Classic Eventing Nation

Weekly OTTB Wishlist: Retail Therapy

By on Nov 6, 2020 12:00 pm -

It’s been a stressful week, no? It may not be the healthiest coping method, but sometimes when the going gets tough the tough go … shopping. And what kind of shopping is the best kind of shopping? Say it with me now — horse shopping! So here you go folks, our three OTTB picks of the week. Take a deep breath and enjoy a little window shopping escapism:

Preston Court. Photo via finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Preston Court (MISSION IMPAZIBLE – CREEK GIRL, BY ELUSIVE QUALITY): 2016 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding

You’ve got to love a nice grey, and Preston Court is “a very cool horse” and “a super nice guy” according to those who know him. He’s got a solid bone structure and is expected to do a little bit more growing so he might get a bit more uphill as well. Though Preston Court did fairly well for himself on the track, his trainer believes in moving his horses on to a second career before they get run down. The CANTER volunteers who listed him were impressed by his nice movement, so he’s likely to be an eye catching guy not just due to the color of his coat.

Located in Farmington, New York.

View Preston Court on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Al Taweel. Photo via CANTER Chicago.

Al Taweel (UNBRIDLED’S SONG – THE BEST DAY EVER, BY BRAHMS): 2013 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Want to add a world traveler to your string? Word has it that his horse has got as nice of a personality as he is good looking, too. Al Taweel was born in Kentucky and sold for $310,00 at Keeneland before going on to start his race career in Dubai. He came back home to the Bluegrass State after a year and a half of racing overseas and continued to compete, racking up 37 total career starts and $66,150. He’s had a few wins here and there, but isn’t competitive at the next level of racing as his trainer would like so here’s hoping he can find a home to settle down in.

Located in Stickney, Illinois.

View Al Taweel on CANTER Chicago.

Gum Tree Lane. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Gum Tree Lane (HE’S HAD ENOUGH – ELIZABITS, BY FORESTRY): 2016 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

This eye-catching gelding really caught the attention of the New Vocations staff. Gum Tree lane will need a patient and experienced person to bring him along and help him balance himself properly and unlock that ‘X’ factor that the New Vocations staff has caught glimpses of. Gum Tree Lane is lightly raced with 8 starts and lots more to give to his new people.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Gum Tree Lane on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

A Family Affair and the Ride of a Lifetime for Taylor Wing

By on Nov 6, 2020 9:00 am -

Taylor Wing and Troy Wing. Photo courtesy of Margot Miller.

Horses have always been a family affair for Troy, Taylor, and Landon Wing. Living on the farm out of which Troy runs Troy Wing Eventing in upstate New York has plenty of perks paired with an equal amount of responsibility, but it’s a home environment that has brought the family close together alongside some equally special horses.

Time To Tango, an off-track Thoroughbred gelding who is 20 this year, was never the simplest of rides, as most talented event horses go. Troy followed his gut feeling after watching the gelding’s sales ads pop up periodically. Lower and lower, the price would drop, until finally the horse was listed as free. It had been hard to find buyers willing to take a chance on the sensitive horse with the huge jump.

But Troy had a feeling. He sent a trailer for the gelding after a minimal vetting, the horse’s videos enough to make a case to his new rider.

It was tough – certainly many gritty event riders can relate to this process. “Tango” was anxious, high energy, and liked to jump so big that it was difficult for riders to stick in the tack. Yet as Troy put in the time, the gelding slowly gave in. The pair would move up through the Intermediate level, eventually completing a then-CIC2* at Jersey Fresh in 2016.

Photo courtesy of Margot Miller.

As Tango grew older and his upper level career drew to a close, he began playing the role of teacher – though he wouldn’t have been the easiest professor that all the kids were eager to learn from. Troy would often use Tango for lessons on the farm, but he would test the riders.

Taylor Wing, who is 11 this year, grew up around the big bay gelding. “Baby Tango”, she would call him as she spent time grooming him for her dad at shows and around the farm. Both she and Landon, 15, grew up comfortable around the horses, Landon’s interests eventually leading him more to the pleasure side of riding. Taylor, on the other hand, had a competitive streak with her riding. As her own riding education blossomed, Troy began to entertain the idea of giving the ride on his heart horse to his daughter.

Of course, there was a learning curve. Tango was a big, strong horse, and Taylor’s legs would barely clear the saddle pad in her dressage tack. But she was determined – and Tango, as the smartest horses will do, seemed to know that this small human was one he should be gentler with.

