News

A year in review: What happened in 2024

Thursday, 26 December 2024

Another year is almost over... and what a year it’s been for British Equestrian. We simply had to take some time to celebrate the remarkable achievements from the year, not just from our exceptional teams in Paris, but from across the whole British Equestrian team and wider federation.

Here’s our annual roundup of some of our favourite and biggest stories:

Our year began with a series of development opportunities for coaches across the industry…

Following a high level of interest, we relaunched our Coaching Bursary for a second round of applications in January

The scheme is designed to support those taking their first step in their coaching career or developing their existing coaching skills, to enable more participants to enjoy equestrian sport. It also supports coaches from underrepresented populations or with protected characteristics – in particular, those from lower socio-economic or culturally diverse communities, or with a disability – or those who work with participants from these same groups.

Find out more

Just a few weeks later, we held another of our popular Youth Pathway Coaching seminars

This time around, the focus was on communication with ‘Gen Z’, which was outlined across a series of workshops covering language and linguistics, conflict resolution, coaching leadership and a keynote address from athlete-turned-coach Kelly Sotherton. 

The seminar, which was funded by Sport England, was opened up to invited coaches nominated by their discipline and working within the youth development pathways for British Dressage, British Eventing, British Showjumping and The Pony Club.

Read more

In February, there was some positive news in our Together Fund impact report...

Key figures from the report:

  • A total of £233,738 was allocated to 41 projects, with a further £51,891 of support for centres to help with resilience initiatives.
  • Over 1,600 participants engaged in the projects.
  • 82% of participants said being involved helped control their mental health while 86% felt better placed to manage their physical health.
  • 93% stated the initiatives enabled them to do more activity than they would have done without the opportunities.
  • 94% centres who took part in the project attracted new participants.

Read the report here

In March, equestrian organisations sprung into action...

We launched our Charter for the Horse- a unified approach to safeguarding our equines and equids

The Charter is there for everyone who interacts with horses, at every level and in any activity, whether for sport, hobby or leisure. Existing principles, codes and guidance from across the member bodies were distilled into a document that all equestrians can unite under and pledge to work to the values and principles outlined.

View the Charter for the Horse

The Equine Carbon Calculator also launched to play a leading role in addressing the climate crisis and shaping a better future.

The free-to-use tool - accessible here - has been developed by our partners at White Griffin to empower equine businesses and horse owners to better understand their environmental impact and take meaningful steps to mitigate it. The calculator also identifies opportunities for businesses to minimise their energy costs and maximise their potential to regenerate the countryside.

April was a month of exciting change and new opportunities for our organisation:

Fields Wicker-Miurin was appointed as Chair of British Equestrian’s Board of Directors

Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Fields has held leadership positions in different types of organisations in a variety of sectors across the globe. A lifelong equestrian, she enjoys hacking in the Wiltshire countryside as much as she loves riding a great test at a competition or simply spending time with her horse, Gabriel.

Speaking on her appointment, Fields commented: “It’s a huge privilege to be asked to lead British Equestrian at this exciting time.  It’s also a big responsibility.  British Equestrian is developing our next strategic plan which will need to address a range of issues facing the equestrian world, as well as take full advantage of the incredible opportunities we have before us at all levels of the sport and how we engage with and care for horses.

 Find out more

We also announced a pioneering partnership with leading mental health charity Sport In Mind

Our two organisations previously collaborated on a project which transformed the lives of people experiencing mental health issues through riding, the first time that Sport In Mind has promoted an activity with animals. The success and positive impact of the project has been a catalyst for a more formal alliance which will provide a united federation wide approach to raising awareness of mental health and conveying the wellbeing benefits of interacting with horses to the wider public audience.

The collaboration aims to: 

  • Work with the National Health Service to provide improved access to weekly equestrian-based sessions for more adults and young people struggling with mental health
  • Provision of mentorship and training for the wider equestrian workforce around creating an optimal and accessible environment for those with mental health issues
  • Creation of federation-wide e-learning resources to help with understanding around mental health and how equine activities can assist.

In May, we were delighted receive news that Her Majesty The Queen would retain patronage of British Equestrian

A lifelong equestrian, The Queen became the first patron of British Equestrian in 2006 and has been steadfast in her dedication to helping raise the profile of equestrianism, promoting the benefits of the equine-human bond and supporting all who interact with horses. 

Just days after the news from Buckingham Palace, The Queen visited the 75th anniversary MARS Badminton Horse Trials in her role as British Equestrian patron and presented the prizes alongside hosts the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort.

Read the story

As the weather warmed up and we headed into June, our focus turned to the exciting summer of sport as we unveiled the Team GB squad heading to Paris...

Dressage

Jumping

Eventing

... the Paralympics GB announcement wasn’t far behind, taking place in July.

