Reimagining Our Industry: Changing Without Losing Ourselves

If you've ever been immersed in the equestrian world as a competitive rider, found a deep sense of identity within a riding club or governing body, or felt the surge of belonging within a community that shares your love for horses, you understand the pull of the industry. Yet, for many, that initial passion now meets an uncomfortable reality: disillusionment. Our values are shifting, and while it’s clear that change is necessary—for the welfare of horses and for the longevity of the sport—the process can come at a high emotional and mental cost.

I don’t say this to invite pity. I, too, faced what felt like a "professional identity crisis," questioning my own place and purpose in an industry I once felt deeply connected to. Emerging from this transition, I found myself seeing my work and goals from a different perspective, rediscovering the values that truly resonate with who I am today. In this way, it’s not that we lose ourselves through change; rather, we encounter a new version of ourselves—one that’s perhaps more aligned with our deepest beliefs. Carl Jung said it well: “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

There’s a common refrain in our industry that “we all got into horses for the love of the animal.” While this might be true for young children, the reality for many adolescents and adults can be much more complex. Growing up, I knew many people who were drawn to riding not solely out of a deep love for horses but for other powerful reasons: self-validation, the relief of physical exertion, the sense of control, or the status that equestrian life seemed to bestow. Many sought an escape from personal struggles or the solace of social belonging within a stable environment.

Understanding these motivations is essential if we truly want to create an industry that aligns with the welfare of horses. Horses have always served as more than just companions in history; they have represented power, status, and sometimes, control. As we advocate for changes in equestrian practices, we need to acknowledge that horses have not always been seen through the lens of empathy and love—and not all of us came to horses with that mindset.

In my journey, I’ve come to appreciate that self-awareness is key to making sustainable change. It requires examining why we first stepped into this world and what drives us now. We can’t simply rely on rhetoric about love for the horse; instead, we must confront and unpack our own histories and motivations. Recognising the diverse reasons people become invested in horses can open the door to understanding, rather than alienating, the many perspectives that make up our community.

There are indeed horse people who connected with horses out of a pure sense of kinship, seeking no gain in return. They don’t need to make sweeping changes to their practices. But for others who, like myself, once found value in external validation and competition, the journey requires redefining what fulfilment in this space looks like. I now find meaning in helping others explore a mindful, compassionate approach to horsemanship that doesn’t prioritise our own needs over the well-being of horses.

As we navigate this evolving landscape, it's helpful to remember that sometimes change transforms us so profoundly that we emerge as different people. This isn’t about losing ourselves but rather realigning—rediscovering our values, purpose, and passion.

In the end, embracing change in the equestrian industry is about more than revisiting our practices; it’s a journey of reconnecting with the essence of why we’re here—both for ourselves and for the horses.

Top photo: Becky Bunce Photography

Bottom photo: Christine Dunnington Photography

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