Troy laughs at this now. Of course his horse would put on his angel wings when Taylor was in the saddle. But as soon as Troy would swing a leg over, all bets were off. Yet the gelding was attached to Taylor, always taking small, mincing steps when he’d let her up for a pony ride as a small child.

Taylor had begun competing with another horse, Anime, who is a different style of ride for her. But soon enough, she felt ready to ask the big question: could she compete Tango at an event?

Photo courtesy of Margot Miller.

Troy agreed, on the condition that Taylor take responsibility for making sure both of her horses were properly prepared for the upcoming event at Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club. It was a task she took seriously, making a schedule for each horse in the weeks leading up to the event, dotting her i’s and crossing her t’s. Troy was impressed, and more than a little emotional at the thought of his daughter competing with his partner.

Taylor and Tango would add a few penalties in the show jumping phase at their first competition together, but it was all smiles at the end of the weekend. She would finish in fifth place out of 13 starters with Tango in the Beginner Novice, and also competed in the Novice division with Anime. It’s incredibly special to see your former upper level horse teaching the ropes to someone else. It’s even more meaningful when that someone is your kid.

Troy reflected on his life with his kids, managing his business, competitive career, and home life. It’s not the simplest life for the kids, but he says he’s grateful that they’ve had the opportunity to grow closer and share some incredible memories. “We always knew (Tango) would give his heart over everything,” Troy says. “It’s been really special watching him and Taylor, and I’m just reminded of how lucky I am to have these kids.”

“Throughout the day Taylor stayed humble and grateful, simply excited to have a chance to sit on both horses,” longtime family friend Margot Miller wrote to EN. “She handled Tango’s ‘dressage attitude’ with grace and a smile. “As she was called to the start box, Tay started to cry. Most of the team was out on the course, finding spots for the best photographs and videos, leaving just Troy and Tay in the start box. Troy said ‘Tay, If you are worried and not feeling okay about this, you don’t have to go,’. Taylor responded, “These are happy tears Dad, I never believed I would really get here, I’ve always dreamed of this.”

Friday News & Notes

By on Nov 6, 2020 12:03 am -

Some weeks, you just need your brain pulsed. Photo by Kate Samuels.

From the year that brought you six months of March, we now have the week of Tuesday. I believe today is the fourth Tuesday of November so far, and the weekend may be cancelled in light of more Tuesdays. However, I’m writing this at night, so I my predictions could be wrong and tomorrow could, in fact, be Saturday! Let’s all hope. I feel like we could really use a weekend right now.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Moon Farms H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Majestic Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

River Glen H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

War Horse Event Series November H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Major International Events:

Pratoni International CCI4*L/CCI4*S: [Website] [Entries] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

The world said goodbye to Shane Rose’s five-star horse All Luck this week, as he died at home at the age of 26. Lucky was a racehorse in his first career, and then took Shane all the way to England in 2006 and finished 3rd at Burghley. The pair was also part of the silver medal team at the 2008 Hong Kong Olympics, producing the fastest cross country time of the day. [RIP All Luck]

The National Turf Writers And Broadcasters pledged $5,000 to the Lexington, Ky.-based Legacy Equine Academy Inc., a unique program that allows African American and racially diverse Middle and High School students the unique opportunity to build life skills while learning horsemanship through exposure to the many opportunities on farms and in the horse racing industry. Legacy Equine Academy recruits students who are then tagged as a “Legacy Leaders” at the Middle School level. Academy members then identify the targeted students interested in the equine industry and works to ensure their candidacy for Locust Trace multi-level curriculum during their High School years, creating a pipeline toward developing future farm and racing industry professionals. [NTWAB Pledges Money to Inclusive Middle School Program]

British Eventing funded a study into the effectiveness of air jackets in the event of a riding fall. The research calculated the risk of severe chest injury fell from 94 percent when wearing a standard BE body protector to 81 percent when wearing an air jacket. While this means the air jacket could reduce the likelihood of severe injury if a horse falls on a rider, BE stated there is still a “high probability” of riders incurring a severe injury. The study further concluded the air jacket is “unlikely” to prevent fatalities should a horse fall directly on a rider. [Air Jackets: Worth It?]

