What words of encouragement would you have for other equestrians of color or people of color considering becoming…
Posted by Equestrians of Color Photography Project on Monday, September 21, 2020
I wrote a tiny amount about the Equestrians of Color project showcasing riders of all disciplines a few weeks ago. Since then, stories about some of the riders featured in this beautiful photography project created by Shelley Paulson have been published regularly.
Christina Chen, one of the first riders featured on Equestrians of Color, says that microaggressions, which are often unintentional but still hurtful, are predominant among her experiences as a rider of color. “It’s very common for someone to ask me if I am related to or know another Asian person who happens to be an equestrian and most of the time, I don’t know that other person,” she said. “The common question, ‘Where are you from?’, with the follow-up question of, ‘No, where are you really from?’ is asked inside and outside the equestrian world, and is very alienating. I cannot help but continue to feel like an outsider even though I have only lived in the States and consider myself an American.”
Christina says that she wants to see more faces like hers within our community, but that she is proud to be a representative and a role model for others who want to see themselves reflected and represented across equestrian disciplines. She hopes that as the equestrian community continues to grow there will an increasing amount of opportunities for riders of all socioeconomic and racial backgrounds to get more involved with horses.
Don’t miss more about Christina and many others – alongside stunning photos from the EOC team – here.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Morven Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]
Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Heritage Park H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entry Status] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]
Poplar Place Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]
Spokane Sport Horse Sixth Annual Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]
WindRidge Farm Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]
Wednesday Reading List:
Applications for the Optimum Equine Youth Equestrian Scholarship are still open! A robust list of mentors awaits scholarship recipients – including Katherine Un, whose essay for Nation Media’s Diversity Scholarship can be found here – as OYES gears up to support young riders from marginalized and underrepresented communities forge ahead with horses. To learn more and apply before the deadline of October 15, click here.
Ahmed Sharbatly is hoping to become the first Arabian Para dressage rider at the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year. Ahmed represented Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, Nc. and has spent the ensuing years honing his craft as he looks ahead to Tokyo. He also hopes to grow the sport of dressage within his home country, where most equestrians participate in endurance, racing, or jumping. Read more about Ahmed’s road to Tokyo here.
World Animal Day is coming up on October 4. And as good as our event horses have it (though, if you ask them, it could always be better!), it’s easy to forget that many other working animals around the world sadly do not enjoy the same standard of care. One thing sorely missing from the lives of many animals worldwide is proper veterinary care. According to Horsetalk NZ, there are only 725 vets serving the country of Tanzania, which has a population of over 56 million people. For comparison, there are over 70,000 vets in the U.S.. Learn more about the work of hardworking charities such as Spana (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) and how you can help here.
The USEA has a fun way for you to enjoy the Adult Team Challenge concept virtually this year. The Virtual Adult Team Challenge will tally results from any USEA recognized events at the Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels through November 22. Each Area will be involved and coordinate their own challenges. Read up on how you can jump in the fun here.
As wildfires continue to burn in California and fire season still looms large, it’s as good a time as ever to brush up on preparedness and prevention. Natural disasters can be, well, disastrous to contend with, so proper preparation is key to safely managing risk. Equine Guelph provides some excellent resources in a new course offered to horse owners the world over.
Wednesday Video Break: I stumbled upon this little gem from Morven Park a few years ago on YouTube.
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:
