Introduction and Background

The Welsh Equine Council (WEC) was formed in 2004 in response to the increase in equestrian related activities within Wales, the growing demand from groups and associations within the sector for a ‘communal voice’ for Wales and the recognition of the important role that this multi-faceted industry plays in the economic prosperity of the Principality.

 

Within Wales member organisations have tended to be isolated without unified representation. By coming together under the Welsh Equine Council banner, the significant contribution made to the creation and sustaining of employment and training opportunities within communities can be highlighted, their achievements recognized and the huge input that equestrianism makes to the economy can be acknowledged.

 

The Welsh Equine Council aims to :-

 

• be the National and International representative body of Welsh equestrianism
• act as a consultative and advisory body on behalf of Welsh equestrianism, to its member organisations and to outside agencies
• develop and co-ordinate the implementation of strategies for Welsh equestrianism
• represent member organisations on matters of common interest
• promote equine welfare in Welsh equestrianism
• further the development of ethnic, cultural and social inclusion in equestrian activities
• promote, improve, foster, encourage and develop equestrian facilities, education and training activities and initiatives in Wales
• carry on business and initiatives which can, in the opinion of WEC, be advantageously carried on by WEC in connection with its core objectives

 

The Welsh Equine Council is very conscious of the fact that Wales lacks promotion as an equine nation. Whereas Ireland is immediately associated with a vibrant equine industry, parts of England too, Wales has, for a variety of reasons, lagged behind, there are several reasons for this :-

 

• low income areas
• lack of access
• lack of promotion
• lack of Education and Training
• lack of recognition by Government, local government and governmental agencies
• lack of coordination within the equine sector in Wales

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The Welsh Equine Council is attempting to resolve and tackle the issues involved by encouraging the industry to work in partnership in order to become more accessible, more affordable and better promoted and to bring to the attention of as many people as possible the myriad of business, training, sporting and employment opportunities available within the sector.

It is often said that rugby football in Wales succeeds because it is class-less, and appeals to a much wider audience. Strangely, the same is true of equestrianism in Wales. The riding clubs, pony clubs, riding schools are full of enthusiasts from all sectors of society. Physical ability, age and gender have never been a restriction to participation. It is a healthy sport, teaches discipline, is environmentally friendly, has many facets and opportunities for development of skills, training and employment.