Women Leading Change in Equestrian Business and Sports

Women in the equestrian industry are breaking barriers and redefining traditional stereotypes, both in sport and business. Historically, the equestrian world was male-dominated, particularly in leadership and business roles. However, in recent years, women have become the driving force behind many facets of the industry, ranging from competition to event management, horse breeding, and equestrian product development.

One of the key areas where women have excelled is in equestrian business. More and more women are leading companies that produce everything from equestrian apparel to specialised horse care products. These women are challenging the long-standing perception that business and equestrian sport are best left to men. Instead, they are blending their passion for horses with entrepreneurial spirit to innovate within the industry.

Leadership in global equestrian organisations also highlights this transformation. A prominent example is Sabrina Ibáñez, the first woman to serve as Secretary General of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her role signifies how women are not just participating but also leading the charge in creating a more inclusive and diverse equestrian landscape. Ibáñez and other female leaders are working to reshape the industry from within, implementing initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, including gender equality and opportunities for younger generations of women in equestrian sports and business.

Despite this progress, women in equestrianism still face obstacles. The article points out that media coverage is often skewed toward male competitors and male-led companies. Additionally, the lack of female mentors in leadership roles can create a challenging environment for women aspiring to climb the ranks in business or competition. However, many women are pushing through these barriers, using their unique perspectives to foster growth and innovation.

Equestrian sports themselves are predominantly female, with more women competing at both amateur and professional levels. This shift in participation has led to an increased demand for female leadership in the organisations that support the sport. Women are now playing critical roles in organising events, running training facilities, and providing mentorship for younger competitors. Their influence is helping to create a more balanced and representative landscape in equestrian sports, where gender is less of a barrier to success.

Another interesting trend is the rise of women in equestrian media, with female-led publications, blogs, and digital platforms helping to reshape how the industry is portrayed. These platforms provide a space to highlight women’s achievements and contributions, as well as to foster discussions on issues like gender inequality and the need for increased diversity in equestrianism.

Overall, women are redefining what it means to succeed in the equestrian industry, not just as athletes but as business leaders, innovators, and change-makers. By continuing to push against traditional boundaries, they are helping to create a more inclusive and progressive future for equestrian sports and the businesses that support them.

For further reading, check out the original article we wrote for The Plaid Horse here. You can also check out our article on ‘Bridging the Gender Gap in Equestrian Sponsorship and Visibility’.