The Quiet Strength of Kindness in Equestrianism

It’s not about sentiment—it’s about what actually holds this sport together.

There was a question asked recently by @mbh_equestrian_coaching at a recent @dressage_ireland camp:

Why do we ride horses?

Not in the competitive sense. Not for ribbons or rankings. But in the real, day-to-day reasons that keep us coming back—early mornings, weather and all.

For some, the answer comes quietly. In the way your horse waits at the gate. In the lift you get from a teammate’s message before a show. In a laugh shared after a tough lesson.

But several moments recenly have shown that there’s more to this than nostalgia. They’ve made something very clear:

Kindness IS alive in equestrianism— we just have to help for it to thrive.

The bits that don’t make the highlight reels

One of those moments came in the form of a short video, posted by one of our Equitas advisory board members - Lorna O'Hare aka @equestrianreality.
Here's what she had to share:

"This video explains "why". I didn’t even know it was taken. It’s me and my best pal, in a video taken by another best pal. We are having a laugh in the sunshine with my horse who is to me, worth his weight in gold. He had just excelled for me after lessons and I was just thrilled with him - he put in 100% effort - I wouldn’t swap him for diamonds.

Due to various factors @emma.downey.98 didn’t even get to bring a horse but we had such a laugh! We literally spent two hours on the m8 on Friday after a blowout left us a bit stranded, and we just laughed and waited for rescue because what else can you do! 😅

Thank you so much @lynncadogan for this video, which sums up the positive side of our sport so well."

This isn’t the version of sport we’re usually shown. But it’s the version that builds us. Not everything that matters happens in the ring. Sometimes it’s in a video you didn’t know was being filmed.

Kindness, seen at scale

Kindness may feel like something small or personal, but there’s evidence that it’s part of something bigger. This year, Riders Minds released new findings for Mental Health Awareness Week, and one stat stood out:

93.3% of equestrians said they’ve experienced kindness in the community.
That’s not a coincidence—it’s a culture.

The full results are worth reading, especially at a time when online spaces and competitive pressures can make the sport feel isolating. The data reminds us that, at its core, equestrianism is still a place where kindness finds a way.
➡ Full survey here

Kindness in equestrianism isn’t just feel-good fluff.
It’s a decision.

The feeling that sticks with you

Olympic dressage rider Abi Lyle has just returned from media work at Badminton Horse Trials 2025. With all the athletic excellence on show, what struck her most wasn’t scores or technical highlights—it was the people.

“The riders coming out, even from a test that was less than planned and still being so happy about it… how they talk about their horses and how they support each other. I am just a wee bit overwhelmed by how inspiring that whole event was and how inspiring and positive eventers are.”
— Abi Lyle

That’s the piece we sometimes forget. How we respond in the moments that don’t go to plan. How we talk about our horses. How we treat each other when nobody’s watching.

The way we treat each other is part of horse welfare too.

What holds this sport together

Kindness in equestrianism isn’t always loud. It might look like a coach staying an extra half hour without charging. A groom quietly leaving a snack by your kit bag. A competitor sharing tools when yours go missing.

It’s not about lowering standards. It’s about raising them differently.

We can’t always control outcomes—but we can control the culture. And the culture we want? It’s one where kindness isn’t a surprise. It’s the norm.

So when we ask, Why do we ride horses?—maybe part of the answer is this:

Because somewhere along the way, we realised it wasn’t just about riding. It was about showing up. For the horses. And for each other.

Kindness is already part of equestrianism.
Let’s be the reason it stays that way.