Industry, Controversy & Social Media...

 The equestrian world is evolving rapidly under the influence of social media. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube are reshaping the sport by providing transaprency and unpredicted visibiliy. Riders, trainers and equestrian brands are now able to reach vast audiences, sharing their journeys, tips, and even sponsorships. However, this rise of equestrian influencers brings its own set of challenges. 

The pressure to perform while maintaining authenticity often leads to unrealistic portrayals of the sport, which can blur the line between genuine horsemanship and a curated image. Riders must carefully balance these expectations while staying true to their values. Significantly to those working within the equestrian industry, the feeling of constant pressure and fear remain apparent as brand image and reputation can be destroyed most significantly through negative word of mouth.

I have previously worked in a horse riding role and also had the oppurtunity to become a brand ambasssador, however this does come with a sense of awareness of the social media platforms as the expansion of brand and awareness centralised from word of mouth and the use of social media platforms.

Controversies surround the industry, with issues like animal welfare and doping taking centre stage. High-performance competitions are under increasing scrutiny for their treatment of horses, with some practices sparking debates around ethical boundaries. 

You may be familiar with the controversy regarding the behaviour of Charlotte Dujardin towards one of the horses she was training, which was published and spread accross the media like wildfire. Following this, she had withdrawn herself from the Olympics 2024 and her reputation has since been affected. This may appear an extreme case, however shows the effectiveness of the impact of social media on a person or brand reputation, rumour or not. 

It’s essential to address these issues with a balanced view, allowing readers to form their own opinions while staying informed about ongoing controversies.

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