Horse lovers protest French tax hike on riding schools

PARIS – Horse riders and trainers are demonstrating against a plan to nearly triple the tax on riding schools in France.

Enthusiasts fear the higher tax will make lessons too expensive, and force many schools to close. And they worry it will further chip away at rural traditions already struggling in a stagnant economy.

France is set to raise the tax as of January to adhere to EU regulations. The move has drawn demonstrations, in a season when many people are protesting President Francois Hollande’s handling of the economy.

On Monday, protesters and their horses marched on the Finance Ministry in Paris, and staged a protest in Brussels as well as some other cities.

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