Bullying in equestrian environments
Understanding how bullying shows up in yards, riding schools, and competitions – and what we can all do about it.
What is bullying?
Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour that causes harm to a person or group. It can be physical, verbal, or psychological and often takes place where there is an imbalance of power.
Bullying can affect anyone, at any age. It occurs in workplaces, sports clubs, schools, and online communities. Close-knit communities, competitive pressures, and unspoken hierarchies can enable bullying in equestrian environments.
The defining features of bullying:
- Repetition: it is part of an ongoing pattern of behaviour
- Intent to harm: the behaviour is deliberate, not accidental
- Power imbalance: the person doing the bullying holds more power (socially, physically, through status or seniority) than the person being targeted
- Impact: the person being targeted often feels powerless to stop it
Verbal
Name-calling, insults, threats, or persistent criticism of a person's abilities, appearance, or background.
Physical
Hitting, pushing, or damaging the targeted person’s belongings.
Social & relational
Exclusion from groups, spreading rumours, sabotaging friendships, giving someone the silent treatment, or turning others against them.
Online bullying
Harassment, humiliation, or threats carried out through social media, messaging apps, forums, and online groups.
It’s okay to speak up
People who are being bullied often stay quiet because they feel ashamed, worry that they won’t be believed, or fear that it will make things worse.We offer confidential support to all equestrians. We will listen without judgment and take your experiences seriously.
Get supportBullying by coaches and instructors:
If you think your child is being bullied:
If your child has been bullying others:
Adults experiencing bullying at work or in sport:
Support services
Mind for mental health support and information: mind.org.uk
Samaritans for confidential listening support, open 24/7: 116 123
Childline for free, confidential support for children and young people: 0800 1111
NSPCC has a child protection helpline for adults with concerns: 0808 800 5000
ACAS for workplace rights and bullying in employment: acas.org.uk / 0300 123 1100
Reporting cyberbullying
- Use the in-platform reporting tools on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to report posts and accounts
- For serious harassment or threats online, contact the police by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-urgent matters, or by visiting your local police station.
Resources
This page draws on information from the Anti-Bullying Alliance
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