Every athlete, worker, and child in the equestrian world should be safe from abuse and harm. Recognising what abuse can look like is the first step in responding to and preventing abuse.
Abuse is never acceptable nor the fault of the victim–survivor. If you have experienced abuse and need support, you are not alone.
Support is available: report a concern here.
If you are in immediate danger, contact 999.
This page contains descriptions of abuse which may be triggering for some individuals.
What is abuse?
Abuse is an intentional or unintentional act that harms, hurts or exploits another person or people.
Physical abuse & unsafe practices
Child abuse
Sexual abuse
Emotional abuse, coercive control and bullying
Domestic abuse
Verbal abuse
Digital or online abuse
Economic abuse
Animal abuse
Spotting the signs
Physical abuse & unsafe practices
Physical abuse is deliberate harm, direct or indirect, against another person. It can include hitting, kicking, and punching as well as more severe forms of violence such as strangulation and use of weapons.
Physical abuse in sport
In equestrian sports, physical abuse includes unsafe training practices, for example:
- Forcing athletes to ride or compete with severe injuries
- Deliberately worsening injuries using force or violence
- Unsafe physical corrections
- Excessive exercised used as punishment
- Denial of water, food, or rest
It can also show up as negligence, by ignoring unsafe conditions, providing inadequate equipment, and choosing to ignore bullying/hazing.
Physical harm is not an acceptable training practice even when disguised as “discipline”.
Non- fatal strangulation
Non-fatal strangulation occurs when pressure is applied to a person's neck, restricting their breathing or blood flow without causing death. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening form of violence that can result in significant physical and psychological harm, even where there are no visible injuries.
Victim-survivors may experience symptoms including difficulty breathing, voice changes, dizziness, memory problems, headaches, loss of consciousness, and ongoing trauma. Medical attention should always be sought following an incident of strangulation, regardless of whether injuries are immediately apparent.
Non-fatal strangulation is a standalone criminal offence and perpetrators can face serious consequences.
If you have been affected by non-fatal strangulation or would like advice and support, please contact our team.
Child Abuse
Child abuse is when anyone under the age of 18 is harmed or not properly looked after. Any of the forms of abuse detailed on this page, if they happen to someone under the age of 18, could be classified as child abuse.
Sarah's Law (Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme)
Sarah's Law enables parents, carers, or guardians to ask the police whether a person who has contact with a child has a record of child sexual offences or poses a risk to children.
Where appropriate, the police may disclose relevant information to help protect children from potential harm and reduce the risk of child sexual abuse.
If you would like to understand more about Sarah's Law, need guidance on making an application, or have concerns about your own safety or that of a child, please contact our team.
It is important to be mindful of the range of adults in contact with children and young people who hold power, including parents, coaches, yard owners, employers, selectors, and judges. It is never acceptable to harm a child, physically or emotionally, or to neglect them.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any form of unwanted sexual activity, where a person is made to witness or participate in sexual activity when they do not, or cannot, give consent. It can happen physically or online and includes:
- Rape – a when someone puts their penis into another person's vagina, anus, or mouth without their consent.
- Sexual assault by penetration – when someone puts another body part (anything that is not a penis) or an object into another person's vagina or anus without their consent.
- Sexual assault – when someone touches another person in a sexual way, with their body or an object, without your consent. This includes kissing or someone pressing their body against you.
- Sexual exploitation – when someone is manipulated, coerced or forced into participating in sexual acts by someone in a position of power or trust.
- Grooming – when a perpetrator builds a relationship with a child, young person, or vulnerable adult to abuse, manipulate or exploit them.
- Intimate image abuse (so-called “revenge porn”) – when someone shares, or threatens to share, intimate photos or videos without permission. This also includes creating a fake intimate image or video that appears real, without permission (also known as deepfakes).
- Indecent exposure – when someone exposes their genitals to frighten or upset another person.
- Sexual harassment – unwanted sexual behaviour intended to make another person feel upset, scared, offended or humiliated. This can include sexual comments, “jokes” and gestures.
- Child sexual abuse – any physical or non-contact sexual abuse against a child (under 16) is considered child sexual abuse and carries higher legal penalties.
