Report a concern hub
British Equestrian (BEF) is committed to developing a culture where it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in our activities and sport to raise concerns about any unacceptable practice, behaviour, wrongdoing or misconduct. If you have a concern about unacceptable behaviours or misconduct, you can speak up.
The welfare of all members of the equestrian community, humans and horses, is of the utmost importance to British Equestrian and our member bodies.
All individuals (both children and adults) who take part in activities under the authority of BEF or our member bodies should reasonably expect an environment that is free from prohibited conduct, and that treats all individuals with dignity and respect.
As a federation, each member body has a role to play making sure people who keep equines are aware of their responsibility to meet the needs of horses in their care, and to protect those horses from harm. All forms of harm and abuse of a horse are prohibited and will not be tolerated by the BEF and member bodies .
To help us to keep these commitments, everyone should feel empowered and protected to report any concerns of abuse or mistreatment. If an incident is witnessed during or in direct connection with an event, it should be reported to an official at that event .
If the incident takes place at any other time, you can report the matter by contacting:
- statutory authorities (e.g. police)
- a recognised welfare organisation (RSPCA/SSPCA/BHS/WHW - see below)
- the relevant member body
- the BEF.
Our member bodies have primary responsibility for responding to concerns raised about their own activities. In any case, you are welcome to use the reporting channels below and we will help get your concern to the right place.
Equine welfare
Use the button below to report an equine welfare concern via the dedicated form:
Other ways to report an equine welfare concern:
Safeguarding
Use the button below to report a safeguarding concern via a dedicated online form:
If someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999. Alternatively, the NSPCC has a 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 500.
You can find more about safeguarding in our dedicated website area and on our Safe to Play webhub.
Equine and human anti-doping
A level playing field in equestrianism is essential to the integrity of our sports - substances that affect performance, health and welfare are not permitted. For horses, there's a wider issue around welfare. If you're suspicious of or witness a doping violation, use the button below to report it to our Anti-Doping Programme Manager.
Alternatively:
Report human doping concerns to UKAD
Report equine doping concerns in sport to the FEI
Integrity and governance
Accross our wide range of activities, everyone expects fair play, a positive culture and ethical behaviour. If you've experienced, witnessed or suspect any kind of wrongdoing, we encourage you to speak up and report it using the button below:
Learn more about our Code of Conduct, rules and policies which govern our activity on the dedicated page or visit your member body website.
Safe reporting
It's a big decision to come forward so, thank you. Your courage to speak up is important and we will ensure your report is handled with care and sensitivity.
Please be assured that if you require any assistance with your concern, we’ll be here to help. Contact us for more information on 02475 313 443 or email the BEF office on report@bef.co.uk. Alternatively, you can report a concern in any of the above areas to your member body, contact details can be found here.
Learn more about how your concern will be managed:
bef customer Charter and complaints guide
It's a violation of BEF policy to knowingly report a false or to influence another to report a knowingly false allegation. All participants are required to act in good faith throughout any complaint, investigation or disciplinary process.
