It’s Time… To Speak Up
The 2026 Equestrian Motherhood Census
The Equestrian Mums Club exists because thousands of women share a life that often goes unseen.
We balance horses, children, careers, yards, finances, identity and all the invisible mental load that comes with trying to hold everything together.
And yet, despite the scale of this community, very little research exists into what equestrian parenthood actually looks like.
The equestrian world tracks participation, horse ownership and spending.
But almost nobody is asking:
How many of us - equestrian parents - are there?
What challenges do we face?
What support do we need?
And what does it really take to keep both horses and family life going?
The Equestrian Motherhood Census is our way of starting to answer those questions.
Not with assumptions.
With evidence, honesty and real voices.
Why we’re doing this
The Equestrian Motherhood Census is an open global survey designed to capture the lived experiences of equestrian parents.
While the equestrian industry has long measured participation, horse ownership and economic impact, very little research exists into the realities of balancing horses and family life.
The aim of the Census is to begin building a clearer picture of this community, from grassroots riders to professionals, and to better understand the experiences, pressures, patterns and opportunities that shape equestrian parenthood.
The findings will help inform future conversations across the equestrian industry, including among governing bodies, federations, organisations, brands, media and the wider horse community.
About the EMC Census
The first global attempt to understand the realities of equestrian parenthood.
The Census will:
gather responses from equestrian parents worldwide
explore the realities of balancing horses and family life
identify common challenges, patterns and opportunities
contribute to a growing understanding of equestrian parenthood
→ Responses will be reported in an anonymised, aggregated form.
Every story shared matters.
→ Every small truth.
→ Every balancing act.
→ Every moment of determination.
Here, you’re welcome to share the bits that people don’t see. The compromises. The financial juggling. The identity shifts. The early starts and late nights. The guilt. The joy. And, the fierceness of the fire to keep both words alive.
62
equestrian parents have already added their voice.
Who is this for?
If horses are part of your life - in any way - and you’re a parent, then this Census is for you.
Grassroots riders
Happy hackers, amateurs, weekend riders, Pony Club parents - everyday horsewomen keeping it all going.
Professionals & competitors
From coaches, riders and yard owners to serious competitors, young horse producers and elite athletes - your experience matters, too.
Horsey families
Parents raising the next generation of horse girls and boys, juggling family life alongside the demands of horses.
Wherever you are in the world… your voice belongs in this picture.
Once the Census has received a significant amount of responses, we will review and publish the first Census Insights Report.
This report will help shine a light on the realities of equestrian parenthood and highlight the themes, patterns and pressures emerging from the community.
Findings may help inform future conversations across:
The EMC community
Equestrian media
Brands and industry partners
Governing bodies and organisations
The wider horse world
What happens next?
The aim is simple:
To ensure equestrian parents are seen, understood & represented.
Your privacy matters
Your responses will be handled with care.
Individual answers will never be shared publicly, and any reporting will be presented in anonymised, aggregated form.
If you choose to leave contact details, these will only be used in line with EMC’s stated purposes and will never be sold or shared irresponsibly.
Add your voice to the Census.
Your experience matters.
Your voice matters.
And… when enough of us speak, the industry has no choice but to listen.
This community exists because women choose to show up for each other.
Taking part in the Equestrian Motherhood Census is another way to do exactly that.
Thank you for helping us build something bigger than any one voice alone.
And, thank you for helping us build the future of the Equestrian Mums Club.
