ECONOMIC booster and pleasure companion – the part the horse plays in the year of natural Scotland.

The resilience of horse owners is something I have often mentioned in this column and marvelled about. I find it always remarkable just how many horse boxes and trailers you see driving around Scotland going training, riding, transporting and competing any time of the day or night and on any day of the week.

The BHS is never through telling the policy makers how the horse is a major economic driver in the Scottish economy and our transportation patterns certainly back this up; the most recent British Equestrian Trade Association figures (National Equestrian Survey 2011) shows that there are currently 100,000 horses in Scotland, each horse generates on average £2,650 per annum into the local economy once its accommodation; farriery, veterinary needs, and saddlery, fencing, livery and other life needs are met. That represents £265 million for the Scottish economy.

Each weekend you see lorries and 4x4s in garage forecourts topping up their fuel reserves as more of us prepare to go on leisure and competitive trips and there is so much on, even in February. Training, show jumping, BHS trec and lessons galore. You just need to stand on a motorway flyover in Central Scotland to see how vibrant our sector is as horses and ponies go here, there and everywhere – boosting our economy as they do so.

Yet getting the most from your horse needn't involve complicated trips, special equipment and commercial activity, for while the competitive echelon of our sort thrives on endeavour and improvement and energetically drives our equine economy, the ordinary horse owner like me gets so much pleasure from little things.

Here is a list of some of the simple equestrian pleasures that mean a lot to me; going for a hack no matter how long – just finding the time to take the flaky mare on a ride makes us both very happy. A clean grey tail (very rare in our muddy lives) and also clean tack (hardly ever happens – but all the better when it does.)

Simply hanging out with your horse is rejuvenating and even better when you see small improvements in their behaviour or they become more settled in their routine. Perhaps the ultimate simple pleasure is when your horse whinnies to you as soon as they see you – ok, so it could be food that they want and not you – but let's give them the benefit of the doubt. In many ways our horses and ponies can become passports to delight and this is the secret of horse ownership – the relationship that you build up with your horse can be quite simply life enhancing.

2013 is the year of natural Scotland and the horse world already encompasses many of the associated activities which include responsible enjoyment of Scotland's stunning landscapes, experiencing nature and enjoying wholesome activity in the great outdoors. We all know that we can get up close and personal with wild life far easier from the back of a horse as often the wild animals are curious and less afraid of another animal.

Seeing the seasons change alongside our favourite hacking routes gives such pleasure. Our pace quickens once the sun peaks out and tracks begin to resemble paths again (rather than mud wrestling show rings). And what rider and horse doesn't get excited spotting the first stubble field of the season? Of course, things get a little less wholesome when a stoat sporting ermine pops out of a dyke and squeaks aggressively at the flaky mare just when she is looking for an excuse for mischief – but we cling on and continue on our hack – a simple pleasure easily found in the year of natural Scotland by horseback.

As the season for riding picks up we are busy in the BHS office organising as much training and education for horse owners and riders as we can, it will be a delight to welcome Eric Smiley FBHS back to Scotland to deliver a jumping clinic for us in march so with this and many other things to look forward to its time to get properly fit.