen from ABRS+ member Forest Farm Riding School on BBC Radio Sussex – keeping the pressure on to support riding schools. In our latest news, we are aware that the issue has been raised directly with the Chancellor by a supportive constituent MP.

| FEBRUARY 2021: ABRS+ Chair and Ham House Stables featured on BBC Radio Surrey

We are delighted that our ABRS Chair, Jane Williams has been invited to speak on BBC Radio this Saturday 30th January, about the effect of the pandemic on riding schools, trekking centres and livery yards. Jane will be joined by Minetta Rice-Edwards from Ham House Stables

| 2020 and 2021 Covid Campaigning

The ABRS+ worked hard during the initial Covid lockdown during spring and early summer 2022 representing our members and ensuring all aspects of riding establishments were taken into consideration with the government support and decisions regarding business shutdowns due to the pandemic.

The ABRS+ have particularly been approached for input and comments within Horse and Hound articles surrounding the pandemic and support of riding establishments. These included clarification around the clarification of Business Interruption Insurance (January 2021); Support on Funding for Scottish Riding Schools (February 2021), the Danger of Riding School Closures with Winter Lockdown (February 2021) and Clarification of indoor/ outdoor arena eligibility for financial support (May 2021).

The ABRS+ also featured in Your Horse article The Real Cost of the Pandemic on our Riding Schools (January 2021) and Horse and Rider Article Action Needed to Save Riding Schools Crushed by the Pandemic (January 2021);

| JANUARY 2021: Campaigning for Riding School Support on BBC World News

Jane Williams, Chair of the ABRS+, appeared this morning on BBC World and BBC One to argue for targeted Government support for riding schools, trekking and livery businesses. Jane described the challenges facing schools and the closure of riding businesses this year. This received great praise from our members that we were prioritising supporting them financially at this time.

“We are honoured and delighted to be representing members interests to Government and Nationally on BBC TV, heartfelt thanks for the opportunity.” Jane Williams, ABRS Chair