The Links Group joined forces with the British Horse Society in Northern Ireland and Ireland yesterday to run an equine sector specific event, ‘The Link’ between animal abuse, domestic abuse and child abuse: what should a safe yard look like?
We were welcomed to CAFRE Enniskillen campus by Jane Elliott and her wonderful team, and looked after throughout the day by Julie and Henry. The Assembly Hall at CAFRE proved to be the perfect venue: ample space, wonderful catering, plenty of fresh air and green grass, and with plenty of reminders of the importance of the welfare of the horse. Huge thanks to the team at CAFRE for their role in making this such a successful event.
Billed as a Links Group and BHS Information Session and Workshop for Coaches, Equestrian Groups and Equestrian Businesses, owners and groups from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland attended, with the meeting providing 4 CPD Points for BHS Accredited Professional Coaches.
Our host of experienced and engaging speakers included:
- Kerrie Flood, CEO, Fermanagh and Omagh Women’s Aid
- Duncan Sheppard, Safeguarding & Offender Management Consultant/safeguarding specialist, representing Leonard Consultancy
- Joanne Gibson, Superintendent Strategic Partnerships & Prevention Local Policing/Operation Gallop
- Dr Helen Spence, Spence Horse Sense,ABTC registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist Specialising in Equines
- Susan Spratt, Safeguarding Lead, BHS NI & Ireland
- Dr. Esther-Skelly Smith, equine veterinary surgeon, Shanaghan Veterinary Services
- Dr. Andrea Lynch, Strategic Delivery Lead, The Links Group
- and Dr David Martin, Group Head of Animal Welfare IVC Evidensia, veterinary expert witness and Links Group trustee.
Together, the speakers presented an overview of safeguarding in the equine sector, and its relevance in Protecting Animals, Protecting People.
After a lovely lunch, the speakers opened the floor to the coaches, with organisations such as the Riding for the Disabled Association, the Pony Club, the BHS, the Association of Irish Riding Establishments, DAERA, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council and more who had joined us for the day.
Experiences, concerns, observations, thoughts and hopes were shared. The session indicated that further work needed to be done both within and outside the equine sector to raise awareness of this issue, to raise the bar on safeguarding within the industry and to develop and embed accessible and relevant training.
We look forward to continuing this work in partnership with the relevant groups within Northern Ireland, Ireland and GB.
Huge thanks to Susan Spratt for making this event happen, and to BHS for facilitating it. Thanks also to Craig Spratt and the CAFRE team for their support and use of the most welcoming faces and facilities, to Esther Skelly-Smith for her moving introduction and work throughout the day. We are indebted to Paul Stephenson, Senior Consultant in the Child Protection in Sport Unit** at the NSPCC for his role in linking us together, and to Marcella Leonard, Leonard Consultancy*, for her tremendous support from the other side of the globe in making sure we had Duncan able to join us!
Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday, helping us shape our ongoing work in partnership, Protecting Horses, Protecting Humans.
* Leonard Consultancy and Associates is an independent organisation which specialises in providing expertise in all aspects of child, adult and public safeguarding and protection to the statutory, sports, arts, academia, religious, industry, charity and voluntary sectors nationally and internationally.
** The NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit’s aim is to Keep children safe in sport and physical activity: Together we can create a caring culture where children are safe and thrive. It provides training, resources and advice for sporting organisations and parents.
