There are many books, theories. research papers and discussions about what leadership is and looks like. To my mind a leader is someone who works with others to develop a clear vision of a
preferred future and makes that happen. As an equine vet working in the horse industry and holding multiple leadership roles across the equine and veterinary industry this article is a reflection on why I believe there has never been a better or more critical time for women to push towards leadership roles.

We have so many highly successful female leaders in the industry to celebrate. For example, recently we watched with absolute delight the success of Rachel Blackmore, and there are SO many others to mention. As sat in my office writing. I did question myself as to whether I was the right person to write this article but then thought, why not me? I am at an age. unlike my female
predecessors. when barriers that once blocked women’s eligibility for leadership roles are much reduced. Women and those who support them are using their voices and skills to seek greater equality in all walks of life. Yet I wonder. what is the state of the equine industry? In the notes which follow will not necessarily provide answers but merely encourage people involved in the industry to reflect on the role and importance of women to the industry and hopefully provide
some encouragement for myself and other women with a passion for equines to live a bit courageously and take the lead.

Firstly, let us look at the importance of women to the horse industry. Anecdotally we are aware that throughout the world most horses are owned, trained, and ridden by women:

• A survey done by the American Horse Publications in 2018 revealed that the predominant gender Of horse owners in the US is women (93%).

• The British Equestrian Trade Association’s National Equestrian Survey 2015 revealed that there remains a strong gender bias, with females representing 74% of the riding population in the UK. In 2015, there are an estimated 962,000 female regular riders compared with 348,000 males.

• As many sports still struggle with gender equality, equestrianism is the only Olympic event with men and women competing directly head-to-head.

• In 2020 two thirds of 28,000 athletes on the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) database were females. Men outnumber women only in show jumping.

“Boldness is not the same as bravado. You can move courageously into new terrain even if you are not convinced that you know what you are doing. Acknowledging the limits of your competence is a way to stay open to learning as you blaze a trail.”

Therefore, we can be of absolutely no doubt of the important influence of women on the equine industry. A quick Google search of key equine organisations in Ireland would reveal that many equestrian organisations such as Horse Racing Ireland, Northern Ireland Horse Board and Dressage Ireland have good representation of women at Executive or Board level. Whether or not this is the case across the Board is unclear as not all Board membership is currently available on key websites. However, I did find this initial search encouraging and it certainly appears that the equine industry may be ahead of the curve in this respect.

In Dr Shawn Andrews’ book, The Power of Perception, the author explains that fewer women are in leadership in business not because of a lack of skills. but because of society’s perceptions of leaders. He suggests that society encourages men to be assertive, self-confident, decisive, and competitive.

Historically, these are also qualities that have been associated with leadership, creating a de facto exclusion of women from leading roles. It was therefore assumed that women are not naturally leaders. We now know that this is not the case. My great grandmother was not allowed an education because she was a girl, and her brothers all went to university and had professional careers. However, the good news is, since women are now as well or more educated than men in the workforce, little should stand in the way of their rise to leadership positions. Women can provide valuable leadership qualities related to communication and other components of emotional intelligence. including critical thinking a positive work ethic, and strength in working with others.

Some historians and researchers would also suggest that women are quicker to take risks. adopt or embrace new ideas and technology. I would suggest that the equine industry in Ireland has many examples to support this; one example being the growing number of practitioners who are embracing equine assisted learning or therapy.

In my experience true leaders are also great encouragers. I have had the privilege to be influenced and taught by a few true leaders both female and male who have made a difference in my life. They are also flawed human beings who make mistakes and learn from them. My own grandfather was a risk taker and a leader, he was one of my greatest mentors and he would often say “the person who never made a mistake never made anything”. He would always encourage us to push at the boundaries. However, as Heifty & Linsky in the book “Leadership on the Line” state “Boldness is not the same as bravado. You can move courageously into new terrain even if you are not convinced that you know what you are doing. Acknowledging the limits of your competence is a way to stay open to learning as you blaze a trail.”

In conclusion. real leadership is a chance to make a difference in the lives of people around us or in the lives of equines for whom we have the honour to steward. The equine industry in Ireland provides many such opportunities, Sometimes it requires you to live courageously because when leadership counts; it can lead you to challenge what people hold dear – the norms, tools. loyalties, and ways of thinking. Heifty & Linsky in the book “Leadership on the Line” state that “You appear dangerous to people when you question their values. beliefs or habits of a lifetime”. However, I would suggest that it is worth the risk, as by making the lives of people or animals around you better. such leadership results in a meaningful and lasting legacy!