Let’s get real. How many people of color are at your barn? When was the last time you saw an African American veterinarian? Is your farrier a white man? Are the only Hispanic people at your facility those who are working?
The United States’ recent political atmosphere has posed many new questions for the equestrian community. It’s time to unpack all of these questions.
Diversity in the equestrian industry
My Experience
Of course, there are equestrians throughout the U.S of varied races. However, the industry is by far made up of white females. In fact, 93% of horse owners are female according to the AHP survey in 2018. I have trained at around 10 different riding facilities in east Tennessee over my 16 years of industry involvement. Even after all of that time, I only know one black rider and two Asian riders. I remember noticing the one or two riders of color at a few of the horse shows I have been to in Tennessee. When I was younger it was never something I thought of, but now that I am on a collegiate team competing against schools across Tennessee, the lack diversity is hard to miss.
In the show ring
On a larger scale, consider the United States Olympic team. The showjumping team currently consists of eight white men and women, even though their hometowns are all over the U.S. Every other riding discipline with an Olympic team similarly consists of what appears to be an all-white demographic. In contrast, some of the most successful horse racing jockeys were of color, but the one receiving media coverage has always been their white trainer. Additionally, grooms like Will Harbut have often been of color but severely lack the credit they deserve. So, while diversity exists, the white majority completely overshadows the minority as far as inclusion and representation.
Why there is a lack of equestrian diversity in the United States
Socio-economic status
Immediately, this sport excludes many from participating due to the financial demand. It’s what has held back my riding for most my life and is now a constant point of stress. If you weren’t born into a wealthy family with horses, it can be incredibly difficult to initially become interested in the sport. Once interested, the cost of lessons, a horse, the clothes, tack, show fees, and much more are enough to drive a parent away, and I don’t blame them. To better understand how socio-economic status plays a role in the industry, colleges performed a survey in 2019. The Horse writes that almost all riders identified as middle class. 14% of respondents make less than $35,000 in annual income. As you can see, the minority is composed of those making lower annual income. Also, more than half live in a rural setting. In other words, lower class individuals living in urban areas are much more unlikely to participate in equestrian sports compared to middle to upper class individuals in rural areas. While this excludes some white people as well, the racial income gap is growing, and the urban population is no longer majority white. The industry sets itself up for a lack of diversity. If the sport wants to remain relevant, it should focus efforts in urban riding facilities, outreach, and ways to lower costs.
Tradition
From what we wear to how we train our horses, equestrians find a lot of comfort in tradition. Although this is to our benefit in most equine situations, it has greatly held the industry back from progressive ideas and actions. Magazines, bloggers, and show journalists refrained from bringing up privilege for so long due to fear. Their goals are typically to inform and entertain with topics strictly about the sport. They were afraid readers would complain that any mention of equality would receive backlash such as “this is a sport, not politics”. However, what took them so long to realize is that when it comes to horses, it is so much more than a sport. It takes over our lives, work, and community, and it is something that should be accessible to everyone. Horseback riding is no longer representative of the wealthy snob stereotype who has stable hands to care of their horses (even though this does still happen). An increase in interest, possibly from social media, and an increase in facilities across the U.S. opens up the industry to many more demographics.
Lack of Representation
Now, we must learn how to be inclusive and representative of everyone. Even at a young age, I noticed that every single model in my Dover Saddlery magazine was a tall and thin white woman. I could image myself in the clothing, but how could someone of color ever feel like they belong when just about every single professional part of this industry shows them they don’t? In their article “Equality, Diversity & Opportunity in the Equestrian World”, Horse Nation put it well when they said, “Imagine now how much untapped rider talent might never get a chance to shine — whether through lack of access, or lack of belief that this world is for them”. Showing the world that being white isn’t a requirement to be a horse person only boosts community culture, riding talent, and industry growth and size.
Leaders of diversity within the industry
As soon as the BLM movement took flight, my Instagram was filled with equestrian brands advertising suddenly with a model of color. Many outright said they want to feature more models of color, some featured customers of color on social media, and others made it their mission to make a change. For perfect examples of this, check out the Equestrians of Color Photography Project.
Companies
One brand that first took action was Kerrit’s. They began their Kerrit’s Equestrian Inclusivity Project where riders can submit a photo of themselves and their story. Respect for riders of all colors and sizes has always been practiced at Kerrit’s, but they made a point to open dialogue with the goal of improving understanding and progress within the industry.
Another popular brand that has made a consistent effort to be more inclusive is Ariat. They produce equestrian apparel but have also become active in donation, partnership, and community updates. In addition to featuring models of color more often, they have retained a 10-year partnership with Compton Jr. Equestrians and wrote a feature for them. The Compton Jr. Equestrians is an inner-city therapeutic ranch for at-risk youth. It has produced many equestrians of color, and Ariat’s partnership has been a big part of making that happen.
People
Most of my favorite outspoken, action-taking equestrians are from Instagram. Social media allows us to share our experiences and knowledge with many others across the world, making it a great way for us small community equestrians to connect. Therefore, it is a hotspot for trends and current events to spread amongst us on large scale unlike before.
First up is Mavis Spence, a professional show jumper, BLM advocate, and all things equine enthusiast. She personally rode a horse in the Peace Ride through Compton, CA along with others. Equine and social justice were combined to make a change that day, and she continues to push boundaries, listen to others’ stories, and use her popularity to share her own experiences and of those who cannot.
Next, eyesupdarling’s Kait Wilson not only curates lovable content but also thought-provoking content. From firsthand experience, she explains how lack of representation caused disconnect between herself and the sport. That disparity results in discrimination, intentionally or not. She also claims the top two ways the equestrian industry can improve inclusivity are through marketing and the workplace itself.
Take Home Message
Just like you never stop learning with horses, we can never be too educated on equality. It’s a fact, that racial inequality does exist within our sport. It comes from a strong sense of tradition, lack of representation, and the socio-economic demand it takes to participate. However, now is a great time to reflect, connect, communicate, and grow from this realization about equestrian diversity within the United States. Diversifying the horse world only strengthens the sport and community.
Olivia Orler 