VIDEO. In Toulouse, equestrian centers take to the streets with their horses
A group of 60 to 70 managers of equestrian centers and ponies clubs, accompanied by their horses, were able this Monday in Toulouse, for the securing of a reduced rate of VAT at 5.5%.
“Hooves must not be recognized! “. Here is one of the slogans chanted by workers in the equine industry, accompanied by their horses, this Monday in Toulouse. The procession of demonstrators, which moved peacefully to the monument to the dead of François Verdier, was not imposing. But his demands were significant. The managers of equestrian centers and pony clubs are calling for the securing of a reduced rate of VAT at 5.5% for equestrian activities (in order to prevent it from reaching 20%). A measure “essential” for the survival of these professions weakened by inflation, and which does not benefit from any subsidy from the communities.
“Horse feed has increased by 40%, the purchase of training ponies by 75%, hay must be increased by 300%! If VAT increases, that would mean: fewer horses, fewer employees, fewer customers! says Ludovic Darrigan, manager of the Moulin de Parade equestrian center in Muret. “With a fluctuating rate, we will no longer be able to earn money, reinvest in our horses, in our equipment. Thus, we simply ask that the government keep its word,” laments Vincent David, president of the Departmental Riding Committee.
“The government’s argument is unfounded!”
Last April, “the revision of the European VAT Directive now allows each State to apply a reduced rate of VAT to a list of goods […] of which the provision of services related to live equids is a part,” specifies the Groupement Hippique National. What’s more, at the end of November, the Senate adopted an amendment brought by Jean-Pierre Vogel, making it possible to maintain VAT at 5.5% for horse-riding activities. It was co-signed by 94 senators.
But the French government refuses to adopt such a measure, on the pretext that it would represent a cost of 190 million euros, “too high” for public finances. “Several organizations such as the IFCE (French Institute for Horses and Riding) are announcing a deficit of 35 million euros, it’s still not the same thing! The government’s argument is not based on the right figures, ”contests Vincent David.
Horse riding accessible to all
Another consequence: the increase in the prices of riding lessons to the detriment of certain populations. “Horseback riding isn’t just for wealthy people. In France, we are the 3rd federation after football and tennis, with 700,000 members! And yet, we are sidelined, we are not recognized as players in the sports world”, denounces Claude Saramon, president of the Regional Committee of Occitanie.
On December 8, the Groupe Hippique National calls for national mobilization. A large gathering is planned in Paris.