Meanwhile, Britain’s youth teams were already out at the FEI European Championships achieving exceptional scores and some podium finishes.

Find out more about the performances

Amongst all the excitement in Paris, British Equestrian HQ was brewing some pioneering projects...

We relaunched our 'Find a Centre' tool to help more people access local riding establishments...

All centres listed on the ‘Find a Centre’ tool are legally approved by their Local Authority, ensuring high standards of animal welfare. Additionally, many are approved by one or more British Equestrian member bodies – The Association of British Riding Schools, The British Horse Society, The Pony Club and Riding for the Disabled Association – which means that they’re fully insured, have trained safeguarding officers and qualified coaches, and have health and safety policies in place.

Access the tool here

...closely followed by the launch of our ‘Safe to Play’ safeguarding campaign to help every equestrian stay safe...

Aimed at coaches, parents, participants and volunteers involved in the sector, the campaign’s objective is to ensure everyone is aware of signs of abuse, how to report concerns and how to keep everyone safe while enjoying the sport they love. The bespoke website is packed full of assets, videos and resources to help you stay safe while enjoying equestrian activities, regardless of the role you play.

Visit the Safe to Play website here

... our Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) was a crucial step towards ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future for equestrian sport across all levels.

The DIAP is designed to address barriers to taking part in equestrian activities and promote diversity within British Equestrian, our member bodies and across the wider equestrian sector. It also covered steps that British Equestrian can take as a business organisation, helping us to lead by example. 

Acting as a roadmap, the DIAP details the objectives and actions required to make our vision of an equestrian community which is truly representative of society, where everyone feels valued, safe and has a strong sense of belonging, into a reality.

View the DIAP here

…and our new Good Employment Hub offered essential advice and support to the equestrian workforce.

This online resource has been designed as a guide for employers, employees, apprentices and self-employed professionals to help everyone within the equestrian sector understand their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

The result of our Health of Riding Establishments research from last year, which found lack of workforce is a major factor in equestrian centre capacity issues, this new online hub has been created to serve as a valuable resource to promote good employment practices across the sector. 

Find out more

Olympic and Paralympic roundup

This summer was incredibly exciting one for sport, with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place across July, August and September. Taking place in the picturesque setting of Chateau de Versailles, the equestrian disciplines of eventing, dressage, jumping and para dressage proved hugely popular and saw some fantastic performances in front of sell-out crowds. Representing Team GB and ParalympicsGB, our thirteen British athletes all came home with at least one medal for their – the only nation to achieve such an incredible feat.

Eventing GOLD
  • Laura Collett and London 52 (individual bronze)
  • Tom McEwen and JL Dublin
  • Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo

Showjumping GOLD
  • Scott Brash and Jefferson
  • Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly
  • Harry Charles and Romeo 88

Dressage BRONZE
  • Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale (individual bronze)
  • Carl Hester and Fame
  • Becky Moody and Jagerbomb

Para dressage
  • Natasha Baker (G3) and Dawn Chorus (individual and freestyle bronze x2)
  • Georgia Wilson (G2) and Sakura (individual bronze and freestyle silver)
  • Sophie Wells (G5) and LJT Egebjerggards Samoa (individual and freestyle bronze x2)
  • (ind) Mari Durward-Akhurst (G1) and Athene Lindebjerg (freestyle bronze)

Relive the action of Paris 2024

In October, it was the end of an era as we welcomed our final intake of the Young Professionals Programme...

The Young Professionals Programme aims to help young people learn new skills to support their personal and career development in the equestrian industry. This year’s cohort of 16 young people have either recently set up their own equestrian business or are looking to do so in the near future.

Since it started in 2017, the Young Professionals Programme has supported over 150 young people to transition away from the youth pathways of British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping, and take the next step in achieving their aspirations within the equestrian industry. 

… while welcoming in a new era as we signed a new partnership with Agria.

Agria, who introduced lifetime insurance to the UK two years ago – will now be British Equestrian’s Equine Insurance Partner and work with us to improve the lives of horses in Britain.

Involving a range of content, training and initiatives, the partnership will bring to life the key social impact areas in which we and Agria are aligned, including welfare, wellbeing and environmental sustainability. A primary objective will be to promote best practice around horse welfare, especially around the key focal points in our Charter for the Horse.

Across this year, we took time to reflect on some incredible careers due to the retirement of equine and human stars...

The final day of Badminton Horse Trials was bittersweet for William Fox-Pitt, as he announced his retirement from the top level of the sport.

William’s career has spanned over 25 years and he has more CCI5* wins than any other rider, with 14 titles across Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky, Luhmühlen and Pau.

"That’s it for this level,” he said. “I’m going to do young ones and carry on for a bit, but this is my last Badminton, for sure. There’s no tears and sobbing, I’m very matter of fact about it – it’s the right thing to do."

Read more about his final event.

On her 18th birthday (15 May) – which was celebrated with a special cake made from some of her favourite foods – Gareth Hughes announced that his multi-medallist Classic Briolinca would be retiring from international competition.

Known as ‘Princess’ by those closest to her, including owners Gareth, his wife Rebecca, daughter Ruby and long-time friend Julia Hornig, Briolinca joined Gareth’s yard in Warwickshire as a three-year-old when Rebecca spotted her star credentials while on a horse-buying trip in the Netherlands. She and Gareth would go on to represent their country at two FEI Dressage European Championships (2019 and 2023) and one FEI Dressage World Championship (2022).

Read about her career

In September, we wished a happy retirement to two equine stars of British para dressage when Sophie Wells announced that two of her medal-winning horses, C Fatal Attraction and Don Cara M, would be stepping back from competition.

Between them, the geldings have won a total of 16 senior championship medals over the past nine years while partnering Grade 5 para dressage athlete Sophie.

Read about their careers

Then, in November, Sophie Christiansen, one of Britain’s most successful para dressage athletes announced that it was time to hang up her riding boots.

Over the past two decades, she has amassed 30 senior championship medals, 24 of them gold, including 10 medals won across four Paralympic Games appearances.

“After a 20-year competitive career, I have decided to retire from para dressage,” announced Sophie. “I was once told, ‘when you know, you know.’ I used to wonder what this meant, but now I realise that I am more excited about the possibilities of what I could do outside of the sport than doing another four-year cycle of highs and lows as an athlete.”

Read about Sophie’s career

December may be a time for getting into festive spirits, but we certainly didn't slow down...

We released the initial findings of our social value research project with Sheffield Hallam University and the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

This ambitious study aims to highlight the extensive benefits equestrian activities bring to individuals and communities, showcasing the unique social impact of the sector.

Key findings:

  1. Physical health- Equestrian activities improve cardiorespiratory function and hippotherapy enhances motor functions such as balance, walking and posture, as well as reducing chronic pain.
  2. Mental health- Equestrianism benefits individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and substance abuse by providing a calming and therapeutic environment.
  3. Subjective wellbeing- Horse ownership and equine-assisted therapy contribute to higher satisfaction levels, reduced stress and improved quality of life.
  4. Individual development- Volunteering in equestrian settings builds long-term skills, employability and confidence. Equestrianism fosters prosocial behaviour and boosts self-esteem, although competitive settings can sometimes challenge confidence.
  5. Social and community development= Engagement with equestrian activities improves communication skills and helps participants develop strong community bonds through shared passions and experiences.

See the full report here

and what better time to deliver our road map towards a sustainable future?

Our environmental sustainability strategy is a comprehensive plan which outlines the federation’s priorities, how change can be delivered and goals to take us to 2030.

The strategy’s overarching mission: work to embed environmental sustainability into our thoughts, decisions and actions to ensure that nature always has a seat at our table. We commit to driving equestrianism towards having a net positive impact on the environment, being stewards of the land is our duty and our legacy.

View the strategy here

It's also awards season, a time to recognise some impressive achievments...

Three individuals were presented with the British Equestrian Medal of Honour. 

The medals were presented by the federation’s Chair, Fields Wicker-Miurin OBE FKC, and CEO, Jim Eyre to:

  • Mari Durward-Akhurst
  • Joyce Head
  • Becky Moody

Read about them here

Ten outstanding coaches have been awarded their British Equestrian Level 4 Coaching Certificate.

The ceremony took place at the London International Horse Show, with certificates presented by British Equestrian Chief Executive Jim Eyre.This year, the coaches came from a range of organisations and disciplines, the successful coaches were:

  • Natasha Andrews- British Showjumping
  • Phil Brown- British Eventing
  • Sara Copley- British Showjumping
  • Teresa Edmonds- British Dressage
  • Fiona Harrison- British Eventing
  • Kathryn Howard- British Carriagedriving
  • Claire Maddison- British Horse Society
  • Steph Price- British Carriagedriving
  • Hugh Train- British Eventing
  • Michael Whippey- British dressage

Read more here

finally, we look ahead to 2025 with the FEI European Championships set to take place, including one on home soil...

The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (GBR) has been awarded the FEI Eventing European Championship for 2025.

The Oxfordshire venue, home of the Duke of Marlborough, previously ran the FEI Eventing European Championship in 2005. It is the first senior Eventing championship to be held in Great Britain since Blair Castle in 2015.

“It is a great honour to be bringing the FEI Eventing European Championship back to Britain,” said Event Organiser, Katrina Midgley of Stable Events, the organisers of Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.