All under one umbrella
improving the future of showing
The Showing Council
Background:
The Showing Council was established in 2006 under the instigation of Graham Suggett and Jan Rogers from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). The objective was clear, to raise awareness of showing as a sport by uniting key organisations within the showing community, in order to create a central Council of Members to represent and promote showing's collaborative approach to governing and advancing welfare, inclusion, participant safety and clean sport best practice, in showing through all its forms.
To further strengthen the Memorandum & Articles Objects, The Showing Council was accepted as a BEF Associate Member in 2011, providing a voice for showing within the wider equestrian environment whilst also being guided by the principles of the UK Code of Sports Governance.
Today:
Since its inception, The Showing Council (TSC) has grown into a respected organisation, now comprising of twenty member bodies from across the showing world. These members include both showing organisations and individual breed societies.
The Council’s core aim remains consistent with its original purpose: to discuss, agree upon, and advance policies that are advantageous and beneficial to its members’ interests, primarily in relation to showing. This is achieved through engagement with the BEF and other relevant bodies. A key objective continues to be the pursuit of official recognition for showing as a sport, akin to that granted to other equestrian disciplines. Additionally, the Council is committed to fostering voluntary co-operation among its members.
From the outset, it was made explicit that The Showing Council would neither seek nor hold authority over the sovereignty or autonomy of its individual member organisations. The independence and freedom of action of each member body have always been preserved as a fundamental principle.
Social Licence and The Charter for the Horse
Securing and maintaining social licence is considered essential for the ongoing success and harmonious development of showing, as well as other equestrian disciplines. In recognition of this, The Charter for the Horse was adopted by the BEF and its members in 2024. This Charter continues to serve as a central pillar in The Showing Council’s approach.
The Council consistently applies the principles laid out in the Charter to inform its guidance for member bodies. In doing so, it reinforces the importance of responsible practices and sustains public trust within the showing world.
