Equestrians, I know we can do better. I know we fix the stigmas, exclusive tendencies, and sometimes toxic nature of our sport. The truth is, showjumping is a sport maintained by tradition, poise, and hard-working individuals. For most of us, who spend countless hours a week at the barn training for, studying, and perfecting our craft, the ‘horse-world’ is a black hole: simply all-encompassing. We all remember the first time we sat on a horse. We all relate to the moment we realized this was way deeper than a hobby. We all know the thrill and gratification of a deep partnership with a horse, or placing first in a class you moved up to recently, or sitting on your 4-year-old youngster for the first time.

But still, the community is minuscule in the grand scheme of things. In the large pool of international sporting, equestrian sports have a relatively small amount of both participants and spectators. Why is this? Which aspect(s) halt our inclusivity and global reach to this extent?—I asked myself the same.

From an outside perspective, equestrian sport is seen as an unnecessary and boasted display of social status or financial means; and this is because participation in our sport requires significant social status or financial means. This is clear. But, we all know the sport means so much more than showing off. Yet, the expense of our beloved sport is perhaps one of the most limiting aspects of its inclusivity (or lack thereof). And so, there is a dominant and undeniable privilege for those of us who are able to afford and participate in this sport. And our elitist, closed-off equestrian world–although an amazing one– can sometimes feel excessively critical, steeping with judgment and stigma. From racism towards fellow Black equestrians, to general ignorance, to pretentious personalities. There is a certain culture that has been bred where diligence, skill, and perseverance is rewarded, yet hostility and discrimination are not penalized.

So, how do we fix this? First of all, elitism is only a product of what is tolerated by the majority. With more exposure, pressure, and critique, the sport can strive for an even better experience for all. It is possible to pop the bubble of privilege. Think about how even more incredible the competition could be if we encourage greater accessibility to our sport. Although cost is a limiting factor, change also requires the entire community to demand representation, social consciousness, and fair treatment of others (no matter if they ride at the most expensive barn in the world, or their own backyard).

Our horses are our family, and we should all be family to each other too. After all, we all share a love for the same intensely demanding, truly one-of-a-kind, amazing sport.

Carla McCanna CCPA 3335 Blog #1