Horse sport has the chance to lead the way on taboos

EQUESTRIAN sports have the opportunity to lead on discussing taboo topics, it is thought, as elite female athletes’ concerns over starting families and personal health have been highlighted.

The BBC Elite British Sportswomen survey covered topics including whether women felt supported by governing bodies to have a baby and continue to compete, if they had delayed starting a family for their career, whether their performance had been affected by menstrual issues, and if they felt comfortable discussing periods with coaches.

Olympic gold medal-winning dressage rider and mother of three Laura Tomlinson, 35, told concerns around breaks to have a baby