Written by Roisin, one of our EQUISS Caseworkers‍

The equestrian community is built on generations sharing knowledge, experience and a passion for horses. From parents teaching children to ride, to coaches mentoring the next generation, passing on skills has always been one of the sport's greatest strengths.

But alongside techniques, traditions and values, something else can also be inherited: attitudes, behaviours and expectations.

That's why it's worth asking ourselves an important question. What traditions should we protect, what should we challenge, and what responsibility do we all have to leave the sport better than we found it?

A sport unlike any other

Few sports are as deeply intergenerational as equestrianism.

Many riders grow up learning from parents, grandparents, family friends or experienced members of their local yard. Knowledge is often passed on through observation rather than formal instruction. Children don't just learn how to ride or care for horses; they also learn how people speak to one another, how disagreements are handled and what is considered acceptable behaviour.

This creates a strong sense of community and continuity. But it also means that behaviours, both positive and negative, can become deeply embedded over time.

Tradition has always shaped the sport

Horses have played a significant role throughout human history. They were essential for transport, farming, warfare and trade long before they became part of the sporting world we know today.

Over time, equestrianism also reflected wider society. For many years, participation was largely limited to those with wealth, status or military connections. Women, for example, were excluded from many competitive disciplines until the mid-twentieth century. They were first permitted to compete in Olympic dressage in 1952, showjumping in 1956 and eventing in 1964.

Those changes remind us that traditions are not fixed. As society evolves, so too does sport. Practices once considered normal can be questioned, improved and where necessary replaced.

When ‘it's always been this way’ isn't enough

Every community develops unwritten rules about what feels normal. The challenge is that normal doesn't always mean right.

When problematic behaviour is not called out, made public or challenged, it begins to be seen as a norm which can quickly become embedded in society. The internet and media has helped provide a platform where things can be called out and this has helped a major shift in awareness raising and sharing of new ideas.

When we look at riding, horse care and coaching in today’s society, we can already see that some traditional views and practices have shifted as they were recognised as being harmful or unnecessary. We now havethings like saddle and bit fitters, equine dentists, equine massage therapists to improve the health and longevity of horses.

The same willingness to learn should extend to how we treat people. Tradition should never be a reason to overlook bullying, discrimination, abuse, harassment or misconduct.

Signs it's time to challenge a tradition

Not every long-standing practice needs to change. Many traditions are an important part of what makes equestrian sport special. However, it's worth pausing when a behaviour is defended simply because ‘that’s how it’s always been’ or feeling that people cannot have their behaviour challenged because of who they are.

Some examples include:

• Bullying or humiliation being dismissed as ‘character building’
• Inappropriate behaviour being excused becausesomeone is successful or influential
• Racist, misogynistic, homophobic or discriminatory language being treated as harmless banter
• Concerns about horse welfare being ignored because a practice is considered traditional
• Gatekeeping or making people feel they don't belong because of their background, gender, disability, identity or societal standing
• Young riders feeling unable to question adults or speak up when something doesn't feel right

If something causes harm, creates fear or excludes others, it has no place in today's equestrian community.

Creating positive change

Positive change comes from being willing to listen to each other, being diplomatic, understanding impact, willingness to challenge others and being open to change.

Here are some tips for fostering and embracing change:

• Be open to other people's ideas and suggestions
• Rather than be angry and adamant if challenged, be open to the idea that there are different view points and understand impact
• Start networking, whether it is online, at shows or events. Meeting new people is one of the best ways to broaden your own horizons and learn new things
• Do some research about new innovations or methods and share them with other riders
• Be kind, offer help to people coming into the sport where they need it

The legacy we leave

Every generation leaves its mark on equestrian sport.

The knowledge, passion and traditions we inherit have helped shape the community we know today. But alongside those strengths, we also inherit attitudes and behaviours that need to be questioned.

The question isn't whether the sport will change. It always has, and it always will. The question is what each of us chooses to pass on.

By protecting the traditions that bring out the best in our community, challenging those that no longer serve people or horses, and having the confidence to speak up when something doesn't feel right, we can help create a safer, fairer and more supportive equestrian community for generations to come.