I wanted to spend a bit of time this morning bringing some attention to SmartPak’s Our Path Forward pledge, first published back in July. In light of the social reckoning happening in the U.S., it’s become apparent that there is much improvement to be made on all fronts in terms of diversity and inclusion.
Here at Eventing Nation, we’re working on our own initiatives to work toward a more inclusive community, and we’ve looked to well thought-out programs such as SmartPak’s for inspiration and guidance. Take a look at the Our Path Forward pledge here. Here are a couple of highlights:
- Culture– our stewardship of our SmartPak culture; the sum of our beliefs, values, and behaviors – and how we harness culture to make a difference.
- Society– our contribution to the equestrian community, wider society, and the environment.
- Growth – our ability to contribute to society and the environment is dependent on sustainable growth, underpinned by a thriving culture.
The company then goes on to outline initiatives it plans to undertake for each part of the pledge, ranging from a diversity-focused staffing plan, promoting sustainability within its supply chain, and working with BIPOC riders to determine future paths forward. It’s an example of a brand that’s wanting to put its money where its mouth is and effect real change. Three cheers for SmartPak!
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Woodside International H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farms: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Ocala Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Radnor Hunt H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]
St. John’s H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]
War Horse Event Series H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Wednesday Reading List:
Want to support a good cause while feeding your shopping addiction? You can shop through the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy’s AmazonSmile to direct a portion of proceeds from your purchase to the nonprofit riding organization, at no additional cost to yourself. Read more about PURA’s Concrete to Show Jumping program in this blog.
The Zara Buren Memorial Fund was established by the Buren family and friends to support talented young riders exhibiting horsemanship and a desire to learn, but perhaps lack in financial resources. Click here to learn more about #RideForZara and to donate.
Tickets for the 2021 Kentucky Three Day Event will go on sale in January. Typically we’d be gearing up to book tickets right around this time of year, but coronavirus has ensured that nothing is normal, and the delay comes as a result of ongoing uncertainty surrounding sporting events. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that the event will go forward next year.
Don’t forget: the Retired Racehorse Project Virtual Vendor Fair is live until October 10. Save money and snag a great deal from the long list of vendors, all while supporting the future of the former racehorses we love so much. Click here to start shopping.
If you were competing at the Event Riders Masters, what would your song of choice be? As superfluous as it may seem, choosing a pump-up anthem can actually have some benefits for your mentality. Daniel Stewart talks about the usefulness of an “athletic anthem” in the latest USEA Tip of the Month.
Wednesday Video: The FEI re-shared this video on Twitter earlier this week, and it’s one I hadn’t seen before. Take a look behind the scenes with Freedom Zamapaladus, the founder of The Urban Equestrian Academy in the United Kingdom. Horses became a bright light in Freedom’s life and led him away from starting a criminal career.
