Equestrian Sport in the UK, Netherlands, USA, and Germany

Equestrian sport represents a significant cultural and economic force across many countries. In the United States, for example, the horse industry’s economic impact (about $122 billion when including indirect effects) actually exceeds that of the motion picture industry . Other regions are seeing rapid growth – China’s number of riding clubs exploded from just 90 in 2010 to over 1,400 by 2017 – underscoring the expanding global reach of horse sports. This report provides an up-to-date overview of equestrian sport in four major equestrian nations – the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, and Germany – focusing on their economic impact, participation and demographics, media and sponsorship trends, and current animal welfare issues and reforms.

United Kingdom

The UK boasts one of the world’s most developed equine industries, internationally recognised for its high quality and expertise in horse sport and breeding . Great Britain is home to an estimated 27 million people with an interest in equestrian activities, contributing to a sector valued around £5 billion per year in economic activity . The British Equestrian Trade Association’s latest survey (2023) indicates there are about 331,000 horse-owning households in Britain, with an estimated 726,000 horses nationwide .

Horse sport has deep roots in British culture, and participation remains strong. Approximately 1.8 million people in Britain are regular riders (riding at least once a month) . Notably, the success of Team GB’s equestrians at the 2012 London Olympics – where British riders earned multiple medals – inspired an estimated 1.5 million new riders to take up horse sports . Equestrianism in Britain also has an inclusive demographic profile: it involves a higher proportion of women, people over 45, and individuals with disabilities than most other sports . Uniquely, equestrian sport is one of the few in which men and women compete on equal terms, even at the Olympic level, with top British athletes ranging from teenagers to riders in their 60s . This broad appeal means nearly 40% of equestrian participants do not engage in any other physical sport or exercise, highlighting riding as their primary recreational activity .

Horse racing is a particularly prominent part of UK sport and the economy. British horse racing alone generated about £3.45 billion in total direct and secondary expenditures in 2012 , and contributed over £275 million in tax revenue that year . Racing is in fact the second-best attended sport in the UK after football, drawing roughly 5–6 million spectators annually in recent years . The country maintains over 60 racecourses that host hundreds of race meetings attended by enthusiastic crowds across flat racing and National Hunt (jump) racing circuits. Major equestrian events like the Badminton Horse Trials and the Olympia Horse Show also draw international competitors, large audiences, and sponsorship from prominent brands (for instance, the Badminton Horse Trials is currently sponsored by MARS and other companies). British equestrian sports enjoy substantial media coverage – horse racing is broadcast on television and radio year-round, and dedicated equestrian media (such as Horse & Country TV and live-streaming platforms) serve a passionate fanbase. All of this underpins the UK’s status as a global leader in equestrian sport and the equine industry.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has a rich horse culture that dates back centuries, producing renowned breeds like the Friesian and the Dutch Warmblood (KWPN). Equestrian sport is remarkably popular relative to the country’s size – about 4% of the Dutch population rides horses, one of the highest participation rates in the world . There are approximately 450,000 horses in the Netherlands and 500,000 riders, supported by a dense network of over 3,000 equestrian centers and riding clubs nationwide . The Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) has around 192,000 members, including about 50,000 active competition riders across disciplines . Thanks to a strong competition structure, the Netherlands sees roughly 765,000 competition starts per year in eight FEI disciplines – giving it the highest number of competition entries per rider in all of Europe . Recreational riding is also common, with the majority of riders (around 70%) participating primarily for pleasure rather than competition . Notably, about 80% of Dutch riders are female , a testament to the sport’s accessibility to women and girls (though men also excel on Dutch teams).

Economic Impact: Horse sport constitutes a sizeable part of the Dutch economy. The national equine industry is estimated to generate about €1.5 billion in annual turnover, with 6,600 equine businesses (breeding farms, training and trading stables, riding schools, etc.) employing tens of thousands of people . By one estimate, every 7 horses in the Netherlands equate to about 1 job, reflecting how integrated horses are in the economy . The Netherlands is also among the world’s largest exporters of sport horses . The Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook (KWPN) registers around 10,000 foals each year, and Dutch-bred horses are in high demand internationally for show jumping, dressage, and other disciplines . In 2013, for example, Dutch horse exports were valued around €200 million , and many foreign Olympic riders (including stars from the USA and Australia) base their training operations in the Netherlands to take advantage of its horse-centric infrastructure . According to the KNHS, equestrian sport contributes more to the Dutch economy than any sport except football .

