ABRS+ Safeguarding | Association of British Riding Schools

Our Approach to Safeguarding

At the ABRS+, the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults is central to everything we do. As a leading member body for riding schools, livery yards and equestrian centres, we are committed to ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding is maintained by our members.

We provide our member establishments with guidance, training opportunities and resources to help them implement robust safeguarding policies and practices. While all ABRS+ members operate as independent businesses, as ABRS+ members, they commit to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all clients, staff, and volunteers.

The ABRS+ regularly reviews its safeguarding standards and supports members in meeting both legal and best-practice requirements. We believe safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we work closely with our members to ensure it remains a priority across all aspects of their operation.

We expect our members to comply with the ABRS+ Safeguarding Policy

What Clients Can Expect from ABRS+ Members

Clients, staff and volunteers can expect that all ABRS+ members will have:

A Clear Commitment to Safeguarding – Our members are expected to take safeguarding seriously and have appropriate policies and procedures in place. They will provide them to you when requested.
Trained Staff – Staff and volunteers will be aware of their safeguarding responsibilities, have undergone appropriate criminal vetting checks and been provided with relevant safeguarding training.
Clear Reporting Procedures – Clients, staff and volunteers should be able to raise concerns with the Riding Establishment Safeguarding Officer confidently, knowing they will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.
Safe Environments – Member riding schools strive to provide welcoming, supportive and safe environments where everyone can enjoy equestrian activities.

If you are worried that your concerns are not being addressed, contact the ABRS+.

Safe to Play

Safe to Play is a safeguarding awareness programme designed to help everyone involved in equestrian activities – including staff, volunteers, parents, and riders – understand how to spot and respond to inappropriate or harmful behaviour. Through videos, real-life scenarios, and expert guidance, Safe to Play helps create a shared understanding of what safe, respectful, and positive environments should look like in equestrian settings. It empowers people to listen, take action, and always put the welfare of children and vulnerable adults first.

Why it Matters

Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or a rider, you have a role to play in safeguarding. The Safe to Play programme helps everyone:

Recognise signs of poor practice or abuse

Understand appropriate boundaries between adults and young people

Know how and where to report a concern

👉 Watch the videos and learn more about the BEF’s Safe to Play programme