Like many of you, I find myself in the midst of a lot of personal reflection in the recent weeks. The events that have transpired since George Floyd’s death have triggered what I hope is a true revolution and shift in perspective within our community. While it’s true that we’re an eventing publication, the reality is that systemic racism and the limits it puts on countless people each day is a very real part of our world, too. The trickledown effects lead us here: to an industry dominated by one majority, many of the rest separated by a yawning economic divide. I acknowledge that we here at Eventing Nation continue to have more work to do in bringing attention to more voices of color and more cultures across our incredible sport.
Bearing this in mind, I’ve decided to use my weekly little space here much as Tilly has: to create more space for amplifying the voices of people of color, bringing awareness to access programs, and asking for your help in alerting us to the stories and voices we need to know about. A singular effort is always better and more successful when turned into a collaborative effort. If you have a tip for a story we should be telling or how we can be better allies, please tip me at [email protected] or the team at [email protected]. Together, we can be a solution.
PS: If you’d like a primer on why all of this is such a prominent conversation right now, read this.
National Holiday: Today I learned that June 11 is known as King Kamehameha Day in Hawaii. A monarch with a vision of unification,ย Kamehamehaย the Great brought the Hawaiian islands together as one royal kingdom in 1810, bringing an end to years of turmoil.
Wednesday News & Notes:
I’d love for you to learn about the Work to Ride program in Philadelphia, PA, this week. This program provides access to a “community-based prevention program that aids disadvantaged urban youth though constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports and education.” I first caught wind of this organization, which centers much of its focus on the sport of polo, in a recent Ralph Lauren campaign. Access programs such as these are a wonderful starting point for giving more kids a life impacted and shaped by horses.
Perspective from our brave Gen Z’ers has been cropping up all over the equestrian internet recently. This op-ed from Lauryn Gray published by The Chronicle of the Horse provides a look into the life of an equestrian of color who wants to use her circle of influence to spread education. Take a read here.
US Equestrian chief executive officer Bill Moroney released a letter positing the organization’s stance and action plan regarding racism. You can also read the USEA’s statement here.
An update has been issued on the ongoing frangible jump fundraiser through the USEA. Currently, the fundraised amount sits just $85,000 short of the original $500,000 goal. Catch up on the latest efforts and how you can be involved here.
What We’re Listening To: In episode #114 of the Major League Eventing Podcast, hosts Karen and Rob chat with five-star eventer Sara Mittleider. Sara rode around Kentucky at just 19 years old and is currently on the USEF Developing rider list. Sara and her husband Attila along with her parents operate Rocky Hollow Farm in Kuna, Idaho. [Listen]
Wednesday Video Break: Go behind the scenes of the incredible Compton Peace Ride organized by the Compton Cowboys in Los Angeles this past weekend.
Ecovet is an entirely different type of fly spray … and you apply it to your horse in a different way, too. With fly season upon us, we’re sharing some tips for how to best apply Ecovet:
