Stephanie Kallstrom and Tigger. Photo by Arinn Westendorf.
I was lucky enough to “meet” Stephanie Kallstrom this week through our mutual membership in an Equestrians of Color Facebook group. Stephanie proudly shared her photo with us, and I’ll let her do the talking on the perspective behind it:
“In the horse world we need to embrace change, inclusion and diversity,” Stephanie said. “As horse people we can relate to our one commonality is which is the love for horses. This picture is taken on my homebred 10 year old Oldenburg gelding. He is a show horse a hunter most specifically and has never in his life carried a flag. This picture represents how proud I am to be the no longer silent black equestrians, my gratitude for those who are taking anti racism education seriously and who wholeheartedly care about other human beings and equality.”
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Blue Ridge Mountain H.T. at TIEC: [Website][Entries] [Ride Times]
CDCTA Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entries]
Flora Lea Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entries]
Flying Cross Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entries]
GMHA Summer H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times]
Ocala Summer H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times]
Otter Creek Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entries]
The Event at Skyline: [Website] [Entries]
Stone Gate Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entries]
Wednesday News & Notes:
The Kentucky Derby has come and gone, but our continuing education on the history of Black riders and trainers in racing as well as the effects of racism has only just begun. While much has been done, work still remains on bringing racing more to its roots and giving the exposure and respect that Black horsewomen and men deserve. This two-part series, “Racism In Racing”, is a great read for anyone looking for insight on the past, present, and future of the industry.
The International Olympic Committee and International Federations have released a webinar series dedicated to gender equality across Olympic disciplines. These sessions will tackle topics such as “leadership (governance, coaches and technical officials), safeguarding, and removing gender bias from all aspects of portrayal”, according to the program description. Learn more about this and other gender equality initiatives here.
“We need to talk about breasts.” I absolutely loved this article by Noa Leibson for The Plaid Horse addressing the need for taboo removal when it comes to our bodies. The reality is that every rider has a unique body, and conversations about how to best use that body for equestrian sport should never be considered taboo. Have a read here.
Bucks County Horse Park still has some openings for those wanting to compete in its Friday Evening Eventing series. Entries are due today by noon E.T. for consideration. [2020 Friday Evening Eventing]
Would you like to get your hands on Amerigo’s new safety stirrups? Our friends at World Equestrian Brands are giving a pair away FREE. The best part? They come in an array of colors, perfect for eventers. The raffle ends Friday, September 11th at midnight. [Fab Freebie: Win a Pair of Amerigo’s New Safety Stirrups]
California is in the throes of wildfire season, which means a lot of displaced or otherwise affected animals need our help. Many eventers have been affected by the fires burning in both northern and southern California – anyone local who may be able to assist with temporary animal care and housing can contact their local Humane Society or animal rescue for ways to help.
Access Copperline Equestrian and Holling Eventing have teamed up to offer an eventing camp in Ocala, October 27 through November 1. The camp will include riding sessions, ground work, lectures and demos, as well as coaching at the Rocking Horse Horse Trials following the camp. This is a great opportunity for anyone seeking an immersive learning experience. Click here to see more information.
Caroline Martin has fine tuned her final phase with the help of show jumping legend Anne Kursinski. From adjusting her eye to get closer to the base to using driving reins, here are some takeaways Caroline shared with Nöelle Floyd on improving jumping.
Wednesday Video: Here’s Johnny! Elisa Wallace’s five-star partner, Simply Priceless, was out to stretch his legs in a recent Advanced CT at Florida Horse Park. Check out their rides in Elisa’s vlog:
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:
