Riding with Pride: Celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion in the equestrian community.

Pride month is a time to celebrate identity, visibility and the power of community. It’s also a time to reflect on how on how far we’ve come and the work still needed to ensure that sport, including equestrian sport, is welcoming for everyone. 

As horsescotland’s Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, ensuring that our sport is inclusive and accessible for all is top of my priorities. Equestrian sport is unique in that it brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities- and unlike many sports, men and women compete on equal terms. That gives us a powerful platform to lead the way on inclusion. But we can’t take that potential for granted- we need to actively challenge the barriers, both visible and invisible, that still prevent many from feeling that they truly belong. That includes addressing issues of representation, creating safer spaces for LGBT+ participants, and ensuring that diversity is reflected not just in who rides, but in who coaches, governs, and leads within the sport. 

There remains a lack of visible LGBT+ role models within the sport- especially gay women riders and trans riders. Representation matters and having visible LGBT+ role models in equestrian sport would be incredibly powerful- especially for younger riders looking to see somebody like themselves in the saddle. Visibility helps to create a culture where no one has to choose between their passion and their identity- so it’s essential to celebrate diversity in order for our sport to be truly inclusive.

On a personal level, I feel proud that my wife and I are part of both the LGBT+ community as well as the equestrian community. Our love of horses brought us together- before I met my wife I was a self-proclaimed ‘happy hacker’, and she supported and encouraged me through my first showjumping and cross country competitions. 

When we were planning our wedding, we knew horses had to be a part of it. We eloped to Las Vegas, just the two of us, and then spent four unforgettable nights on a ranch in Arizona. It was incredible: cantering along dusty desert trails, spending time with each other and our horses, and watching the sun set over the breathtaking Arizonan landscape.

I wouldn’t change a thing about who I am or the life I’ve built. It hasn’t always been an easy road, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have a loving wife, a fulfilling career, a strong network of supportive friends and family, and the freedom to enjoy the sports I’m passionate about. I also know that not everyone in the LGBT+ community is in the same position. The high rates of homelessness, mental health struggles, and hate crimes faced by our community are stark reminders that the fight against discrimination is far from over. Sport can be a powerful force for fostering belonging and confidence- but for many underrepresented communities, it comes with additional barriers. That’s why we need to work together to make meaningful change; promoting greater visibility, stronger allyship and more inclusive environments.  

In sports like equestrianism, which can still feel deeply rooted in tradition, we need to make space for LGBT+ voices and experiences. Change won’t happen overnight, but together, we can create a culture where everyone feels seen, safe, and welcome.

So, whilst pride month comes to an end this year, at horsescotland we will continue riding with pride, all year round.