Riders have come out in full force to support the #notonmyyard campaign, aimed at tackling bullying and harassment in the equine world.
Meeting at a photoshoot at Kelsall Hill Equestrian in Cheshire with renowned equine photographer Katie Amos, riders from all disciplines joined together to help raise awareness for the anti-bullying campaign.
The campaign, started by Tudor Rose Equines, will officially launch during this year’s national anti-bullying week at Greater Manchester Mounted Police HQ on Sunday the 13th November.
Not On My Yard is currently gaining momentum through social media with the hashtag #notonmyyard, where equestrians from all walks of life within the industry are posting their support for the campaign.
International riders and Industry experts travelled the length and breadth of the country to attend the photoshoot, all of which had experienced or witnessed bullying and harassment in many forms through their professions, studies and hobbies.
Matthew Burnett, Grand Prix dressage rider and coach from Hartpury expressed how important the campaign is to him saying, “I personally was bullied at my first livery yard and would’ve given up riding if not for a small group who took me under their wing and supported me. Without them, I wouldn’t have carried on in the industry.”
International eventer Michael Owen added, “I’ve seen this type of thing first hand and am proud to be part of the Not On My Yard campaign.”
Reaseheath Equine College Lecturer Samantha Brentnall praised the campaign. She said: “We’re backing Not On My Yard as every year we see students come to us having been bullied. We want them to know that there is support for them early on in the industry.”
Blue Chip Academy All Stars Issy Nami and David Morris said: “We’ve been following the campaign from the very beginning, we want to support in any way we can and hope that everybody gets involved.”
Also at the shoot was Sergeant Cara Charlesworth of Greater Manchester Police Mounted Division. She stressed the seriousness of the problem saying: “It’s definitely an unreported issue, prevalent in the equestrian world; it’s also often unknown to perpetrators that some behaviour is criminal and has long-lasting effects on victims.”
Other messages of support for the campaign have been received from fellow equestrians including Oliver Townend, Ben Hobday, Natasha Baker MBE, Nick Skelton, John Whitaker, Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks.
For more information regarding the campaign visit www.tudorroseequine.co.uk
