"At It's a Penalty, we've seen the power of sport to drive awareness, inspire action and protect those at risk of abuse and exploitation. EQUISS is bringing that same commitment to safeguarding into the equestrian world through independent support, advocacy and education. Creating safe environments is a shared responsibility, and I applaud Sarah Stoute and the EQUISS team for leading this important work. Together, we can help ensure that everyone involved in sport feels safe, heard and protected."

"The importance of an external, professional and independent organisation providing advice, guidance and support for people to share concerns is invaluable. This is especially important for people who are unsure or worried about the processes they may face. Access to qualified safeguarding professionals who are independent of existing organisations can provide reassurance to anyone raising a concern and know they’ll be listened to, treated with respectfully and guided through a challenging time".

“Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of background, profession, or lifestyle.  Behind the stable doors and beyond them, we must raise awareness, recognise the signs, and support those affected by the lasting damage abuse causes.”

“As a husband and a father in addition to an employer within the sport it is important to me that everyone can feel safe and protected when spending time with their horses.  Whilst we should all pull together to make sure this is the case it also comforting to know that EQUISS is there offering expert advice and support to anyone who may need it.”

“Safeguarding is something that we all at Heathcroft Farm take extremely seriously as we feel everyone should be able to be part of the sport and feel safe and supported when doing so.  We fully support EQUISS for being there as an independent safeguarding organisation offering expert support and advocacy should someone find themselves in need.”

“We should think ourselves extremely fortunate that our sport has the benefit of independent safeguarding for the entire equestrian community in the shape of EQUISS.  It is pivotal that people feel safe within our sport and we at Barleylands look forward to supporting EQUISS and their good work in any way we can.”

“We are incredibly fortunate that our sport benefits from an independent organisation dedicated to safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone involved.  Their work plays a vital role in ensuring participants can enjoy the sport in a safe, supportive and protected environment.  Keeping people safe is a shared responsibility and we all have a part to play in supporting and championing the important work they do.”

“The equestrian community is a fantastic one that everyone should be able to be part of and feel safe in.  It is our shared responsibility to ensure this is the case and knowing that we now have an independent organisation in EQUISS offering expert support, advice and advocacy to anyone that may need it is fantastic news for our sport.”

“Safeguarding is a responsibility shared by everyone in our sport. Every rider, groom, owner, official, and supporter should be able to participate in equestrian sport in a safe and respectful environment. We are proud to support EQUISS and its commitment to providing advice, advocacy, and support for those who need it."

“Knowing that EQUISS is there to support our wonderful equestrian community with expert, independent support is something we should all feel extremely grateful for.  I applaud their work and am proud to say that we have a dedicated organisation working behind the scenes in this way to support everyone”

“It is extremely reassuring to know that EQUISS is there for anyone in the sport that may need to turn to an independent organisation for help or advice.  I applaud the work that EQUISS are doing and we all need to play our part in supporting them to ensure the sport can be enjoyed by everyone who wishes to take part in it.”

“The introduction of an expert and independent safeguarding organisation represents a significant and welcome step forward for the sport. Providing everyone that works, or spends time with horses, access to impartial support and advocacy offers essential reassurance that there is always a trusted place to turn to when needed and that our sport is one that everyone can continue to enjoy.”

“Every individual within the sport deserves the right to feel safe at all times and I applaud the launch of EQUISS, as an expert independent safeguarding organisation that everyone can turn to should they find the need.”

“I applaud the launch of EQUISS as an independent safeguarding organisation. We all need to do everything we can to keep people safe within the equestrian community and to have this support in the form of EQUISS will play a pivotal role in doing just that.”

“Having EQUISS as an independent safeguarding organisation for equestrians to obtain support and advocacy from is a fantastic step forward for the sport. Knowing there is someone to turn to should it be needed is extremely reassuring and I would like to thank EQUISS for being there for us all.”

“I’m proud to show my support to Sarah and EQUISS on their endeavour to better the equestrian community.  This powerful initiative will create a safer environment throughout the industry and allow those feeling vulnerable to have help and support in their hour of need.”

“Safeguarding is something we all need to be aware of and take collective responsibility for.  To have EQUISS independently supporting this pivotal area is something that we should all, as equestrians, feel grateful for and be supporting in any way we can.”

“The equestrian world has given me incredible opportunities, but for our sport to continue growing, we must be open to positive change. Through EQUISS, I believe we can help create a more transparent, supportive, and progressive environment. Positive change is not a threat to tradition; it is how we protect and strengthen the future of the equestrian world.”

“Safeguarding has always been of great importance to me and we are extremely fortunate to have an independent organisation in EQUISS  providing support, guidance and accountability across our sport”

“Safeguarding everyone within our sport is a responsibility we all share and one that should remain at the forefront of our minds. The development of EQUISS is a welcome and important addition to the equestrian community, and we are fortunate to have their support and expertise in this pivotal area. Together, we can continue to foster a safer environment for all participants.”

I am proud to support EQUISS and the important work being undertaken by Sarah Stoute and her team. EQUISS has been founded to provide a voice, support and advocacy for those affected by physical, mental and sexual abuse, as well as modern slavery and exploitation.

I fully support the principles and aims of EQUISS and wish Sarah Stoute and the organisation every success as they continue to make a positive difference to the lives of those they support.”