THE JERSEY HORSE ASSOCIATION

This is a new association, which held an inaugural meeting last week, attended by some 80 Islanders interested in riding and all equine-related matters.

Its formation was broadly welcomed by an overwhelming show of hands at the end of the evening.

The creation of the Jersey Horse Association (JHA) is inspired by the understanding that Government wishes to take an interest in the equestrian sector. As a first step, it would promote a more cohesive sector and to promote equestrianism in the Island, with a view to forming a ‘centre of excellence’, encompassing all the various clubs and disciplines, in the same way that Government has taken an interest in the farming and fisheries sector, and, more lately the ‘creative musical’ sector.

It is hoped that the Jersey Horse Association would be the conduit through which future funding and sponsorship would flow.

The members of this informal and provisional committee are, so far:

Representing the Jersey Race Club – Jim Cantle (JRC president) and Glyn Mitchell, (Clerk of the Course).

Representing the CI Horse Racing Authority – Jonathan Perree

Representing the Jersey Drag Hunt – Christie Barette

Representing the British Horse Society – Cilla Perchard

Representing Jersey equine vets: Roisin Wood

Also: Derek Clackett, Alasdair Crosby, Rebecca Flath, Ruth le Cocq

Observers from Jersey Government: John Vautier, Nick Steel

The JHA would be the promotional and social body for equestrianism in Jersey, for the benefit of the local equestrian community and all related stakeholders.

Such stakeholders include equestrian clubs, service and product providers, both within the equine industry and wider local market, and for the benefit of the general public and visitors to the Island – with the aim of raising and growing the profile of the equestrian sector in Jersey, and generating and maintaining revenue for this market.

By doing so, this in turn aims to generate revenue streams for associated service and product providers in the wider local market, thereby increasing overall economic value to Jersey via the equestrian sector.

Objectives

1. Unite the clubs, organisations and related stakeholders within the equestrian sector in Jersey, with the common goal of streamlining events and memberships for the overall promotion and growth of Jersey’s equestrian sector.

This would be evidenced through the formation of an elected committee for the association, and by the feedback collated following a questionnaire to the equestrian community of Jersey.

2. Take responsibility for creating and maintaining a yearly record of the number of horses in Jersey, with the first record being completed and published by December 2025.

3. Promote and grow the equestrian sector in Jersey by holding a series of equine events and related social gatherings as hosted by and/or in connection with the equestrian clubs, organisations and related stakeholders, and also by the association itself, to be undertaken by December 2025.

This would be demonstrated by equestrian membership numbers, attendance figures and/ticket sales per stakeholder including members of the public where relevant, and the amount of revenue generated.

4. Working with land owners and the Jersey Riding Club to re-establish and connect bridle paths together where possible, for the benefit of the equestrian community to use whilst out hacking and for group riding events. Evidenced by the creation of a map of bridle paths around the Island by December 2025.

5. Enhancing and safeguarding horse welfare standards by working with Jersey government, local equine veterinary practitioners, equine behaviourists and other relevant equine professionals to ensure legislation is up to date regarding the latest care standards required for horse well-being and ownership.

A written review of the existing legislation, including any suggestions for improvements, to be completed by December 2025. For example, horses not to live in isolation, the requirement for routine appointments such as equine dentistry and farriery etc.

6. Promoting road safety for horses and riders by working with Jersey Government, States of Jersey Police and local Parishes to educate road users regarding road safety for horses and to introduce new road measures, if possible, such as increased road signage and painted road writing warning of horses in the area, and potential horse crossings in very busy locations, by December 2025. Promotion can also include the use of outdoor marketing such as banners and online via social media campaigns.

Further details from Rebecca Flath (provisional honorary secretary) at info@jerseyhorseassociation.com