Sporting Success and Events: The Netherlands punches above its weight in international equestrian success. Dutch riders have collectively won 23 Olympic equestrian medals (including multiple golds in dressage and show jumping) and routinely top world rankings . This success is underpinned by a strong development system; from an extensive network of riding clubs to initiatives like the Dutch Olympic Horse Foundation (N.O.P.) and the Showjumpers Foundation Netherlands (SFN), which help keep top horses with Dutch riders . The country’s emphasis on breeding quality sport horses, combined with excellent trainers, has made it a hub for elite equestrian sport. Indeed, horses of Dutch breeding were on the podium at recent World and European Championships (for instance, all four horses on Britain’s gold-medal dressage team were Dutch-bred ).

The Netherlands also hosts many high-caliber competitions. There are around 7,300 horse shows and competitions annually across the country – from local meets to prestigious international events. Notable venues include Rotterdam (host of CHIO Rotterdam), ‘s-Hertogenbosch (The Dutch Masters/Indoor Brabant), Valkenswaard (home of the Global Champions Tour events and top training stables), and Amsterdam. The Netherlands frequently welcomes major championships and finals; for example, it has hosted FEI World Cup™ and Nations Cup™ qualifiers, European Championships, and the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo . These events collectively draw over a quarter-million spectators each year to Dutch venues . Equally important, they attract millions more via broadcasts and live streams; many fans watch through FEI TV and other online platforms, generating extensive social media buzz in the process . This enthusiastic fan engagement, combined with the sport’s broad base, makes the Netherlands a true “horse-centered paradise” for equestrians . It also explains why numerous top riders from abroad relocate to train on Dutch soil, further enriching the competitive environment. Overall, the Netherlands exemplifies how a small country can have an outsized impact on equestrian sport, thanks to a deep-rooted horse culture, economic investment, and public passion for the horse.

United States of America

The equine industry in the United States is massive in scope, reflecting America’s large population and diverse horse activities. A 2018 economic impact study by the American Horse Council found the U.S. horse industry directly contributes about $50 billion to the economy annually (from racing, shows, recreation, etc.), and about 988,000 jobs . When including indirect and induced effects, the total economic impact is estimated at $122 billion, supporting 1.7 million jobs nationwide . The U.S. is home to an estimated 10.3 million horses , used for everything from pleasure riding and ranch work to high-level sport. In terms of how American horses are utilised: roughly 3.1 million are kept for recreation/pleasure riding, 1.23 million for showing/competition, 1.22 million for racing, and over half a million for other work (such as farm or police horses) . The sheer scale of the U.S. equestrian sector means it even rivals other major industries…for example, one analysis noted the horse industry’s economic output is greater than that of the motion picture industry in the U.S. .

Participation and Demographics: Approximately 7 million Americans are involved in the horse industry in some capacity, including about 2 million horse owners . Equestrian sports in the U.S. tend to attract a demographic that is largely female and relatively affluent. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) reports that about 85% of its competitive members are women, with an average age of 39 . About two-thirds have a college degree , and their average household income is quite high (around $185,000, with an average net worth near $955,000) . It’s common for active equestrians to own multiple horses (the average is four) and even multiple properties – 40% of USEF members own a farm, and 22% own two or more homes . This profile underscores that organised horse sports in the U.S. often involve individuals with the financial means to support what can be an expensive hobby or profession. Nevertheless, horseback riding also has a broad recreational base; millions ride casually on trails or in local clubs, far beyond the elite show circuits. Notably, American youth and amateur riders have plentiful opportunities through organisations like 4-H, the Pony Club, and various breed associations that promote riding at all levels.