CNN projects Rhode Island voters have approved a measure that will strike “and Providence Plantations” from the state’s name: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. This year’s Question 1 ballot proposition asked voters whether to amend the state Constitution by trimming that name to simply State of Rhode Island.  “Nobody is trying to eradicate the history that has been in play,” Democratic state Rep. Anastasia Williams, who worked to get the question placed on the ballot this year following George Floyd’s death. “But we need to present the true and accurate history of it entirely, as opposed to just bits and pieces.” Williams added: “If you don’t believe that that word has a life, a real dark painful life, then you’re seriously mistaken.” [Rhode Island Votes to Remove Providence Plantations From State Name]
In preparation for Breeders Cup Week, the only Breeders Cup Classic that matters:

Thursday Video: Ride the Luhmühlen CCI4*S Track with Ingrid Klimke

By on Nov 5, 2020 4:00 pm -

This year’s German Eventing Championship at Luhmühlen would turn out to be a winning weekend for reigning 2019 champion Ingrid Klimke. SAP Asha P proved her mettle to would take the top spot ahead of her stablemates Equistro’s Siena Just Do It and SAP Hale Bob OLD. We always look forward to seeing Ingrid’s helmet cam videos from any of her rides, and this one of her trip around the CCI4*S with “Bobby”, who would finish the weekend in 23rd position, is no exception.

You’ll want to turn on the auto-translated closed captioning if you’re not a German speaker, or you can simply watch without sound as Ingrid makes her way around with her veteran partner.

To look back on this year’s German Eventing Championships, revisit our coverage here.

How the Soweto Equestrian Centre is Helping Disadvantaged Children in South Africa

By on Nov 5, 2020 2:00 pm -

There are many organizations and athletes working to make a difference and bring the power of horses to more potential riders around the world. The newest episode of Equestrian Weekly from the FEI explores another such entity, the Soweto Equestrian Centre, and how it’s bridging the horse gap for disadvantaged children living in South Africa.

The Soweto Equestrian Centre was founded by Enos Mafokate, the first Black show jumper from South Africa who got his shot at the competition ring in the 1960s. At the time, Enos worked for professional show jumpers and was initially only allowed to “compete” at home against other Black riders, not against white riders. Enos was eventually talent spotted by British rider David Broome, who helped open the door for the talented rider to compete in Britain. His performances would leave a lasting impression; Princess Anne would visit his facility later on after watching Enos compete.

In 2007, Enos founded the Soweto Equestrian Centre with the initial intent to help the hard-working cart horses commonly found in the township of Johannesburg as well as provide the opportunity to experience horses for those who were disabled or unable to afford riding.

“I teach them to muck out the stables, to look after the horse, to ride…I teach them everything…about the horse,” Enos said in his interview with Equestrian Weekly. Without a large amount of funding, Enos purchases many of the horses used in the program from the coal mines; others are donated from well-meaning individuals. A particular point of pride for Enos is his ability to put correct training on every horse that comes through his program.

Enos’ goal has been to show others that equestrian sport is not only for certain demographics. “There’s no way we have to go backwards, we have to go forwards,” he said.

To learn more about Enos and the Soweto Equestrian Centre, click here.

The Loss of a King: Saying Goodbye to Louis M

By on Nov 5, 2020 11:00 am -

Alexa Gartenberg and Louis M. Photo by Abby Powell.

Eventing Nation is extremely sad to report that Louis M, a horse whose FEI career spanned two continents, nine countries, and three young women, has been euthanized due to an acute case of laminitis. The Rheinland Pfalz-Saar gelding was 15 years old. The Gartenberg family has issued the following statement:

“Alexa Gartenberg’s Louis M was humanely euthanized on Wednesday November 4, 2020 due to an acute case of laminitis. His team at New Bolton Center were valiant in their efforts to save him but his case became too severe.”

Louis M began his FEI career in 2011 under German young rider Pia Münker, who competed with him 37 times in Europe from the 2*-S level up through the 4*-S level (previously the CIC1* to CIC3* levels), winning in 15 of his starts with her. Together they contested two European Young Rider championships at Malmö and Jardy before stepping up to the now-4* level together.

Alexa GartenBerg and Louis M. Photo by Abby Powell.

Louis M became well known for his ability to lay down stunning dressage tests, setting records at multiple levels such as being the first horse in the modern eventing era to lay down 20 consecutive sub-40 tests (with the multiplier added, now equivalent to a 26.7) at the FEI level, setting a low score record for the FEI at the time of 20.6 penalties (with a 1.5 multiplier, equivalent today to a 13.7) at the Kreuth 2*-S (previously CIC2*) in 2015 and generally being in the lead after the dressage phase.

In 2016, he was imported to the US by Cornelia Dorr, who gained experience on him and quickly moved up the levels to ultimately contest her first Advanced and CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) on him. Under Cornelia, he won at the 2*-L and 3*-L (previously CCI1* and CCI2*) and contested yet another Young Rider championship.

Cornelia Dorr and Louis M. Photo by Jenni Autry.

For the final chapter in this horse’s illustrious career, he was once more paired with a talented young rider in Alexa Gartenberg, whose prior experience let them quickly be competitive at the 3* level, winning at the FEI level with yet another rider at the Bromont CCI3*-S last summer before going on to lead the dressage at the Fair Hill CCI3*-L last fall. The pair stepped up for Alexa’s first Advanced at Pine Top earlier this year before the pandemic stymied further competition.

Alexa has posted the following message regarding Louis M on her social media:

“I am completely devastated to share that my beloved Louis M had to be euthanized following a critical case of laminitis.

Louis was my best friend, a brilliant professor, and my most generous teacher. Losing him has left my heart completely shattered, but I will always be grateful to have known him, loved him, and had the incredible opportunity to have had him as my partner.

His career and journey involved many special people, and I am very thankful to each of them. He was truly the King of Horses.

Thank you, Louis M, for all that you gave me, and all that you gave to the sport of Eventing. You will never be forgotten and will always be missed.”

Matt and Cecily Brown, Alexa’s coaches at East West Training, also paid the following tribute:

“Louis M. A God among horses. A lover of goldfish, bananas, a good necking session, and his job. An overachiever, and always the smartest one in the room. Have you ever met a horse that never had a bad day? I hadn’t, until I met Louis. He showed up for work every day. He never had to be asked anything twice. He lived to do the right thing, and he loved teaching his girls how to be good.

When you asked Alexa how Louis was after a cross country round, she would get a dreamy look in her eye and say “he’s Louis, he’s perfect”. And that was never an exaggeration.

He was larger than life. He demanded attention with his presence alone. He was Louis, and he was perfect. Thank you for taking care of your girls, Louis. You will be deeply missed.”

Our sincerest condolences go out to Alexa, the Gartenberg family, the team at East West, Cornelia and Pia and all the numerous others whose lives this horse has touched in this trying time.

Volunteer Nation: 4 Events You Can Help This Weekend

By on Nov 5, 2020 9:00 am -

Thank you volunteers! Photo courtesy of Morven Park.

It’s time to sign up to volunteer this weekend! We typically list recognized events whose volunteer positions can be found on EventingVolunteers.com each week, but it’s also helpful to check the social media and websites of your local schooling shows and events, too. Eventing is volunteer-powered, so each and every helping hand is valuable.

We’ve compiled some resources on volunteering with COVID-19 regulations in mind. We’ll reference this list each week in Volunteer Nation, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what’s new and different.

COVID-19 Resources for Eventers
Volunteers Adapt to the New Normal
Volunteers Weigh In on New COVID-19 Protocols

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Event: Full Moon Farm H.T.
Dates: Sunday, November 8
Address: 4286 Louisville Road, Finksburg, MD, 21048-2723
Position(s) Available: XC Jump Judge, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Majestic Oaks Recognized H.T.
Dates: Saturday, November 7
Address: 17500 N US Highway 441, Reddick, FL, 32686
Position(s) Available: XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Helper, Floater, General Help

Event: Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T.
Dates: Saturday, November 7 through Sunday, November 8
Address: 14078 State Highway 110 N, Tyler, TX, 75704
Position(s) Available: XC Jump Judge, SJ Warm-up, XC Jump Judge

Event: War Horse Event Series November Championship and H.T.
Dates: Saturday, November 7 through Monday, November 9
Address: 2814 Montrose Rd., Raeford, NC, 28376
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – XC, Awards Committee, General Help, XC Jump Judge, Event Takedown – XC

Thursday News & Notes

By on Nov 5, 2020 12:03 am -

Everybody needs some horsey smooches this week. Photo via Skyeler Icke Voss

Well folks, this week is a testing one for the old United States of America, and I can’t really say more than that, as our futures right now are largely unknown in a lot of ways. We are so fortunate to be able to access our emotional support animals on a regular basis, and it’s no surprise that horses are used worldwide for therapy. My best advice is to follow the lead of young Brinley here and smooch a horse today, and wear a princess dress if it pleases you.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Moon Farms H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Majestic Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

