August 26, 2025 
The stats on sexual abuse in sport are alarming.
More than 50% of all athletes will experience abuse in sports. Thirteen to 15 years old is the average age at which an athlete will first experience a verbal, physical, or sexual abuse incident. And over 90% of child sexual abuse survivors know their perpetrator already.
But here’s another figure worth noting… 117 horse and rider pairs came forward to compete in the third annual #WeRideTogether Open Classics at Thunderbird Show Park last month.
The fundraising class saw record entries jump for healthy sport and $7,500 in prize money in the Pacific Park Arena at the Summer Fort Classic. A total of 68 horse and rider combinations contested the .9/1.0m height of the #WeRideTogether Open Classic. Another 49 jumped the 1.10/1.15m height. Together, the two classes raised over $17,000 to support the 501c3’s mission to end sexual abuse in all sports, at every level.
“We are thrilled to return to tbird for our third annual #WeRideTogether fundraising event. This year, our intention was to make our fundraising effort even more accessible to junior and amateur riders by creating a $2,500 0.9/1.0 Classic and a $5,000 1.10/1.15 Classic,” said #WeRideTogether executive director Michaela Callie.
“Each year, this event brings together a powerful community of equestrians who share our vision of safer, healthier sports for all. We are deeply grateful to tbird for our continued partnership and for the outpouring of support we received from parents, athletes, and trainers.”
In keeping with #WeRideTogether’s community-focused commitment to safe and healthy sport, competitors earned additional prizes generously donated by partner sponsors Amelia Newcomb Dressage, Greenhawk Langley, FarmVet, Dreamers & Schemers, ManeJane, The TackHack, Charles Owen, The Gilded Paddock, and Pinsnickety. #WeRideTogether’s on-the-ground team also handed out over 130 goodie bags featuring the Athlete Help Line number, safeguarding information, and educational materials.
Since 2021, #WeRideTogether has spearheaded the charge to educate parents, coaches, athletes, and sporting organizations on safeguarding and abuse prevention best practices.
Yes, the stats on sexual abuse in sports are alarming. But there are 117 reasons to believe the culture is shifting—and having fun while doing it.
Want to bring a #WeRideTogether event to your next horse show, regatta, swim meet, soccer game, or other event? Reach out at info@weridetogether.today!
