The British Horse Society has advised members to avoid using gendered words such as "mother" and "father" in a new inclusive language guide, recommending alternatives such as "parents" or "caregivers."
The guidance, published by the society on Sept. 7, 2025, is intended to promote language that the organisation says is more inclusive and less likely to make assumptions about family structures. The BHS describes itself as the largest equestrian charity in the UK, with more than 110,000 members. The guide also suggests replacing terms such as "foreigners" with "people from overseas" and "mankind" with "humankind," and encourages the use of "person-centred language" instead of gendered idioms like "man the desk."
The move by the BHS follows similar guidance issued in recent years by councils, universities and other organisations seeking to avoid language that may exclude or misrepresent people. Merton Council in south London told staff to use the term "caregivers" to reduce assumptions about a child's biological parents and to "recognise diverse family formation." The council's equality and diversity team advised staff to "avoid making assumptions about preferred names or nicknames without asking the individual first."
Universities and charitable groups have also produced guidance on inclusive terminology. Manchester University has advised staff to avoid using "mother" and "father" to prevent bias and assumption, and Scotland's International Development Alliance published a document last year that listed words such as "girls," "guys," "mother" and "father" as potentially problematic, recommending alternatives including "parent," "guardian," "colleagues" and "everyone." In 2022, St Luke's Primary School in Brighton advised adults to use "grown ups" rather than "mums and dads" to reflect varied family arrangements.
Critics of such guidance have argued it can be an inefficient use of resources. Toby Young of the Free Speech Union said the production of inclusive language guides diverts attention from other priorities and questioned their effectiveness in improving educational standards. Supporters of inclusive language policies say the changes are intended to reduce assumptions and make public-facing communications more welcoming to diverse families and communities.
The trend has also drawn scrutiny in political arenas. A Freedom of Information response released this year showed the Welsh Government had spent more than £3 million on diversity-related initiatives for staff and colleges, including £284,500 on providing guidance about trans issues for schools. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said that level of spending was indefensible given pressures on public services; the Welsh Government replied that it is "committed to building a more equal Wales — a country where everyone can access the services they need, where we tackle inequality and discrimination, and where we create a fairer society for all."
The British Horse Society was contacted for comment on its guidance. The society's publication of the inclusive language guide is the latest example of public and third-sector bodies issuing detailed advice on terminology in an effort to reflect changing social norms and reduce unintentional exclusion.