Media and Sponsorship: The popularity of horse racing and marquee equestrian events in the U.S. has driven growth in media coverage and sponsorship in recent years. The Triple Crown races (Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes) are among the highest-profile sporting events in America, each drawing huge TV audiences and major sponsors. Outside of racing, equestrian Olympic disciplines historically received limited U.S. airtime, but this is changing. A turning point was the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) held in Tryon, NC, where NBC Sports signed an unprecedented broadcast deal to air over 65 hours of WEG competition (57 hours live) across its networks . This coverage, which attracted 4.7 million unique U.S. viewers marked one of the first times equestrian sport was brought so extensively into mainstream American media . It demonstrated a growing appetite for horse sport content beyond the traditional fanbase. Similarly, major U.S. equestrian events now enjoy strong sponsorship from both equine-specific and mainstream brands. Luxury watchmaker Rolex and automaker Land Rover are two notable examples: Rolex sponsors show jumping and dressage series (and events like the Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington), while Land Rover has been a title sponsor of the U.S. equestrian team and high-profile competitions . These companies target the sport’s affluent audience and reinforce the prestige associated with equestrian competition.

Another trend boosting exposure is the rise of digital streaming and social media for niche sports. USEF and other organisers livestream many horse shows and championships, allowing fans to watch events that may not make it to television. Social media influencers and Olympic riders share behind-the-scenes content that engages younger audiences as well. As a result, equestrian sport’s fan engagement is on an upswing. In fact, marketing experts have started calling equestrianism a “sleeping giant” a sport with a dedicated, passionate audience whose value to sponsors is just beginning to be fully realised . Going forward, the U.S. industry aims to continue shedding the “elite/insular” image and make horse sports more accessible to broader audiences, which would further drive media and sponsor interest. The push by visionaries like Mark Bellissimo (organiser of WEG Tryon and major equestrian venues) to increase the sport’s visibility is indicative of this new era of fan engagement.

Germany

Germany is often regarded as a powerhouse of equestrian sport, with a long-standing tradition in both riding and horse breeding. It stands at the top of the Olympic medal table in equestrian sports – German riders have won 100 Olympic equestrian medals to date, far more than any other nation (Sweden is a distant second with 45) . Equestrianism enjoys considerable popularity at the grassroots level as well. There are about 2.3 million active equestrians in Germany(riders, vaulters, drivers, etc.), the vast majority of whom ride for recreation or amateur sport . The German Equestrian Federation (FN) is one of the largest riding federations in the world, boasting over 7,200 riding clubs and local associations under its umbrella . These clubs, along with thousands of private stables and riding schools, support an extensive infrastructure for training and competitions. Germany also has a substantial horse population…while exact figures vary, estimates put the number of horses at around 1 million (with the highest densities in horse-friendly regions like Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein) . The country is home to over 42,000 horse farms/stables that keep horses, about 45% of which are livery yards (boarding stables) serving horse owners who don’t have their own land . German breeding is world-renowned as well; for example, Germany registers over 80,000 broodmares and 8,000 breeding stallions across various warmblood and sport horse studbooks, ensuring a steady supply of quality horses for sport and leisure .

Economic Impact: The German horse industry generates an estimated €6.7 billion in annual turnover , making it one of the largest in Europe. Approximately 10,000 businesses; from breeding farms and training yards to farriers, feed companies, tack shops, and veterinarians earn substantial revenue from the horse sector . One analysis suggests that in Germany, for every 3–4 horses, one full-time job is created, amounting to roughly 300,000 jobs linked to equestrian sports and breeding . This economic footprint includes not just sport and leisure riding, but also ancillary sectors like tourism (e.g. horse shows, stallion parades), manufacturing (riding apparel, equipment), and agriculture (hay and grain for feed, bedding materials, etc.). The importance of horses to rural economies is acknowledged in Germany; many farms have diversified into boarding horses or equine services as traditional agriculture has evolved. Furthermore, German riders and trainers are in high demand internationally, often exporting their expertise abroad (much like their horses). The German FN often notes that after football and gymnastics, riding is among the top organised sports nationally by number of participants. The “horse factor” also contributes intangible value: a recent count found 11.2 million Germans (age 14+) have an active interest in horses. They watch equestrian events, read about horses, or engage with equine-related recreation . This illustrates a broad base of public interest that extends beyond those actively riding.

