20/10/2026
🌻💛 INVISIBLE DISABILITIES WEEK | 19–25 October 2026 💛🌻
Not all disabilities are visible.
Have you noticed riders wearing a sunflower badge on their competition jackets? 🌻
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol that allows people with non-visible disabilities to discreetly indicate that they may need a little extra support, understanding or patience.
Within our equestrian community, a sunflower badge is more than just a symbol. It helps raise awareness and reminds us that not every challenge an athlete faces can be seen.
For some riders, the barriers they navigate extend well beyond what happens inside the competition arena.
🌻 So what does the sunflower mean?
It doesn’t identify a particular disability or tell someone’s story. It simply communicates that a person may have a non-visible disability and could benefit from additional understanding or support.
Whether you’re a fellow competitor, coach, judge, official, volunteer or spectator, we all have a role to play in creating a welcoming and inclusive equestrian environment.
💛 Be patient — someone may need a little extra time.
💛 Be understanding — not every challenge is visible.
💛 Be respectful — never assume what someone can or cannot do.
💛 Be inclusive — everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, compete and belong.
A disability doesn’t have to be visible to be real, and an athlete shouldn’t have to explain their disability to be treated with understanding and respect.
This Invisible Disabilities Week, let’s continue building an equestrian community where every rider feels supported, respected and valued.
Because while our abilities and needs may differ, our passion for horses and our sport brings us together. 🐴💛
Different needs. Same passion. 🌻
