Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Horses

The equine industry in France has seen remarkable growth over the past few decades, driven by the increasing popularity of equestrian sports and leisure riding. The love of horses in France has been a lucrative industry for over a century. The Fédération Française d'Équitation (FFE), founded in 1921, is the umbrella organization for all riders, drivers, and vaulters in the country. With 689,000 members, the FFE is recognised as the third-largest sports federation in France and the second-largest international equestrian body. In 1984, FFE had only 145,000 members, but in recent years, membership has grown rapidly. This expansion reflects the democratization of equestrian sports. Riding, which was once considered an activity for the elite, has become accessible to a broader segment of the population and it’s given rise to equestrian centers throughout the country. These centers allow children and individuals who may not have otherwise afforded horse ownership to participate in the sport. Lower VAT rates for equestrian centers until recently also played a role in making the sport more accessible. One standout trend in the French equestrian industry is the dominance of women riders. Of the FFE's membership, 83% (557,821) are women, making it the largest female-dominated sports federation in France. The majority of these members are young riders under the age of 21. Additionally, 84,000 of the FFE's members identify as tourist riders, showcasing the rising interest in horse-related leisure activities. France's equine industry is not just growing in terms of participants; horse ownership is also on the rise. In 2014, 54,000 individuals purchased at least one horse. The sport horse breeding sector has remained healthy, open to international competition, while pleasure horse demand continues to increase. This dual demand for both competitive and leisure horses has been a driving force in the industry's expansion.