Raising standards across workplaces and events
Every equestrian environment has a responsibility to protect the people within it. From riding schools and livery yards to competitions and international teams, safeguarding should be clear, consistent and practical.
That's why EQUISS is developing a comprehensive set of safeguarding standards tailored specifically to the equestrian community. Informed by real cases, frontline safeguarding expertise and the challenges reported across the sector, our standards are designed to help organisations create safer environments, strengthen accountability and build trust.
Our Support
Workplace standards
Safe workplaces don't happen by accident. They require clear expectations, strong leadership and practical systems that protect everyone involved.
Our workplace standards are designed to help yards, employers and equestrian organisations create safer, more accountable working environments.
Our standards cover:
- Safeguarding policies and reporting procedures
- Recruitment, induction and safer working practices
- Staff conduct, professional boundaries and behavioural expectations
- Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
- Leadership responsibility, governance and accountability
- Culture, wellbeing and psychological safety
Designed for employers, yards and equestrian organisations of every size.
Event standards
Competitions and events bring together large numbers of riders, staff, volunteers and spectators, creating unique safeguarding considerations.
Our event standards focus on:
- Clear safeguarding roles and responsibilities
- Safe reporting routes during events
- Risk management and welfare oversight
- Codes of conduct and behavioural expectations
- Safeguarding for young riders and participants
Working internationally
Equestrian sport regularly crosses borders, with riders, grooms, trainers and support staff travelling to train and compete around the world. While laws and reporting processes may differ between countries, safeguarding responsibilities remain the same.
Our international guidance helps organisations maintain consistent standards wherever they operate.
Our standards cover:
- Preparing teams before international travel
- Clear codes of conduct and behavioural expectations
- Identifying safeguarding leads and reporting routes abroad
- Managing risk and welfare while travelling
- Understanding local safeguarding and reporting requirements
- Supporting riders, staff and young people overseas
Consistent safeguarding standards help protect people wherever equestrian activity takes place.
Helping you raise standards
Every workplace and event has different needs. Whether you're reviewing your current approach or looking to strengthen safeguarding, welfare, accountability or workplace culture, EQUISS can provide independent advice and practical support.
We work across the equestrian community to identify risks, improve standards and help create safer, more accountable environments.
Support can include:
- Reviewing policies and procedures
- Identifying gaps and areas for improvement
- Developing safer ways of working
- Risk assessments for workplaces and events
- Clear reporting and safeguarding processes
- Staff training and practical guidance
- Preparing to meet the EQUISS Standards
Our support is tailored to your needs and delivered by experienced specialists.
Want to find out more?
To discuss your requirements, email partnerships@equiss.org.uk.
Contact our Partnerships Team
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