Building Trust, On and Off the Horse: How Equestrians Can Lead the Conversation

Trust is the foundation of everything we do with horses. It’s there in the quiet moments—when a horse stands beside you, sharing the present, content in the stillness. When they recognise a shift in your posture and respond to the smallest cue, understanding your intention before a request is fully formed. When they seem to read your thoughts, moving with you in perfect harmony, as if the conversation between you exists beyond words.

But trust doesn’t just exist within the equestrian world. It extends beyond the arena—to how we talk about our sport, how we engage with the wider public, and how we invite others to understand the depth of care that goes into horse training and management.

What the Research Tells Us About Public Perception

A new report by World Horse Welfare explores how the public views horse sports, revealing both positive recognition and areas of concern. Many people admire equestrianism but also have questions about welfare, training, and the ethics of competition.

This isn’t about criticism—it’s about curiosity. When people ask, "Do horses enjoy their work?" or "How do you ensure their well-being?" they’re not necessarily against equestrian sports. They’re simply looking for clarity.

And that’s where we, as equestrians, have an opportunity.

Trust as a Gift: What We Can Share with the World

Every rider, coach, and horse owner understands the depth of trust that exists in our partnerships with horses. It’s not something that can be demanded—it’s earned.

So, how can we extend that same trust to the public?

Instead of feeling defensive when equestrianism is questioned, we can invite people into the experience:

• The joy of riding and caring for a horse, whether building a partnership through competition or simply enjoying the quiet moments together.
• The responsibility that comes with training, and how we prioritise the horse’s well-being.
• The deep, non-verbal communication that makes horse-rider partnerships unique.

If we shift from reacting to concerns to leading with education and storytelling, we create an open, engaging space where more people can appreciate what equestrian sport truly represents.

How Equestrians Can Lead the Conversation

Building trust with the public isn’t about long-winded defences or technical explanations. It’s about bringing people into our world and showing them what makes it so special.

Here are three ways we can do that:

✔ 1. Tell Stories, Not Just Facts

People connect with stories more than statistics. While technical insights can demonstrate expertise, the stories we share bring them to life, enriching the narrative and making it more relatable.

For example:
"The exercises we choose are designed to develop a horse’s way of going, helping them move in rhythm and balance while supporting their long-term wellbeing."

And this becomes even more meaningful when paired with a story:
"I once worked with a horse who struggled with balance—not because of a lack of ability, but because their rider was also searching for their own stability. As we focused on improving the rider’s balance, their horse began to move more freely, responding with confidence. Finding the right saddle for both horse and rider became the final piece of the puzzle, enhancing comfort, wellbeing, and trust for both partners. When balance is shared, everything changes."

✔ 2. Show, Don’t Just Tell

Social media is a powerful tool. Instead of telling people that horses are well cared for, show them:

• Behind-the-scenes training clips.
• Welfare-based coaching moments.
• Horses at liberty, enjoying their downtime.

Seeing these moments helps bridge the gap between perception and reality.

✔ 3. Welcome Questions with Curiosity

Instead of shutting down conversations, encourage them. When someone asks, "Do horses like being ridden?" don’t dismiss them—engage.

A great response might be:
"That’s such an interesting question! Horses are individuals, just like people. My goal as a coach is to help riders understand their horse’s unique preferences and work in a way that builds their confidence."

By welcoming discussion instead of avoiding it, we build trust—both within the equestrian world and with those outside it.

A Future Built on Trust—With Our Horses & Each Other

If we want horse sports to thrive, we need to build trust—both inside and outside the equestrian community. That means:

• Training with integrity and putting horse welfare first.
• Sharing the joy and responsibility of horsemanship.
• Leading open, respectful conversations with those who want to understand more.

Horses give us their trust every day. Let’s make sure we extend that same trust to the world around us.

 Join the Conversation

What’s one way you build trust with your horse? How do you explain your sport to non-riders? Share your thoughts with me.