Posted on 27th July 2026
One of the key questions raised during the BETA Conference panel discussion this year was: how can brands better support riding schools?
Since 1954, ABRS+ has been the voice of riding school proprietors and managers, working to strengthen the sector and champion the businesses that introduce new people to horses and equestrian sport every day.
On Monday 2nd November at Arena UK, Nr Grantham, this year’s ABRS+ Conference, Thriving Together: Horses, People and Business, will bring the sector together to hear the findings from the groundbreaking Equicentric Futures Project, funded by British Equestrian and Sport England, presented by the riding schools who took part.
The project aims to improve horse welfare in riding schools by developing practical tools, guidance and support to help centres put the needs of the horse at the heart of their daily operations, while supporting the sector’s social licence to operate.
The conference will also showcase British Equestrian’s plans to lobby Government on issues affecting riding schools, including protecting existing equestrian sites from housing developments, ensuring equestrian facilities are considered within new developments, greater recognition of horses in education, and addressing the impact of business rates.
Alongside horse welfare and the future of the sector, the conference will recognise the people behind riding schools. Proprietors and managers are facing increasing pressures as they balance horse care and business sustainability. Thriving Together: Horses, People and Business will provide a space to share experiences, learn from each other and explore practical ways to support a stronger future for riding schools.
Despite a decline in the number of riding schools nationally, ABRS+ continues to see encouraging membership growth, with new centres joining the sector and recognising the value of being part of a supportive community.
ABRS+ has 10 roundtable sponsorship opportunities available at just £150 each. Your sponsorship will treat a table of riding school proprietors, managers and coaches to lunch, recognising the hard work they put into supporting horses, riders and the future of our sport.
Sponsorship includes a complimentary conference ticket, branding at the event and across conference promotional materials, making it a highly cost-effective way to showcase your brand while supporting the grassroots of the equestrian industry.
If sponsoring isn’t right for your business, we would still love to welcome you as a conference delegate. Early bird tickets are just £65, rising to £70, offering a unique opportunity to hear the findings of the Equicentric Futures Project, understand the challenges facing riding schools and explore how your brand can play a part in supporting the future of the sector.
If you are travelling and staying overnight, you would also be very welcome to join us for our informal pre-conference dinner on the evening before.
Full details of the conference and ticket bookings can be found HERE.
Download a sponsorship pack 2026 ABRS Conference Sponsorship Package
If your business values riding schools as the gateway to our sport, now is the opportunity to give something back. Please reach out to: anne.clarke@abrs-info.org