Regardless of your relationship, sexual abuse is never acceptable and never the fault of the victim–survivor.
Sexual Harm Prevention orders (SHPO)
Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) place restrictions on an person's movements and behaviour. This can include restricting foreign travel, limiting access to certain areas within the UK, and restricting use of technology and internet-enabled devices.
A person does not need to have been convicted of a sexual offence for an SHPO to be imposed. An order may be sought where the police or National Crime Agency believe a person's behaviour presents a risk of sexual harm. SHPOs can be imposed for a fixed period of at least five years or, in some cases, indefinitely. Restrictions relating to foreign travel can be imposed for a maximum period of five years at a time.
Breaching an SHPO is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution, a criminal conviction, and a prison sentence of up to five years.
If you would like to understand more about SHPOs, require guidance on an existing order, or wish to discuss applying for one, please contact our team.
Sexual exploitation can include a yard owner coercing you into engaging in sexual activity in exchange for rent or better working conditions.
An experienced rider might groom a young person by establishing a relationship with them seemingly built on providing “favours” and access to the young person – such as allowing them to care for horses. This may then be manipulated to create a false sense of intimacy or obligation which is used to exploit or abuse the young person.
Emotional abuse, coercive control and bullying
Emotional abuse is any type of abuse involving the continual emotional mistreatment of a person, impacting their self-worth, identity, and creating an environment of fear which gives the abusive person greater control over the victim–survivor.
Emotional abuse and coercive control can include:
- Humiliation
- Manipulating someone’s fears or beliefs
- Threatening violence or harm to someone or their loved ones
- Gaslighting – persuading a victim–survivors to doubt their mind
- Bullying
Emotional abuse can involve quick shifts in behaviour – creating a culture of uncertainty and fear. For example, parents may quickly shift from praise to criticism, or from attention to disregard depending on their child’s performance at competitions.
It can also involve encouraging disordered eating behaviours and body shaming and may be hidden behind the concept of “discipline” or “tough coaching”.
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is an incident or a pattern of behaviour that is used by someone to control or obtain power over their partner, ex-partner, or family member.
Many of the forms of abuse detailed on this page can be part of domestic abuse, including:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Economic
- Tech-facilitated
- Abuse of pets and animals
Domestic Violence Protection Order
A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) is a court order designed to provide immediate protection to victim-survivors of domestic abuse. A DVPO can prevent a person from contacting the victim-survivor, returning to a shared home, or engaging in behaviour that places the victim-survivor at risk.
A DVPO can be applied for by the police, even where criminal charges have not been brought. The order exists to provide a period of protection, allowing victim-survivors time to consider their options and access support services.Breaching a DVPO is a serious matter and may result in arrest, court proceedings, and further legal action.
If you would like to learn more about Domestic Violence Protection Orders or require support regarding domestic abuse, please contact our team.
Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs)
A Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) is an emergency measure issued by the police to provide immediate protection to victim-survivors of domestic abuse. A DVPN can be used when the police believe that someone has been abusive or has threatened violence and that protective action is necessary.
A DVPN may prohibit the alleged perpetrator from contacting the victim-survivor or returning to a shared home for a short period, helping to create a safe space while long-term support and legal options are considered.
After a DVPN has been issued, the police may apply to the court for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), which can extend the period of protection. Breaching the conditions of a DVPN or any subsequent court order can lead to arrest and further legal action.
If you would like to understand more about DVPNs, require guidance on protective measures, or need support relating to domestic abuse, please contact our team.
Non-Molestation Orders
A Non-Molestation Order is a civil court order designed to protect people and their children from abuse, harassment, intimidation, threats, or unwanted contact. These orders are commonly used in cases involving domestic abuse and can prohibit a person from contacting, threatening, or approaching the applicant.
Breaching a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence and may result in arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.
If you would like to understand more about Non-Molestation Orders, need guidance on the application process, or require support to improve your safety, please contact our team.
Restraining Orders
A Restraining Order is a court order used to protect victims from harassment, stalking, violence, or other unwanted behaviour. Restraining Orders are usually made by a criminal court following criminal proceedings, although they can be imposed even if a defendant is acquitted where the court believes protection is necessary.
The order can prohibit contact, communication, or attendance at specific locations and is tailored to the circumstances of each case.
