Last week, the Sport and Recreation Alliance celebrated the launch of Reconomics 3.0, a landmark report highlighting the significant role outdoor activities play in the UK’s economy, communities, and national wellbeing. The report was unveiled at Westminster on Monday, 26 January, in a high-profile event attended by representatives from across the outdoor recreation sector.
Commissioned by the Alliance’s Water Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits divisions, Reconomics 3.0 provides a comprehensive assessment of the economic, social, and health impacts of outdoor participation. Among its findings, the report underscores the particularly strong influence of equestrianism on rural economies and communities.
Key Findings
- Widespread participation: 34 million people take part in outdoor recreation, including 1.9 million children—a rise of 3.1 million participants compared with 10 years ago.
- Economic impact: Outdoor recreation supports 1 million jobs and contributes £22 billion annually to the UK economy.
- Healthcare savings: Participation and volunteering in outdoor activities generate approximately £5 billion in healthcare savings.
- Equestrian industry contribution: The horse industry accounts for nearly £5 billion of the total economic value. Jobs in equestrianism represent the second largest employer in rural areas, after farming.
The Equestrian Perspective
Mark Weston, Director of Access for the Alliance, attended the launch to highlight the importance of equestrian participation:
“It’s incredibly important to us that we’ve been able to input into this report and represent the equestrian community. These findings come at a critical time, as we face growing challenges around public health and environmental sustainability.
“It shows just how truly powerful outdoor recreation is and why we must continue to do all that we can to make horse-related activities as accessible as possible for everyone. We hope this report will be a vital tool when it comes to carrying out future lobbying activity that supports this mission.”
The research, conducted in partnership with Leeds Beckett University, highlights the intertwined benefits of outdoor recreation: supporting rural economies, enhancing mental and physical health, fostering community connection, and promoting environmental awareness.
As public health and environmental challenges intensify, Reconomics 3.0 reinforces the value of equestrian and other outdoor pursuits, offering policymakers, community leaders, and industry stakeholders robust evidence to support investment in accessible outdoor activity.
Separate, detailed research led recently by British Equestrian and partners has developed a strong evidence base around the social value of equestrian participation — that is, the benefits beyond pure financial figures. Reports like British Equestrian’s State of the Nation show that membership and participation are growing, encouraging long‑term workforce development and industry sustainability. This complements the Reconomics analysis.
The full Reconomics 3.0 report is publicly available, with a summary and full findings accessible through the Sport and Recreation Alliance.