EQUISS was founded on the belief that the equestrian community needed something genuinely different: a truly independent organisation with the commitment, resource, and resolve to tackle issues with seriousness and accountability.

Our Founder, Sarah Stoute, is an entrepreneur and lifelong equestrian. In her time running events and attending competitions with her daughters, Sarah saw deeply concerning practices and behaviours taking place in the equestrian world. When she voiced her concerns, Sarah heard from countless victim–survivors about how abuse and misconduct is deeply embedded in the industry.

Sarah learned about the lack of support for victim–survivors, the suppression of their voices, and their fear of retaliation from powerful figures. The scale of abuse was far greater than anybody in the industry was willing to admit.

Our team and advisory panel bring a range of experience and skills across the safeguarding, policing, governance, campaigning, charitable and equine sectors. Our team are united in the belief that abuse is unacceptable and preventable and that victim–survivors must feel empowered and supported.

This determination to end cycles of abuse, support equestrians, and protect horses is the foundation of EQUISS.