Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

Michele’s comprehensive program allows for her students and clients to fully understand the why’s and how’s of riding…

Posted by In Stride Equestrian on Saturday, January 9, 2021

When I joined the Equestrians of Color Facebook group, I was anticipating meeting some incredible new people from a rich and diverse array of background. What has been particularly positive to see are the posts from professionals and trainers welcoming BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and every other rider into their program. Seeking out a new barn or a new trainer is an overwhelming process to begin with; add in any type of marginalization and many riders feel uncomfortable at the prospect of starting their search.

Will the people at this barn accept me, or will they stare at my hair? Will the coach treat me as the equal of the other riders, or will they make assumptions about my ability based on my looks? These are questions riders must ask, and having professionals stepping up to be visible allies is invaluable. Many thanks to Aiken-based Michelle Arana of In Stride Equestrian for making a post voicing her allyship. “As an equestrian of color I want to support brown and black communities through my business and offer discounted lessons,” she wrote in the group. You can reach out to In Stride Equestrian though the embedded post above.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entries]

Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test: [Website] [Schedule]

Wednesday Reading List:

New year, new clean barn? It’s a great time of year to refreshing your barn – but are you missing two key culprits of unhealthy barn air? The latest blog from Haygain details the importance of hay and bedding in terms of their contributions to air quality and your horse’s respiratory system.

“I’m not saying you can’t have any fun with horses, just that you have to maintain your focus on why you ride, rather than on how you did at the last competition.” Jim Wofford muses on the effects of the pandemic – both positive and negative – on riding in this thought-provoking read from Practical Horseman.

Following the FEI suspension of Australian eventer Callum Buczak after he was charged with rape in 2019, fellow rider Alexandra McDonough has also been suspended on allegations of stalking and psychological abuse of the alleged rape victim.

Looking to sharpen your skills this off-season? Add these polework exercises from top British eventers to your list of things to do.

Australian race trainer Annabel Neasham has seen every corner of the equestrian world. A former show jumper, eventer, point-to-point rider, and Mongol Derby winner, Annabel is now striking off on her own with an all-female team with an eye to reach more racing success. Get to know Annabel in this piece from Paulick Report.

Wednesday Video Break: Learn all about northern California-based Brittney Chambers of CBC Therapeutic Horseback Riding Academy and her mission to empower more kids through horses in this interview with Elysia Buss.