By Yvonne Duggan for EQUISS

For many neurodivergent people, working with horses is where they feel most at peace, connected and can thrive. It is also where they can be most vulnerable to abuse.

While there is no definitive study yet quantifying exactly how many neurodivergent people participate in equestrian sport, anecdotally and in line with research on sport in general, neurodivergent people are likely to be significantly overrepresented in the equine industry.

What do we mean by neurodivergent?

Neurodivergent describes people whose brains are wired differently from what is considered neurotypical, not better or worse, just difference in how they process information, regulate emotion, experience sensory input and relate to the world.

Neurodivergence is not a single condition. It is an umbrella term that includes:

•      ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

•      Autism Spectrum Condition

•      AuDHD — the co-occurrence of both autism and ADHD

•      Dyslexia

•      Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

•      Dyscalculia

•      Tourette’s Syndrome

•      Sensory processing differences

The challenges that neurodivergent people encounter are generally based on external environmental factors and perceived expectations of what is considered normal. It is also the reason why they thrive with horses, where nervous systems can align with the horse and there is no need to be anything other than themselves.  Unique strengths such as high intuition, ability to hyperfocus, sensory attunement to horses and people, deep empathy, authenticity, great problem solvers, pattern recognition are key traits that allow people thrive in equestrian sport.

Why this matters for safeguarding

The same traits that draw neurodivergent people to horses also create specific vulnerabilities, particularly in relationships where there is a natural power imbalance. Neurodivergent people experience significantly higher rates of all forms of abuse and coercive control than the general population. This is well researched. There are unique reasons for this that require greater awareness, recognition and education in the equestrian industry.

The key vulnerabilities result from the unique differences in neurodivergent people versus neuro typical people.  The reality is we are different neuro types and neither one is the right one or better than the other, just natural difference. However those with neuro differences such as ADHD, Autism, or both AuDHD will have spent years operating in a neurotypical dominated environment as a child, in school, social situaions that result in adaptive behaviours that heighten vulnerability.

Masking: concealing your true self, emotions or identity to fit in with social expectations and avoid perceived harsh judgement.  

People-pleasing: A behavioural pattern that prioritises other peoples needs, opinions and happiness over your own, linking self-worth to external validation of others.

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): An intense, often overwhelming emotional and painful response to perceived or actual criticism, triggering intense feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness, resulting in avoidance behaviour such as people pleasing, masking, withdrawing, procrastination, intense ruminating on a situation, anxiety and depression

Vulnerability to gaslighting: Research has shown that by age 12,  neurodivergent children (ADHD) may hear up to 20,000 times more negative or critical comments. This results in ingrained self-doubt, reliance on the judgement of others and ready acceptance of blame. Layered on this are the vulnerabilities from inherent executive function challenges such as poor memory

Perfectionism: An internal unattainable standard that drives overwork and self-criticism used as a coping mechanism to manage anxiety, regulate emotions, overcompensate for executive function challenges or avoid painful reactions to perceived or real rejection or criticism.

Emotional overwhelm: Neurodivergent peoples nervous system processes emotional information with higher intensity, meaning reactions are faster, stronger and harder to recover from than others might expect. This can lead to shame, guilt and outmatches the brains ability to think rationally.  

Burnout: A state of physical mental and emotional exhaustion after sustained depletion from masking, sensory overload and emotional demand.

Vulnerability to abuse: The combination of people-pleasing, RSD, masking, and self-doubt creates a profile that is significantly easier to exploit. Neurodivergent people experience substantially higher rates of all forms of abuse and are far less likely to recognise it, name it, or report it

The equine industry attracts a disproportionately high number of neurodivergent people where they can thrive, yet awareness of this remains low across the sector. Recognising and understanding neurodivergence in equestrian settings is essential for creating safer, more inclusive environments and ensuring appropriate support is in place for those who need it.