MADAM,

Why is our government not reviewing and responding to the issue of an unfair application of commercial rates on our AIRE approved riding schools? This anomaly has been brought to the attention of TDs and Ministers for the last 25 years.

The equine industry is a valuable contributor to the economy of the country, giving employment and embracing the needs of individuals challenged by cognitive, physical or social issues. Our approved riding centres contribute to an awareness of biodiversity by the introduction to an agricultural environment, facilitating and teaching young learners horsemanship skills and animal welfare, leading to opportunities for further education and employment or engagement in ancillary careers within the equine industry.

What is the future for children from urbanised towns and villages if more riding centres are forced to close? Our riding school horses/ponies are mostly retiree schoolmasters from the competitive arena, but habituation and lifetime experience working in varied environments with humans gives them an accommodating experience to teach beginners. This takes time.

The application of Commercial Rates on riding centres does not correlate with the earning capacity of the riding school animal. They are not ridden from 9am to 5pm, but their care and welfare is full-time. They also incur the cost of feed, bedding, farrier, veterinary, affiliation fees, electricity, insurance and the inconsistent commercial rates burden.

Legislators need to suspend rates and review the definition of a riding school as an education and learning academy. Participants can only engage in equestrian sport disciplines when they learn the primary principles of animal welfare, horsemanship and riding skills and accomplish the necessary experience to engage in any of the equestrian sport disciplines. The industry is unsustainable and will be lost if it is not addressed.

Yours etc,

Rita Dunne

Kells Equestrian Centre

Kells,

Co Meath