Competitive Sport and Media: Germany’s dominance in Olympic disciplines (especially dressage, show jumping, and eventing) has made equestrian sport quite mainstream. Events like the CHIO Aachen (Concours Hippique International Officiel) are marquee fixtures on the sporting calendar. CHIO Aachen, often dubbed the “Wimbledon of Horse Sport,” draws over 350,000 spectators over 10 days of elite competition and is broadcast on national television. Throughout Germany, more than 3,400 horse competitions are held under FN rules each year; from local horse trials to major national championships . In addition, Germany hosts nearly 300 international equestrian events annually (FEI-sanctioned competitions), one of the highest numbers of any country . These include World Cup qualifiers, prestigious indoor shows in cities like Stuttgart and Leipzig, and outdoor classics at Hamburg, Wiesbaden, and Aachen. German equestrian events benefit from strong sponsor support (for instance, the Mercedes-Benz sponsorship of dressage at Aachen, or Longines sponsorship of show jumping series) and often sell out large venues. Public TV networks ARD and ZDF traditionally broadcast highlights of major horse events, reflecting a solid viewer base.

Germany is also a world leader in horse breeding and training. Breeds like the Hanoverian, Westphalian, and Holsteiner (German warmbloods) rank among the top in international sport, and German riding methodology is considered a gold standard. The country’s riding schools and academies (e.g. the German Riding School in Warendorf) have educated generations of riders worldwide. This emphasis on quality has ensured that German riders continue to “wow judges with stellar performances” year after year , and that horses bred in Germany excel globally.

Animal Welfare and Reforms in Equestrian Sport

In recent years, equestrian sports across these countries have come under increased scrutiny regarding horse welfare, prompting significant controversy as well as reforms. The concept of “social license to operate” – the idea that public acceptance is essential for the sport’s long-term viability has become a focal point for horse sport governing bodies . As society grows more sensitive to animal welfare, incidents of perceived mistreatment can spark swift backlash and calls for change.

One high-profile example occurred at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) in the modern pentathlon riding phase. A German coach was caught on camera punching a horse that refused a jump, after the panicked rider had been whipping the unwilling horse repeatedly . The footage caused an international outcry. The coach was expelled from the Games, and modern pentathlon’s governing body faced intense pressure – ultimately leading to the removal of the horse riding segment from future modern pentathlon competitions in order to prevent such incidents . This drastic step underscored how damaging the loss of public trust can be: the sport effectively “lost its social license” in that moment, forcing a radical rule change to regain credibility .

Even within traditional equestrian disciplines, governing bodies have tightened regulations and disciplinary actions to prioritize horse welfare. In February 2022, for instance, Sir Mark Todd, a legendary Olympic eventer-turned-trainer, was suspended by British authorities after a video went viral of him striking a horse with a branch during a training clinic . The interim suspension (and subsequent sanction) of such a high-profile figure sent a clear message that abusive training methods would not be tolerated. Similarly, top dressage and show jumping riders have been penalized for excessive use of whips or spurs, and new training guidelines (such as strict limits on how tightly a horse’s noseband may be fastened) have been implemented to prevent cruelty . In the Netherlands and Germany, earlier controversies over hyper-flexion (Rollkur) in dressage led the FEI to explicitly ban overly aggressive training techniques and to promote more natural positions for horses. Across all four countries, national federations now emphasize coaching that prioritises the horse’s well-being and “horsemanship” ethics alongside competitive results.

