Exciting opportunity to make major change in our industry

Short-, mediumand long-term commitments for change have been made, based on new research

- ELEANOR JONES

 

A REPORT on underrepresented communities in equestrianism is an “exciting” opportunity to make real, lasting change, it is hoped.

British Equestrian (BEF) commissioned the research to discover barriers to participation “from the perspective of ethnically diverse communities and/ or those from a low socioeconomic background”.

AKD Solutions, which carried out the research, made recommendations, and the BEF has made short-, medium- and long-term commitments.

“Everyone wants this,” BEF head of participation Mandana Mehran Pour told H&H. “That’s the most important part; we all want to do this and we’re going to find out how.”

AKD was asked to speak to 800 people, Black, Asian and from other ethnicities, and from “under-served” communities, to learn more about perceptions, engagement and interest in equestrianism, and the barriers. It included a survey, interviews and equestrian experience days.

Headlines included that 46% of respondents would take part in, or consider, equestrian activity. It was found that participation by Asian, Black and “mixed” groups would be encouraged by improved access to information and better representation – 76% of people agreed with the statement “people like me are underrepresented in riding and other horse-related activities”.

OVERCOME BARRIERS

FACTORS that would increase participation included seeing more individals like themselves, more information, taster sessions and promotional material with “people like me”.