Youth Panel Press Release

Megan Docherty
Sep 5, 2022
2 min read

Introducing the young people helping to shape the equestrian sport in Scotland.

The horsescotland Youth Panel was officially launched today at Blair Castle Horse Trials by

horsescotland Chair Anthony Drew and Maree Todd MSP, the Scottish Minister for Public

Health, Women’s Health and Sport.

horsescotland recognises that young people should have a say in the decisions that will affect them. We are committed to championing this by giving them a platform to represent the wider equestrian community across Scotland.

horsescotland chair Anthony Drew said “I am delighted with our first ever youth panel. It is vital that all generations are involved in the conversations about the future of equestrianism and so I am really excited to see how we work together”

The Youth Panel brings together young people from all across the country representing different disciplines, clubs and levels ranging from grassroots to elite-level sport. The programme's principle is that young people's views are heard and valued, and they have the opportunity to influence decision-making and drive change.

Sports Minister Maree Todd said:

“I was delighted to welcome the first six members of the Horsescotland Youth Panel who, for the first time, will have a vital say in shaping the future of equestrianism in Scotland. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting Horsescotland and the equine industry and it was also great to meet so many key stakeholders who provide vital work to support equestrianism.”

Youth panel members are provided with opportunities such as volunteering at major events,

attending horsescotland performance days and working on projects that will directly feed into the next strategic plan.

The panel consists of twelve people aged between 14-25 on a one-year term, with six

beginning in August and six beginning later in the year - allowing for overlap between panel

members and project ideas.

Megan Docherty who leads to Youth Panel said ‘We wanted to create a youth panel which would give young equestrians in Scotland a platform for their voices and opinions to be heard about sport and the wider equestrian community. We believe in the power of young people as future leaders in our sport – and can’t wait to hear about the impact that they will make on a national level.’

We are excited to introduce you to our first Youth Panel members!

· Charlotte Macnab

· Mhairi Hume

· Kate Miller

· Nicola Young

· Jennifer Cameron

· Merryn Roserveare