Skip to content
Join
back to home

Safeguarding

Children and young people should be able to enjoy sport and recreational activities like horse riding in a fun, safe environment and be protected from harm. They are the future of our industry, and we all have a duty of care to safeguard their welfare – that goes for those who participate, coach, volunteer and work in equestrianism.

  • Last reviewed: 31st August 2025

On this page, we provide guidance and advice on this high priority topic: 

A good starting point is remembering that: 

  • Safeguarding children and adults at risk is everyone’s responsibility 
  • Children and adults at risk have a right to be safe and should be protected from all forms of abuse and neglect 
  • It is better to help children and adults at risk as early as possible, before issues escalate and become more damaging 
  • Children and adults at risk and their families are best supported and protected when there is a co-ordinated response from all relevant agencies 

British Equestrian 'Safe to Play'

Funded by Sport England and following the lead of the Lawn and Tennis Association, who launched a similar initiative in 2020, British Equestrian’s ‘Safe to Play’ campaign is aimed at coaches, participants and volunteers involved in equestrian sport. The objective of the campaign is to ensure everyone is aware of signs of abuse, how to report concerns and how to keep everyone safe whilst enjoying the sport they love.

The campaign includes a new website, which includes educational videos, top tips and FAQ’s as well as an easy way to confidentially report a concern online. Assets including posters, pull-up banners and pocket cards are available for coaches, equestrian centres and events to help spread the message.

The British Horse Society encourages all coaches and equestrian centres to support this campaign by visiting the website or requesting materials such as posters and pull-up banners to display around your centre, or pocket cards to hand out to visitors. Limited hard copy materials will be available free of charge by contacting the British Equestrian Safeguarding team at safeguarding@bef.co.uk.

Visit the British Equestrian Safe to Play website at equestrian.safetoplay.co.uk

Where to go for help

Any concerns can be reported via your club or centre safeguarding officer, directly to the BHS Safeguarding team or to the appropriate external organisation.

If you need further information or advice you can contact the BHS Safeguarding team or one of the organisations below:-

BHS Safeguarding team 

Safe to Play -equestrian.safetoplay.co.uk

Childline: 0800 1111  

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 

Ann Craft Trust - Safeguarding Adults in Sport: ann-craft-trust@nottingham.ac.uk

999 - if a child or young person is in immediate danger or needs medical attention 

Serious concerns can be reported to child protection units within local police forces, children’s social care services or local safeguarding children's boards. 

Further support can be found in the documents below.

Support for all

Support Information

Further information

Childline & NSPCC

The NSPCC has introduced a sport specific page for young people interested in sport. Topics include:  

Safeguarding courses

We offer training courses in safeguarding in England and Wales. The course outlines the roles and the responsibilities of our member organisations in their duty of care towards young people and adults at risk. This includes guidelines on protecting young people and promoting good practice within the industry.