The horse racing industry has likewise begun significant reforms in the face of welfare concerns. In the United States, a spate of high-profile racehorse breakdowns and doping scandals in the 2010s galvanized support for new nationwide regulation. In 2020, Congress passed the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) to create uniform anti-doping and safety standards for American Thoroughbred racing . HISA established an independent authority to set medication rules and racetrack safety protocols across all states – replacing the patchwork of state-by-state rules that often failed to protect horses. The law took full effect in 2022–2023, and already there are signs of improvement: during the first year of HISA’s oversight, equine fatalities at tracks declined significantly (down 38% year-on-year in early 2024), suggesting stricter regulation and oversight are making racing safer . There remains resistance in some U.S. racing jurisdictions, but momentum is clearly toward stronger welfare policies. In Britain, racing authorities have also responded to public pressure by tightening rules on jockeys’ use of the whip (limits on the number of strikes and harsher penalties for overuse were introduced in 2022–2023) and by continuing to improve safety at courses (e.g. modifying fence designs and race distances to reduce falls in jump racing). These measures aim to reduce injury rates and demonstrate a commitment to humane treatment of racehorses.

On the international stage, the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) convened an Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission in 2022 to holistically address welfare concerns across all horse sports . Composed of veterinary and ethics experts (independent from the sport’s usual leadership), the commission in 2023 issued 24 recommendations to ensure a “good life” for competition horses . These recommendations range from enforcing a “zero tolerance” policy on any abuse, to better educating the public about how sport horses are cared for, to possibly removing or modifying practices that do not have strong welfare justifications . FEI President Ingmar De Vos has spoken candidly about the need to “re-explain and reestablish the essence of our relationship with horses” to an urbanized society that may be unfamiliar with equestrian traditions . In surveys conducted by the commission, a significant portion of the general public (over 60%) doubted that horses genuinely enjoy being in sport, and even half of equestrians expressed concern that the public is uneasy about horse use in sports . These perceptions make it clear that without proactive welfare initiatives, the social license for equestrian sport could be at risk.

In summary, all four countries – the UK, Netherlands, USA, and Germany are navigating a new landscape where animal welfare is central to the future of equestrian sports. The positive news is that the industry is responding: rule changes, enhanced oversight, and educational efforts are being put in place to ensure horses are treated with the utmost care and respect. From banning abusive training methods to investing in safer racing surfaces and better veterinary monitoring, the reforms aim to reassure the public that horse welfare is paramount. Equestrian sport’s unique bond between human and horse is often celebrated as its greatest beauty, and preserving that bond in a humane, ethical way is essential. By embracing reforms and prioritizing transparency and horse care, these nations are working to secure a sustainable and socially acceptable future for equestrian sports . As the welfare standards rise, equestrian sport can continue to thrive, inspiring new riders, attracting fans and sponsors, and honouring the magnificent animals at its heart.

Sources

British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) National Equestrian Survey 2019 & 2023 – Key findings on UK participation, horse numbers, and economic value .
British Horseracing Authority – Economic Impact of British Racing 2013 (data on racing expenditure, tax, and attendance) .
British Equestrian Federation – British Equestrian News (June 2024) – Industry scale in Great Britain (27 million interested, £5 billion economic value) .
spoga Horse (ReitsportBRANCHE) Country Check 2020 – The Horse Industry in the Netherlands (participation rates, economic impact, competition statistics) .
EMA Collective – Global Equestrian Sport report (2025) – Overview of UK, Netherlands, USA stats and facts .
American Horse Council – 2018 Economic Impact Study of U.S. Horse Industry (summary via EMA report) .
United States Equestrian Federation – USEF 2019 Demographics Profile (member demographics and horse ownership stats) .
Horse Competence Center Germany (HCCG) – “The Horsepower in Germany” (2023) – German equestrian statistics (participation, economic turnover, clubs, etc.) .
FEI Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission Report (2023) – Welfare recommendations and public perception data .
Chronicle of the Horse (Feb 16, 2022) – Article on Mark Todd’s suspension for horse abuse .
Mad Barn (2023) – “Social License to Operate: Horse Welfare & the Future” – Discussion of Tokyo Olympic modern pentathlon incident and its repercussions .
Humane World (Humane Society blog, June 2024) – Update on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (U.S. racing welfare reforms and impact on fatalities) .