ITALY - UK PARTNERS

PARTNERSHIP | Spring 2020 12 The equestrian business A noble animal, a luxury hobby, a profitable industry H orses’ contribution to the British culture and history is significant, starting from their cavalry use and the consequent victories that gave them the reputation of strong, reliable and noble animals. Ancient populations were so amazed by horses that this translated into hill figures, a type of geoglyph meant to be seen from afar that is a phenomenon mainly seen in England. Among the most renowned, the bronze-age Uffington White Horse representing a 110m long minimalist white horse and the Westbury White Horse that is thought to be from the 1st century AC; followed more recently by the Osmington White Horse (1808), portraying King George III. There are many theories of why such figures were carved into hills and some refer to mythological beliefs that horses carried the sun through the sky, or that horses were a tribal symbol commemorating a victory. Jumping forward a few centuries, in 2013, sculptor Andy Scott celebrated horses’ pivotal role for the Scottish industry creating the world-famous 30m tall Kelpies in Falkirk. Horse-related activities now represent a whole industry. The equestrian economy is resilient and, according to the British Equestrian Trade Association, its economic value stood at £4.7bn spent in 2019 by consumers in a variety of activities, including stabling and riding lessons. This figure was extremely positive if compared to the £4.3bn in 2015. POLO The par excellence aristocratic team sport, polo. First played in Persia in the 6th century BC, it became popular among the king’s guards and elite troops (it is sometimes referred to as the “kings’ sport”). It was then introduced in India and England, where it spread among the nobility and then universities. Even today the sport is enjoyed by the Royal Family. Prince Philip passed on his passion to his son, Prince Charles, and to the two grandsons, Prince William and Harry, who played tournaments in support of their charitable causes. Sports have always had an important role in British education, with pupils and students enrolling in sports clubs to improve their team skills and chances of being accepted in the main universities and social circles. SUPA (Schools and Universities Polo Association) gathers the main universities throughout the UK, attracting more than 350 players and 1,500 enthusiasts who can enjoy cheaper lessons than at private clubs. Playing polo, in fact, is not cheap. New polo clubs opened for more ordinary