PERFECTLY scheduled for the day after International Women’s Day, The Links Group and the BHS held a workshop on Monday at CAFRE Enniskillen entitled ‘‘The Link’ Between Animal Abuse, Domestic Abuse and Child Abuse’ to examine safeguarding in equestrian environments.

The speakers highlighted growing evidence linking animal abuse, domestic abuse and child abuse, and asked the all-important question: what should a truly safe yard look like? Studies show that violence towards animals, coercive control within relationships and harm to children often occur in the same environment. For those working in equestrian settings, recognising the signs could play an important role in protecting both people and horses.

Opening the event, equine vet Dr Esther Skelly-Smith reminded delegates that yards are often places where people build confidence and find support. However, they can also reveal early warning signs when something is wrong.

Domestic abuse specialist Kerrie Flood, CEO of Fermanagh and Omagh Women’s Aid, outlined how coercive control often lies at the centre of abusive relationships and revealed that domestic abuse accounts for nearly one in five recorded crimes and around 20% of police workload.

One in seven women in the UK will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. In Ireland, An Garda Síochána responded to more than 65,000 domestic abuse incidents in 2024, an average of around 1,250 reports every week. Women’s Aid recorded 46,765 disclosures of domestic abuse in 2024, including 41,432 incidents against women and more than 5,300 involving children.

Flood stressed that leaving an abusive relationship is rarely straightforward, and explained that the period following separation can be one of the most dangerous and that control can involve financial restriction, intimidation, isolation and threats involving children or animals.

Equestrian environments

For those working with horses, these issues may seem far removed from the day-to-day running of a yard. However, safeguarding consultant Duncan Sheppard warned that equestrian environments can unintentionally create vulnerabilities.

Yards are often informal workplaces, where young riders depend on trainers or owners for opportunities. That reliance can create power imbalances, which discourage people from speaking up when something feels wrong.

The tragic case of Northern Irish show jumper Katie Simpson illustrates how warning signs can be missed. Simpson attended hospital more than 20 times in the two years before her death. Looking back, the pattern was clear. At the time, individual incidents were treated in isolation.

Animal abuse

Veterinary expert witness Dr David Martin highlighted the strong link between domestic abuse and animal abuse. In one study of 107 domestic violence cases involving 178 victims, 88% reported abuse of animals within the relationship.

Animals are 11 times more likely to be abused in homes where domestic abuse occurs, while children are 60 times more likely to be abused when both domestic and animal abuse are present.

Animals can also become tools of coercion. Threatening or harming a horse or pet can be a powerful way to intimidate someone who cares deeply about that animal.

Equine behaviourist Dr Helen Spence went on to highlight that psychological trauma in horses is often overlooked. While neglect or injury may be obvious, emotional harm frequently appears through behavioural change.

Equestrian community

Policing perspectives were provided by Superintendent Joanne Gibson, who outlined Operation Gallop, a PSNI initiative aimed at improving safety within the equestrian community. The programme focuses on engagement, crime prevention, equine welfare and road safety, with safeguarding now emerging as an additional priority.

Around 200 equestrians took part in a survey, which identified road safety as their main concern. In response, police have issued guidance for riders and motorists and distributed thousands of high-visibility items, funded by traffic-fine revenue.

Gibson also announced plans for new research with Ulster University to examine safeguarding risks within the equestrian sector. The anonymous survey will explore experiences of coercive control, misogyny and abuse in equestrian environments and is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.

Specialist fostering

Dr Andrea Lynch of The Links Group highlighted the wider connections between domestic abuse and animal welfare. Horses can provide victims with emotional support and independence, but perpetrators may exploit that bond through threats or financial control.

One issue raised repeatedly during the conference was the absence of specialist fostering services for horses when victims leave abusive homes. While similar schemes exist for dogs and cats, horses present far greater logistical and financial challenges.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion on reporting and regulation. Many audience members acknowledged fears about speaking up, particularly among staff working in close-knit equestrian environments, as well as the need for safeguarding in professional equine settings.

For more information and free training opportunities for professionals, visit thelinksgroup.org.uk.