The ABRS+, along with other member bodies of the BEF, has introduced training for the Equestrian Safeguarding Officer (ESO). This training for the ESO differs from that required by coaches and reflects their differing roles and responsibilities:
An Equestrian Safeguarding Officer (ESO) is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the welfare and safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults within the riding school environment. Their role typically involves:
- Implementing Safeguarding Policies: Ensuring that the riding school follows the safeguarding policies set by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and ABRS+.
- Reporting Concerns: Acting as the primary point of contact for any safeguarding concerns, ensuring that issues are reported and dealt with according to safeguarding procedures.
- Training and Awareness: Ensuring that staff, volunteers, and coaches are aware of safeguarding procedures and have appropriate training.
- Liaison Role: Working with local safeguarding authorities, governing bodies, and other professionals when necessary.
How This Differs from the Responsibilities of an Equestrian Coach
An equestrian coach has safeguarding responsibilities but primarily in relation to their direct interactions with riders. These include:
- Duty of Care: Ensuring their coaching environment is safe, inclusive, and appropriate for riders of all ages.
- Recognising Concerns: Being vigilant for signs of abuse, neglect, or poor practice and reporting concerns to the designated safeguarding officer.
- Following Safeguarding Procedures: Adhering to safeguarding policies in their coaching sessions but not necessarily overseeing their implementation across the entire riding school.
Key Difference
- The ESO has an overarching responsibility for safeguarding within the entire riding school, including policy enforcement and reporting.
- The coach focuses on safeguarding within their coaching role and reports concerns to the ESO or relevant authority but does not have the same level of responsibility for managing safeguarding procedures.
The ABRS+ is looking for all approved Riding Schools and Establishments to schedule training for their Safeguarding Officers, with training to have been completed by mid-2026.
Places on the first course can be booked here: https://buytickets.at/abrs/1596421
