Recent legislative changes have strengthened safeguarding expectations across sport and leisure organisations, reinforcing the importance of creating safe environments for children and vulnerable adults. While many riding schools and equestrian centres already have robust safeguarding arrangements in place, the new requirements provide a timely opportunity to review existing policies, procedures and staff training to ensure they remain current and compliant.
Although the changes are primarily aimed at organisations working directly with young people, they also serve as a reminder that safeguarding is relevant across a much wider range of equestrian businesses. Livery yards, training centres and competition venues may also have children, vulnerable adults or work experience students on site, and should consider whether additional measures or staff training are appropriate for the services they provide.
Reviewing Reporting Procedures
One of the key areas of focus is ensuring that safeguarding concerns are recognised and reported promptly.
Every member of staff, volunteer or contractor should understand how concerns are reported within the organisation and who the designated safeguarding lead or Equestrian Safeguarding Officer (ESO) is. It is important that individuals never assume someone else has already reported a concern, and businesses should encourage a culture where staff feel confident raising issues without fear of repercussions.
This is also an opportunity to review safeguarding, reporting and whistleblowing procedures to ensure they remain fit for purpose and are understood by everyone working within the business.
Professional Boundaries Matter
The legislation also reinforces the importance of professional boundaries for anyone working with children or vulnerable individuals.
Instructors, coaches, volunteers and yard staff may all hold positions of trust and should understand the expectations that come with these roles. This extends beyond face-to-face interactions and includes communication outside normal activities, social media use, private messaging, transport arrangements and one-to-one situations.
Many safeguarding concerns begin with blurred professional boundaries rather than obvious abuse, making clear codes of conduct and appropriate guidance an important part of protecting both participants and staff.
Changes to Volunteer DBS Requirements
Businesses that rely on volunteers should review the roles individuals undertake ahead of the forthcoming changes.
From September 2026, volunteers who regularly teach, instruct, supervise or care for children will no longer fall under the previous supervision exemption and may require an Enhanced DBS check including Barred List checks.
For riding schools, this could include assistant instructors, lead-rein helpers, camp volunteers and others who regularly support youth activities. Reviewing volunteer roles now will help ensure appropriate checks are in place before the changes take effect.
Digital Safeguarding Is Becoming Increasingly Important
As communication increasingly takes place online, safeguarding extends beyond the yard itself.
Businesses should review how staff communicate with young riders and clients, ensuring approved communication channels are used wherever possible. Personal messaging between staff and children should generally be avoided, while policies should also consider emerging risks such as cyberbullying, online grooming, image-based abuse and the misuse of AI-generated content.
A clear social media policy can help staff understand expectations and reduce the risk of inappropriate online interactions.
What About Livery Yards?
While many of these requirements are aimed specifically at riding schools and organisations delivering structured activities for children, they are also worth considering for livery yard owners.
Many livery yards have young liveries, families, work experience placements or vulnerable adults on site, even if safeguarding is not seen as a core part of the business. In these situations, owners should consider whether safeguarding policies are appropriate, whether there is a clear process for reporting concerns and whether they or members of their team would benefit from recognised safeguarding training.
Businesses that regularly host Pony Club activities, camps, clinics or youth groups may also wish to review whether existing arrangements adequately reflect the level of responsibility they have.
Taking a proactive approach not only helps protect those using the yard but can also demonstrate professionalism and provide reassurance to clients and parents.
Reviewing Existing Policies Rather Than Starting Again
For many established riding schools, the good news is that these legislative changes are unlikely to require an entirely new safeguarding framework.
Most businesses will already have safeguarding policies, reporting procedures, codes of conduct and safer recruitment processes in place. In many cases, the focus should simply be on reviewing existing documentation, updating procedures where necessary and ensuring staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities.
Regular refresher training and policy reviews can help ensure safeguarding remains an active part of day-to-day operations rather than simply a document kept on file.
As equestrian businesses continue to evolve, safeguarding should be viewed as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-off exercise. Whether you operate a riding school, training centre or livery yard, taking the time to review your procedures now can help create a safer environment for everyone who visits or works at your premises.