British Equestrian reflects on Horses For All strategy
"We are excited for the journey ahead and remain committed to making lasting change."- Mandana Mehran Pour.
British Equestrian has published a report which reflects on a year of its Horses For All strategy.
Launched in December 2023, the strategy included a number of initiatives and projects designed to make the equestrian community more inclusive and accessible.
It was inspired by the findings of a research project, conducted by AKD Solutions, which explored underrepresented communities in the equestrian community. This included concerns about exclusivity and affordability, as well as a lack of diversity.
British Equestrian combined AKD Solutions’ conclusions with an independent culture check and organisational review to inform a number of initiatives and projects under its Horses For All strategy.
The group’s 12-month progress report reflects on the short-term actions implemented across the federation. It also describes several initiatives and projects that have taken place.
A key document during British Equestrian’s Horses For All strategy was the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which was finalised in September 2024. The DIAP establishes the federation’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, addressing barriers to participation and promoting diversity.
A new British Equestrian rulebook, which includes improved anti-discrimination policies, is also in the final stages of development.
An Urban Equestrian Centre Network is being created, which is expected to help urban centres to share best practices and improve accessibility and inclusion. Development of this network will also include a ‘Find a Centre’ tool to signpost additional centres.
The federation has also launched the Safe to Play campaign, which is designed to streamline the reporting process for safeguarding and make it easier to raise concerns. This was motivated by recommendations to improve policies and reportign systems.
Elsewhere, an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) training programme was delivered with Inclusive Employers to Board members, leadership teams and staff in the federation. Enhanced data collection will also integrate diversity indicators into membership systems.
Mandana Mehran Pour, head of participation and development at British Equestrian, said: “Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward a more inclusive equestrian community where everyone has the opportunity to experience the incredible impact of horses.
“While there is much to celebrate, this is just the beginning. We are excited for the journey ahead and remain committed to making lasting change.”
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Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).
