Safeguarding | The British Horse Society

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.

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

What is a safeguarding concern?
Our safeguarding policy (view our Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy and Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures)
Where to go for help 
Safeguarding for equestrians training courses
Further guidance

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

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.

Contact details can be found below:

BHS Safeguarding team

Telephone: 02476 840746 
Email: safeguarding@bhs.org.uk
Confidential email: cpleadofficer@bhs.org.uk

Childline: 0800 1111 

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

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 information

British Equestrian

Visit their website to read their Safeguarding Policy

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.