Horse-related organizations in Great Britain are collaborating on a free digital resource to support equestrians navigating environmental sustainability issues. Perhaps it’s a concept that should spread elsewhere
Launching this autumn, thehoofprint.com is designed to provide not only equestrian organizations, but also venues and individuals, with the information, training and inspiration for transforming their businesses, stables and events into “resilient and sustainable hives of activity.”
Concepts include everything from rainwater harvesting to paddock care, renewable energy and manure management, among other activities in “every corner of the industry.” That’s also of particular interest in terms of the financial challenges faced by those in the industry.
Website creator Ruth Dancer of White Griffin said, “In order to have a healthy sport, we need everyone to be able to survive and thrive in the changes that lie ahead. This collaboration is a recognition that together, we can support one another in quickly adapting to both protect our industry and the natural world.”
The working group driving the website forward includes Agria, NAF, British Equestrian, British Showjumping, British Dressage, British Eventing, The Pony Club and World Horse Welfare, among others.
The CEO of British Equestrian, Jim Eyre commented; “It’s a core part of our federation-wide strategy to provide our members and the wider industry with the tools, knowledge and support needed to become resilient and sustainable.”
The idea involves showcasing what can be achieved, helping enable equestrians to take on a range of different measures that can save money, drive efficiencies and build resilience, while caring for our horses and protecting the environment.
The team is hoping to track the changes that are taking place in the industry, as well as finding out the information that equestrians want from the website as it is developed “to support the growth and future prosperity of the equestrian way of life.”