The establishment of this group is central to the BHS’s overarching vision to make sure all individuals have equal opportunities in the equestrian industry and will be advising the Society on a proposed EDI strategy.

The EDI Advisory Group brings together a varied range of lived experience and significant expertise to provide strategic guidance on the development, implementation, and evaluation of the BHS’s approach to equality and diversity, and to offer an external perspective on inclusion and anti-discriminative topics across the Society’s work.

As EDI champions, this group will act as representatives of the BHS and the wider equestrian community, working closely with the BHS Board of Trustees to increase industry participation from all backgrounds, at all levels.

Beverley Simms, Specialist Trustee for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The British Horse Society commented: “Here at The British Horse Society, we are committed to creating more opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, race, sex or any other characteristic, in order to increase inclusivity and accessibility to equestrianism.

“We have a clear mission to create a real inclusive environment across the equine industry, and to ensure those engaged in this industry are treated fairly as they become involved in the animals that we know and love.

“To do this, we’re honoured to have the support of our brilliant EDI Advisory Group who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Society, to contribute to making this change happen for the BHS. I, for one, am looking forward to working collaboratively with the group and the BHS team to develop and grow in this area.”

Rosie Scott-Ward, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Hartpury University said: “I have no doubt that Linda will play a key role in the important work being carried out by The British Horse Society with the formation of this group. As an equine industry, we must work to ensure the many benefits of being around horses can be experienced by all, and that every individual in our industry is welcomed without prejudice or discrimination of any kind. By creating a more inclusive environment, we can not only increase participation but also encourage more people to pursue careers that future proof our sector for generations to come.

“I look forward to seeing the collaborative outcomes from the group in the months to come.”

Hartpury University’s commitment to EDI has never been stronger and the institution is passionate about promoting equality, diversity and inclusion not just as an integrated part of the curriculum but far and wide in the industries and communities in which they work. In 2022, Hartpury achieved the Gloucestershire Inclusivity Works Employer Award. The Race Equality Taskforce also endorsed additional training which includes race equality sessions for all staff, now embedded in induction training for all new starters.

Hartpury’s Annual Inclusivity Symposium will take place in February, part of a varied Inclusivity and Wellbeing Calendar. A Women’s Network and Neurodiversity Network will launch in 2023.