River Glen H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

War Horse Event Series November H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Remember 2014 in Kentucky, there was a small bay thoroughbred with a white face that galloped around the now 5* by the name of Ziggy. Partnered with his owner Rachel Jurgens, Ziggy added just a handful of time to his dressage score, and moved up 27 places to finish in 24th place. After deciding to focus on her business Pony Espresso, Rachel handed the reins to Andrew McConnon, who competed with Ziggy up to the Advanced level, before moving to England and in turn passing him to Rachel King, who competed through Preliminary with him until he was 21. And now, unexpectedly, after a lifetime of distinctly not enjoying the first phase, Ziggy finds himself a willing partner in the journey to Grand Prix dressage at the age of 25. [From Trakehners to Tempi Changes]

Low back pain getting you down? That’s basically a rhetorical question, I think most riders have some kind of lower back pain on a semi regular basis. There are lots of ways of managing it, from strengthening exercises to regular body work, we’ve all got our systems. If you’re looking for new hot tips, check out this pod with Tony Sandoval, joined by Dr. Jenni Douglas from Event Fit Rider Performance, Natasha Gunston from The Eventing Physiologist, and Lisa Bauman from Om Riding for a conversation moderated by Nicole Brown of the Equiratings Eventing Podcast and USEA Official Podcast for a discussion on the topic of low back pain in riders. [Low Back Pain Management for Riders]

With the deep, deep joy of horses, comes the equally deep and even more difficult decision to euthanize a horse. No giving it a euphemism, such as “putting down,” because it is unpleasant. No, this action needs to be done with a clear and concise decision. We spend our lives taking care of animals, putting their needs in front of ours. You thirsty after riding?  Tough, take care of your horse first. You don’t want to go out in the cold? Not an option because the animals need to be fed. Knowing when it’s time is part of caring for them. [When It’s Time]

Dover Saddlery’s HorsePower has been created to bring awareness to positive actions that further unify our equestrian community, support differences, and enrich lives through experiences with horses. Check out their new page to explore the journey of amazing foundations, groups, and individuals who all provide hope, inspiration, education, and healing, to people through the power and passion of horses. [Dover Saddlery’s HorsePower]

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Banish Back Pain

By on Nov 4, 2020 5:00 pm -

How are we feeling, folks? Tired, I expect — the past 24 hours have been an emotional rollercoaster and the ride isn’t over yet. Add to that the off-season blues and the impending second lockdown, and it’s safe to assume the vibes are at a low ebb.

I thought about trying to fix you all with cute foals or similar; honestly, I did. But actually, I always find that giving yourself something to sink your teeth into is a better way to channel the varying stresses and anxieties of life. And so I refer you to strength and conditioning coach — and rider rehab pro — Coach Sando, who heads up this roundtable discussion on how to tackle and prevent lower back pain. It’s no secret that we all have the spines of 75-year-olds by the time we hit our mid-twenties, so this is likely to be a big help to many of you — and I suggest letting it spur on a commitment to strength and fitness this winter. You’ll be so grateful you did when you next leave the start box.

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

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Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s energy needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Meet the First Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship Winner: Milan Berry

By on Nov 4, 2020 3:30 pm -

We recently featured the Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship, a new fund established to provide opportunity and mentorship to young riders from diverse backgrounds get a leg up with their riding. The first winner of the OYES award is Milan Berry, and we’re honored that she has given EN permission to share her essay. If you or someone you know are eligible for the next round of this scholarship, you can view more information and download an application for the next round (deadline: January 15, 2021) here.

Photo courtesy of Milan Berry.

Usually when I tell people that I speak Chinese and ride horses, I get more than a few head-turns and eyebrow raises. Being an African American woman, most people wouldn’t expect me to speak one of the world’s hardest languages, as well as have the ability and physicality to control a one-ton animal with my heels, leg, and seat.

I think that it takes a special type of person to willingly walk into an unknown situation with no allies or support system behind you, and still come out swinging and successful. I’d like to think that I am experienced in this aspect, as some of the most important parts of me stem from being the “only one”. I believe it truly makes me unique, an anomaly, but never in a negative sense.

My name is Milan Berry. I am a senior at Georgia Southern University double majoring in International Studies and Chinese Language, and I am the current Secretary of the Georgia Southern Equestrian Team. Through this University-sponsored club team, I have been riding English consistently in weekly lessons for around 4 years now, and the Equestrian Team is trained by Eleanor Ellis, out of Evermore Farm. English is truly the discipline I am passionate about, but my wildest hopes and dreams stem from eventing. Watching the horses gallop cross-country, jumping over monster sized landscapes gets my adrenaline pumping. This is why eventing is my favorite discipline, one I hope to be able to participate in within the near future.

