The latest issue of Sidelines Magazine introduced me to the Harris sisters, the siblings behind the Sisters Horsing Around YouTube channel and proud first generation horsewomen who love sharing the horse world with others. Like many of us, myself included, Emily and Sarah Harris did not grow up in a particularly horse-centric family. This quote sums it up impeccably: “The love of horses was not in Emily and Sarah’s blood — it was stamped on their souls.”
After diving in “feet first” and purchasing the first family horse, Emily and Sarah become full-fledged horse nuts, devouring every experience they had in the process. Their love of horses eventually transcended their own time in the saddle and led them to launch Sisters Horsing Around with the intention to be proud role models for Black equestrians and anyone new to this world.
You can learn more about Emily and Sarah Harris and the infectious love for the horse world in the Sidelines Magazine feature here.
Brand Shoutout: I thought it would be fun to add a little section to this column each week highlighting a brand that has put its best foot forward and made efforts to diversify its marketing and advertising. Representation is such an important thing for people of color (you can read a little more of my personal experience with this here), and what may seem insignificant (a photo of a rider or a model used in a photo shoot) can actually have a huge impact on many riders.
This week, I’ll kick things off with a shout-out to Ariat. I’ve noticed that their social media team has begun featuring a higher number of BIPOC riders in recent weeks. Here’s a post that really made 12-year-old Sally smile with delight.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]
Hunt Club Farms H.T.: [Website]
Pine Hill Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]
Tryon Riding & Hunt Club “Morris the Horse” H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Major International Events:
FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championship for Young Horses – Mondial du Lion: [Website] [Start List/Live Scores]
Wednesday Reading List:
Tomorrow is the final day to submit an application for the first Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship. This $600 scholarship will be given to one deserving rider (or aspiring rider) each quarter, with the intention to bridge the gap of access for individuals who need a little financial boost. You can read more about this incredible offering in our feature here.
A case of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) has been confirmed in Texas. A Quarter Horse located in Brazoria County, Texas tested positive, prompting a quarantine of the premises.
Great news for Area IV riders! Catalpa Corner in Iowa City, Iowa, will be hosting a 2021 event. We were sad to learn that the perennial Midwest favorite event had discontinued hosting horse trials earlier this year and are thrilled to see a revival in the works. To keep up with the latest updates from Area IV, follow the Facebook page here.
Peter Gray has had some pretty incredible experiences as a horseman. With experience not only as a top rider, but also as a coach and judge, Peter has seen our sport from every imaginable angle. This makes for some fascinating stories, some of which he tells to the USEA in this article.
The USEA Appreciation Awards committee is currently accepting nominations through November 13. The USEA Appreciation Awards provide an opportunity for the sport to recognize those horses and riders who excelled in eventing throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the very important people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity during their golden years.
Wednesday Video Break: Go behind the scenes of the Sidelines Magazine feature and photoshoot with Sisters Horsing Around.
