The horse riding market - Italy

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Horseback riding is defined as the art, technique and activity of riding a horse. Horseback riding as a sport has several disciplines and some of them are recognized at the Olympic level. The sport can be practiced either individually or in groups, within outdoor riding stables, racetracks or finally in the countryside.  

Globally, the horseback riding market can be described as growing. One of the reasons for this growth is definitely the increasing popularity of horseback riding as a sport after the London 2012 Olympics. 

In the United States, the horseback riding market is estimated to be worth about $102 billion. 

In Italy, the equestrian market can also be considered to be growing.

In 2021, FISE, the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation, reported that between January and April 2021, equestrian sports enrollments increased dramatically, from 66,624 members in the same period in 2020 to 101,034 in 2021 (marking an increase of approximately 66%).

This increase is due both to the promotional activities carried out by FISE and to the impact of the pandemic that has forced Italians into their homes for many months. Horseback riding represents a perfect sport for this historical moment as it can be done outdoors and at a distance, in total safety.

Those who enroll in this kind of sport are mainly young children but lately also older boys, from 12 to 16-17 years old.

Another reason that has led to this increase in enrollment has been the collaboration between various equestrian federations that has allowed smaller clubs to obtain support to overcome the difficulties of the pandemic and make horseback riding more accessible to the public. A new facilitated membership was also introduced, which has further increased enrollment, especially in smaller clubs. 

This growth has also led to an increase in requests from clubs for school horses to cope with the growing number of students.