[3] As an umbrella body, the purpose of the federation is the steering of equestrianism in Britain.

Together with the British Horseracing Authority and the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the federation forms the British Horse Industry Confederation.

[1] The leaderships stands for a period of four years, with a maximum of two terms.

The chairman is Malcom Wharton as of 2020, with previous chairmen including Badminton Horse Trials organiser Hugh Thomas.

British Equestrian is formed of nineteen (fourteen full, five associate) independent member bodies who represent the various equestrian sports.