10/13/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Equestrian.
Equestrians are in their happy place the moment they walk into a barn. From quietly cleaning stalls on a sleepy afternoon to experiencing the buzzing energy of horse shows, equestrians find peace and enjoyment in the empathy, responsibility, and hard work ethic they gain through being in the barn. From dressage to hunter jumper, western, vaulting, reining, or eventing, riders borrow a sense of freedom when on the back of a horse. When we protect our equestrians, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Equestrian Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Equestrian has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Equestrians may place a high level of trust in their coaches and often receive extensive one-on-one coaching. This could lead to psychological dependence and/or blurred boundaries, and financial pressures in the coach-athlete relationship.
- Equestrian sports are highly technical, and a lack of education and training for athletes on animal and athlete welfare can be considered negligent and greatly increase the risk of athlete injury.
- Equestrian competitions often take place in a variety of venues and often require frequent travel. It can be difficult to discern isolated and/or other high-risk areas when locations are unfamiliar.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
9/15/2026
Equestrian businessman challenges SafeSport ban at 10th Circuit
8/29/2026
Australian Olympian Heath Ryan banned after alleged horse abuse investigation
7/1/2026
Lawsuit, fraud allegations fail to stop UC Davis from axing varsity equestrian
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
Equestrian Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Mental Health, and Safeguarding within Equestrian.
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Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
Equestrian - Fit to Play
Physical Safety
Equestrian exercises to improve technique and prevent injury.
F.E.A.S.T.
Mental Health
Find support, resources, or connections for families affected by eating disorders.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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