Breaching a Restraining Order is a criminal offence and can result in arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.
If you would like to understand more about Restraining Orders, need guidance on the application process, or require support to improve your safety, please contact our team.
Clare's Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme)
Clare's Law gives people the right to ask the police whether a current or former partner has a history of domestic abuse or violent behaviour. The police may also make a disclosure if they believe information should be shared to help protect someone from harm.
Clare's Law aims to provide people with information to assist them in making informed decisions about their safety and relationships.
Domestic abuse doesn’t just happen in home environments. It can be experienced in yards, at events, and whilst travelling. Unlike many sports and industries, equestrian environments often operate as family businesses, with spouses, parents and children working together. Equestrian environments can make people more vulnerable to domestic abuse, due to close proximity and isolation.
Verbal abuse
Verbal abuse can form part of emotional or psychological abuse. It can include:
- Repeated yelling/shouting
- Degrading or threatening language
- Verbal humiliation including being laughed at with the intention to cause emotional harm or upset
- Discriminatory language relating to protected characteristics such as race, disability, sex or gender identity, religion etc.
If you have been affected by, or require more information about verbal abuse, please contact our team.
Humiliation and belittling are sometimes justified as “tough coaching”, as detailed above. Verbal abuse is never an acceptable training practice even when disguised as “discipline” or “training”.
Digital or online abuse
Digital or online abuse is a form of abuse where perpetrators use technology, including smart phones, smart home devices, location tracking and social media networks, to harass, threaten, stalk and control another person. The perpetrator may carry out physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse using technology.
Technology-facilitated abuse can include:
- Intimate image abuse (so-called “revenge porn”) – when someone shares, or threatens to share, intimate photos or videos without permission.
- This also includes creating a fake intimate image or video that appears real, without permission (also known as deepfakes).
- Tracking someone’s location without consent
- Hacking a victim–survivor’s phone
- Using smart technology to control their environment or monitor their movements
- Constantly calling or messaging
- Controlling their online banking or other online accounts
- Using hidden cameras or microphones to monitor and record a victim–survivor
- Online bullying and trolling
- Sextortion – a type of blackmail where the victim is threatened to have their intimate images shared online or with family members unless they pay
If you have been affected by, or require more information aboutdigital or online, please contact our team.
Economic abuse
Economic abuse is the interference with someone else’s ability to acquire, use or maintain economic resources such as money, transport and utilities. It can make the victim–survivor financially dependent on the abusive person, which is sometimes weaponised to prevent the victim–survivor from leaving.
Economic abuse can include:
- Having sole control of the household income
- Not allowing the victim–survivor to access their belongings
- Having sole access to online banking passwords
- Interfering with employment or education to reduce access to financial independence
- Preventing someone from claiming benefits
- Taking out loans in the victim–survivor’s name
- Blackmail
- Coercion into financial agreements such as joint wills or mortgages
If you have been affected by, or require more information about economic abuse, please contact our team.
Animal abuse
Animal abuse or animal cruelty is when someone doesn’t care for or deliberately harms an animal. It can include neglect, physical harm, deliberate mental distress through environment or treatment, poisoning or inappropriately housing animals.
Harm to animals, or the threat of harm, can be used as a form of emotional abuse or coercive control against people.
Threats of harm to horses are sometimes used to control or coerce equestrians. Attachment to horses belonging to perpetrators can also make it more difficult for a victim–survivor to leave an abusive environment or speak out.
Animal abuse is never acceptable and often forms part of a wider problem of abuse and harm.
Click here to find out how to report animal abuse.
Spotting the signs
Anyone can experience abuse and harm, regardless of gender, age, sexuality, wealth or status. It is not always visible, however there are certain changes in a person that you should pay attention to as they can sometimes be signs of experiencing harm or abuse.
These signs can include unexplained injuries, financial difficulties, constantly texting or answering their phone, stress, depression, anxiety, damage to property, or unusual emotional responses.
If you're worried about someone close to you, or already supporting them through abuse, we are here to help. Find out how we can support you here, or contact our team.
Get support now
If you have experienced abuse and need support, find out more about our services here. If you are in immediate danger, contact 999.
.png)