Report says British equestrianism rife with bullying and racialised experiences

Bullying is “commonplace” in areas of British equestrianism and racialised experiences “emerged strongly”, a hard-hitting report commissioned by the sport’s national governing body has found.

The British Equestrian chief executive, Jim Eyre, admitted that some of the 89-page report was a tough read and he has vowed to see “a vibrant equestrian community free from discrimination”.

The research study carried out by AKD Solutions found that 24% of those who participated in the project felt racial discrimination adversely affected their ability to fully access and benefit from equestrian activity. While 33% of white respondents agreed working in an equestrian environment was a viable career option, figures from black, Asian or mixed background were 6%, 10% and 16% respectively.

“At present, the demand for equine activity in diverse communities often goes unmet and many equestrians from diverse backgrounds struggle to find their place within the industry,” AKD said.

This, though, is reflective across the equestrian industry for all participants with a supply and demand issue for riding schools, with more than 70% having a new customer waiting list.

Other areas highlighted include the sport’s perceived “elitist and classist” nature, a lack of awareness surrounding available riding opportunities and location of equestrian facilities, plus prohibitive costs.

The four-month research project involved speaking to 800 black, Asian and other ethnically-diverse people to learn about participation, engagement or interest in equestrian activity. Nine key themes emerged in the report, including bullying and racialised experience, exclusivity in equestrianism, affordability as a barrier to participation and a missing diversity ethos.

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