30/09/26 event: “Safeguarding in the equine sector: Coercive control, communities, countryside, challenges, collaboration”
RDA Causeway Coast & Glens host ‘The Link’: Connecting Cruelty – Coercive Control
Equestrian and community safeguarding event (hosted by Riding for the Disabled Association Causeway Coast & Glens and The Links Group)
- Wednesday 30th September 2026, 10.00am to 4.00pm – refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.
- Venue: RDA Causeway Coast & Glens, 184 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, BT51 3RW.
- Eligible for BHS CPD points / RDA CPD hours.
- Cost – £20 per head to cover costs. Donations welcome.
You are invited to join us for a special multi-agency day to discuss this complex topic with Women’s Aid, White Ribbon NI, Leonard Consultancy safeguarding specialists, the PSNI Operation Gallop, The Links Group subject expert vets, and the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit.
Speakers include:
- Gail Downey, Chair, RDA Causeway Coast & Glens
- Susan Spratt, Safeguarding Lead, BHS NI & Ireland
- Causeway and Mid-Ulster Women’s Aid
- Marcella Leonard, Leonard Consultancy – safeguarding specialist
- Dr David Martin, The Links Group trustee, Group Head of Animal Welfare IVC Evidensia and veterinary expert witness
- Dr. Andrea Lynch, Strategic Delivery Lead, The Links Group
- Joanne Gibson, Superintendent Strategic Partnerships & Prevention Local Policing/Operation Gallop
- White Ribbon NI
- With Paul Stephenson, NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit
To register your interest, contact andrea.lynch@thelinksgroup.org.uk. Booking will open in July.
Further information:
This day has been developed as a result of requests for an event to build on the interest raised and topics discussed during The Links Group and BHS Information Session and Workshop for Coaches, Equestrian Groups and Equestrian Businesses, held on Monday 9 March 2026 at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus.
The need for such an event, has, unfortunately, recently been compounded with the publication of the Katie Simpson Review; while the equine sector may currently be in focus, the realities of coercive control, cruelty, and violence extend far beyond any one industry – this is a community issue that calls for collective courage.
Bringing together the equestrian sector, safeguarding professionals, animal welfare organisations, and the wider community to recognise the signs of harm, challenge bystander silence, and build community courage for change.
Intended audience:
This symposium is designed for those 18yo and over working across the equestrian sector and the wider community, including:
- Riding instructors, coaches, trainers, yard owners and equine professionals
- Riding Clubs, Pony Clubs, livery yards
- Veterinary team members, welfare organisations and animal behaviour specialists
- Safeguarding leads / Child Protection & designated safeguarding officers
- Schools, colleges, youth workers and educators
- Social workers, family support services and domestic abuse professionals
- Police, community safety partnerships and local authorities
- Charities and third-sector organisations
- Parents, carers, and community advocates
- Academics and policy makers from universities / local & central government
- Anyone interested in understanding the links between cruelty, coercive control, and community safeguarding
