The owner of a private arena in the New Forest was staggered to receive a demand for the payment of rates, and in response the British Horse Society has written to the Chief Executive of the Valuation Office Agency questioning why.
 
If this decision is replicated throughout the United Kingdom, it could mean increased taxes for horse owners at a time when finances are already stretched.
The Society has asked the Agency how it distinguishes between the rateable treatment of private manèges and other private amenities, such as tennis courts and swimming pools.

The British Horse Society’s Chief Executive, Graham Cory, said: “Given the potentially wide-ranging impact of the Agency’s interpretation of the law, we intend to ask Leading Counsel for his opinion on their reply.”