Horses have been a lifelong fascination for me. As a toddler, and I vividly remember watching the 1994 version of Black Beauty on cassette tape. Watching the black stallion gallop across fields, throw its head and rear took my breath away in ways I still remember clearly to this day. They were magical creatures, animals that were so big but so full of life and personality. Ever since then, I have been fascinated with them and the sport that horseback riding is.

Since I am completely financially independent from my parents, I use money from my student loan refund to pay for lessons, as well as show fees and riding clothes. This is the only way I would be able to afford riding, and I also work two part-time jobs to afford extra lessons and showing opportunities. I am the only African American English rider on my Equestrian team, and I am the first POC to serve in an officer’s position in the entire history of the club. As the secretary of the Georgia Southern Equestrian Team, I am responsible for recruitment and the management of our social media profiles and influence. Currently I only show in walk-trot, but I attend two lessons weekly where I walk, trot, canter, and have jumped up to 2 foot. Although it is hard to ignore when I am the only POC lessoning and competing, I have never allowed this isolation to stop me.

Milan with her Georgia Southern Equestrian teammates. Photo courtesy of Milan Berry.

Throughout my time riding, I quickly became aware of the fact that I was isolated via race. I noticed it while watching the Olympics in 2016, I noticed that I never saw people of color in the Dover catalogs I receive in the mail. I especially noticed it in the show ring, when even to this day I am often the only person of color competing. Although the horses that we ride do not see color or race, it is hard to be the only person who looks like you in a show ring or lesson. It is hard to not see many people of your race at the very top of the sport, competing in Grand Prixes and winning hundred thousand-dollar derbies. And it is especially hard as of recently with so many large equestrian companies and brands speaking out about diversity and inclusiveness in our sport, and to see many influential equestrians speak against it. How do I explain my experiences to people when there are so few people like me to share theirs as well? Having the monetary funds to maintain horses is a privilege that many people don’t understand, especially if they were born into the lifestyle that I try my best to spread awareness of this fact, as riding horses has truly taught me the results of hard-work, perseverance, consistency, and grit.

When I think back to my younger self, I would have never imagined being in the position I am today. There were a variety of factors that prohibited my ability to ride when I was younger, but the most significant ones were finances and distance. Due to financial hardship within my family, riding as consistently as I do was a dream to me at one point in time. I remember begging my parents for lessons, giving them all types of addresses and names of barns that they could take me to. But as I grew up and kept asking, I quickly realized how expensive horses were. Average lesson prices in my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia are around $60.00 to $70.00 dollars an hour, and even as a pre-teen I knew my family couldn’t afford it. This didn’t stop me though. Right around the age of 14 and 15, I began catching Atlanta’s public transportation system to get around the city. This gave me a wider range of freedom, and I spent countless hours on buses and trains to get to a therapeutic riding program I began volunteering at about 20 miles north of the city center. These volunteer sessions taught me the most basic skills, such as tacking up and grooming. This was how I got my “horse fix” my freshman year of high school, and my interactions with horses only grew from there. I later accepted two working student positions in the summer of 2014 at a hunter/jumper barn, and the summer of 2016 at a local trail-riding business. After 2016, I did not ride another horse until I was a freshman at Georgia Southern.

As a double major in International Studies and Chinese Language, other countries and cultures have always intrigued me. I began learning Chinese at the age of 14 and learning the language had provided me two international experiences before I turned 21. I am proud to say that studying Chinese led me to the opportunity of becoming a Benjamin Gilman Scholar, a U.S. Department of State program that funds study abroad initiatives for low-income students. I spent a month attending East China Normal University in the Summer of 2019, taking a Chinese International Relations class. I learned about different aspects of China’s international relationships with other countries, as well as key details about Chinese foreign policy. Receiving this scholarship was truly life-changing, as it opened my eyes to the possibilities of a career abroad and specifically within the Foreign Service. The fellowships that I am applying for could potentially completely pay for my graduate school and assure me a career within the U.S. Department of State. My goal is that I will earn enough money to own my own horse someday and be able to afford lessons and training as well.

The opportunity provided by the Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship means the world to me. I am truly grateful to use this riding scholarship to not only improve my personal riding skills, but to raise and encourage awareness for diversity and inclusion in the sport itself. Horses have taught me the value of patience, hard work, perseverance, and above all the will to excel no matter my environment. Thank you for believing in me and I hope we will be able to bring people from all walks of life into the wonderful place that is the equestrian community.