Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
A core principle of British Dressage’s strategy is to ensure that the sport is accessible to all, by removing the barriers to participation and creating opportunities for riders with limited access to the sport.
At British Dressage, we're fully committed to the principle of equality of opportunity and aim to ensure that no individual receives more or less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, sex, gender, disability, race, parental or marital status, pregnancy, religion or belief, sexual orientation and gender reassignment. This includes all those involved in different capacities across the industry – participants, employees, coaches, consultants, owners, officials, volunteers and spectators.
Progress so far
On 8 June 2022, we announced a united pledge with British Equestrian and the other member bodies to make a difference to the current and future participants withing our sport. We want to make sure that Dressage is open to all, regardless of the way they choose to engage with it whether through employment, volunteering, riding or simply spectating. We began the road towards this in 2020 by completing the Foundation Equality Standard, awarded by UK Sport. We are now working with British Equestrian as they progress towards the achieving the Advanced Equality Standards.
To move forwards with development in this area, British Dressage are full aligned with the Horses For All Strategy.
As a member of the EDI Working Group, we actively contributed to the strategy’s development and continue to work to support the delivery.
Diversity Inclusion Action Plan
As part of our commitment to deliver change we have committed to an ambitious Diversity Inclusion Action Plan, British Equestrian take the lead on a federation wide plan.
DIVERSITY INCLUSION ACTION PLAN
Here at British Dressage, we are seeking to deliver our own plan, specific to us as part of the wider efforts across the whole federation. We will continue to contribute to the British Equestrian plan, and they are committed to reporting the federation wide progress in these areas.
HORSES FOR ALL STRATEGY PROGRESS
Specific Projects, Campaigns & Activities
Urban Equestrian Centre Programme
The British Dressage Urban Equestrian Centre Programme is designed to give a first-class opportunity for young people to experience dressage for the first time, particularly for those who come from less privileged backgrounds and urban areas.
The programme comprises a six-week training course led by a BD coach, with the goal of performing a British Dressage test in a competition environment at the end of the programme. There are also lessons on horse care, welfare and life skills, with each pupil completing a programme log book.
In Spring 2024, BD launched its pilot programme in coordination with Birmingham-based Summerfield Stables; those who participated were all young people from a variety of different backgrounds, each sharing the passion to expand their equestrian knowledge, develop their riding skills and understand more about the sport of dressage.
Apprenticeships
Employability Development & Outreach, via apprenticeship programmes and school education projects we are demonstrating the wide range of employment opportunities within Dressage and in the wider industry.
Para
Para Sport development is a core part of BD activity, delivering a wide range of education, training and competitions initiatives to grow the para community within BD.
Dressage for all week
From 11 - 15 November, we set out to turn the spotlight on our members with Dressage For All Week. Throughout the week, we’ve sought to raise awareness for the various different pathways available to those taking part in affiliated dressage activity.
Hidden Disability Sunflower
The Hidden Disability Sunflower supports those with non-visible disabilities. Some conditions, chronic illnesses or disabilities are not immediately obvious to others. For some people this can make it hard to understand and appreciate that someone with a non-visible condition genuinely needs support.
British Dressage is proud to recognise the Sunflower, and is committed to providing all BD stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to support members with non-visible disabilities. Click the link below to find out more about British Dressage and the Hidden Disability Sunflower.
Mental Health Awareness training in Partnership with Riders Minds. British Dressage have partnered with Riders Minds to bring you a three-part online learning course covers all aspects of monitoring our own mental health and personal wellbeing.
