SOCIAL MEDIA
Anyone who thinks that the issue of ‘social licence’ doesn’t apply to them should think again, says social media guru Rhea Freeman, who warns that everything equestrians know and love could ultimately be under threat
WHO HAS HEARD of the term ‘social licence’, or the phrase ‘social licence to operate’? Granted, it sounds rather odd, but it has potential implications for every equestrian who wants to keep riding and enjoying their horses.
Many will be thinking: “Who on earth is going to stop me getting on my horse and doing what I want to?” This is a fair point as currently the public’s acceptance of equestrianism as a whole is broadly on side, but there are chinks in the armour and ever yone needs to be a part of the effort to help protect what we all love.
To a lot of people the end of riding as we know it may sound far-fetched, but think of fox hunting and it might start to feel a little more serious. People have hunted foxes on horseback for centuries. According to Wikipedia, the first hunting with hounds in the UK occurred in the 1500s, but there is evidence that it was taking place even earlier. Whatever anyone’s stance is on hunting isn’t the point here. Fox hunting was a traditional British sport — until it was banned in 2004.
Some people will now be thinking: “What does all of this have to do with me?” The truth is that not everyone relishes horses being ridden. According to a YouGov survey last year, 60% of those surveyed weren’t happy with the current state. Anyone thinking that they might be immune to the opinions of others should look through history which shows that no one is exempt when public opinion is stacked against them.
Taking action
So what can individual equestrians do about it? Anyone who thinks that one person can’t make any significant impact would be wrong. I recently listened to someone talking about a litter picking initiative whereby those involved pick up two pieces of rubbish a day. That is next to nothing — right? However, there are 1 million people involved, so each day 2 million pieces of rubbish are removed from the streets and put into bins. Two million pieces of rubbish make an impact. This is what I come back to when I think that I alone am powerless to make a change. I would love all other equestrians to do the same. If you and I do it, we are already two people.
Anyone who isn’t sure how to proceed should head to the World Horse Welfare website, which provides plenty of information on the subject of social licence.
Basic things that can make a difference include…
■ Think about what is being posted.
Sharing horse falls on social media, for example. Horse falls are horrific to watch if you understand what is happening to horse and rider, and if you comprehend how rare these are in sport. Think of it from a different perspective. What cou
