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Happy International Women’s Day! I’m forever grateful to be part of a sport in which women and men are on equal footing competitively – though there’s still plenty of work to be done to ensure that female riders are genuinely treated as equals outside of the competition ring. So while I’m overawed as always by the tough, clever, kind, and talented women who have helped to shape our sport, my greatest admiration and gratitude is with the women and girls who’ve been so brave in recent years, stepping forward to denounce abusers despite considerable backlash for doing so. Together, we can make our sport a safe and inclusive place in which no one has to suffer abuse of any kind to participate – and you, the whistleblowers, are the greatest driving force for change that we have. Speaking as a woman, as an eventer, and as a survivor of sexual assault in the industry – thank you.
Events Opening Today: Unionville, Sporting Days Farm April H.T. III, River Glen Spring H.T.
Events Closing Today: Full Gallop Farm March II H.T., Texas Rose Horse Park H.T., March Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks, Carolina International CCI & H.T.
Women’s History Month Bit of the Day: Empress Elizabeth of Austria wasn’t just a horse-lover – she was also the proto-equestrian influencer, way back in the mid-19th century.
Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:
To celebrate International Women’s Day last year, the FEI put together this tribute. Consider this evergreen content: these strong, smart, brilliant women keep on showing up, day in and day out, for the industry.
The founder of one of Britain’s inner-city riding schools has received the prestigious Sir Colin Spedding Award. The award, which is given out at the annual National Equine Forum, honours unsung heroes of the equestrian world, and Imran Atcha, founder of Gloucester’s St James City Farm Riding School, has proven a worthy recipient with his tireless efforts to bring horses to underrepresented demographics.
Speaking of inner-city riding schools, a teenager from Brixton’s Ebony Horse Club has become the first Riding A Dream scholarship recipient to graduate from the British Racing School’s Foundation course. The Riding a Dream Academy was set up after Khadijah Mellah’s historic win in the Magnolia Cup charity race, and is designed to help young people from underserved communities get into racing. Oshane’s success is proof that the system is working.
Barn drama – we’ve all experienced it. But have you ever experienced it to this degree?
Want to improve your relationship with your horse? Great groundwork is the way forward – and it’ll make life easier for everyone who has to deal with him, too.
HOT ON EN: Want to help the people and horses of Ukraine? Here are some excellent resources to make sure your donation of aid, supplies, or funds gets to the right place.
Listen to This:
Get inspired with The Eventing Podcast‘s compilation show featuring the insights and accomplishments of some of the sport’s leading ladies.
Video Break:
Learn more about one of eventing’s brightest stars in this conversation between producing powerhouse Jenny Rudall and Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett:
