EQUISS #EyesUp: A Call to Stop Looking Away in Sport
EQUISS, Equitas's Safeguarding Partner for the UK and Ireland, is asking everyone inside the equestrian community, riders, grooms, coaches, employers, volunteers, officials and parents, to take responsibility for the culture they are part of. The call comes through #EyesUp, a campaign built around a single message: no more looking away.
Too many people in the sport have experienced harm, abuse, bullying, discrimination, misconduct or unsafe environments; too many concerns have gone unchallenged, and too many people have been left feeling unheard, unsupported or unsure where to turn.
The culture of our community is shaped by "what we accept, what we challenge and what we're prepared to stand up for." #EyesUp asks the sport to decide, collectively, that enough is enough.
EQUISS was founded by Sarah Stoute, the owner of Keysoe International, and describes itself as an independent safeguarding organisation. Its work runs across three strands: support for people affected by harm and abuse, standards for equestrian employers, yards, clubs and events, and change, delivered through campaigns like #EyesUp, aimed at shifting the wider culture.
Support is available by phone as well as email. EQUISS's free, confidential line, 08000 308 800, is open to equestrians across the UK and Ireland from 8:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday.
Callers can talk through what has happened, understand their options for reporting to a governing body or the police, and think about how to move forward if they choose not to report. EQUISS says people stay in control of what happens next and are never pressured to report. Each person is assigned a caseworker; where someone has experienced sexual or domestic abuse, that caseworker is a qualified independent sexual violence or domestic violence adviser. EQUISS says its team may be required to share information with the authorities where a child or vulnerable person is in immediate danger.
EQUISS's drink-spiking campaign sets out what it expects of venues, including a zero-tolerance approach and a duty of care to anyone in distress.
Who is backing EQUISS
EQUISS's testimonials page carries more than 20 statements from across the sport and industry.
Olly Murphy, the Grade 1-winning racehorse trainer at Warren Chase Stables, said: "I applaud EQUISS for the expert work they do in offering victim support to those who may find themselves in need. Our equestrian community is a fantastic one, and we all share a responsibility to ensure it offers a safe place for everyone to both work in and enjoy. I speak on behalf of everyone here at Warren Chase Stables when I say that we will do all we can to support EQUISS and the vital work they are doing."
International event rider Piggy March added: "It is extremely reassuring to know that EQUISS is there for anyone in the sport that may need to turn to an independent organisation for help or advice. I applaud the work that EQUISS are doing and we all need to play our part in supporting them to ensure the sport can be enjoyed by everyone who wishes to take part in it."
Paralympic champion Natasha Baker OBE said: "Safeguarding is something we all need to be aware of and take collective responsibility for. To have EQUISS independently supporting this pivotal area is something that we should all, as equestrians, feel grateful for and be supporting in any way we can."
Michelle Kenny, the international showjumper and eventer, spoke from her own experience. In a post shared on her account and EQUISS's in August, she said: "My experience with EQUISS has been incredibly positive, and I will always be grateful for the support they gave me. From the very beginning, I felt believed, listened to and understood." She added that she felt supported without ever feeling pressured.
Equitas is an official partner of EQUISS, and Equitas co-founder Sarah Elebert is among the supporters who have contributed a statement to the testimonials page.
What you can do
EyesUp asks people to raise standards, take responsibility, challenge harmful behaviour and stop looking away.
In practice that can mean learning the signs of abuse through EQUISS's Is it abuse? guide, backing a colleague who raises a concern, or speaking up when behaviour crosses a line.
If you need support, call 08000 308 800 or email helpcentre@equiss.org.uk, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 16:30. In an emergency, always call 999.
To back the work, EQUISS offers Supporter membership, a monthly donation of £5, £10 or £20 that also brings member benefits including partner discounts, guidance and competitions. One-off donations are also available. EQUISS says donations help it provide support to people affected by harm and abuse, develop resources and guidance, undertake research and raise awareness. Become an EQUISS Supporter.
EQUISS is also developing an independent accreditation framework for equestrian organisations, yards and events, which Equitas will cover in a separate piece.
