Jen, Equestrian
“The best way to increase diversity is to create a sport where everyone sees a reflection of themselves.”
"I’ve always been aware of the huge racial disparity in equestrian sports," Jen says, "but I wasn’t really sure what I could do about it. During the Black Lives Matter movement, I started to think more critically about race. I thought I knew a lot about race, but I realized I really don’t."
"I wasn’t sure where to begin, so I created an Instagram page called @BlackEquestrians. Initially my goal was to just feature Black riders and show diversity within horseback riding, but then I quickly decided that it wasn’t good enough. It needed more. A lot of people have a hard time talking about racism because they don’t see it. There needs to be a huge shift and we need to remind people that racism is very much alive."
"Since launching Black Equestrians, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the positive response from white people. They’re engaged and actively sharing our message. I anticipated this would be a tougher challenge, but it seems people are open to listening and learning. By broadening the representation in equestrian sports, we can shift away from the traditional image of what an equestrian looks like."
But Jen's journey extends beyond activism – it's rooted in a profound connection with her horse, Piper. "Piper is such a sweet animal," she beams. "He mirrors his rider's attitude, reminding me of the sensitivity and beauty in our bond."
For Jen, riding isn't just a hobby – it's a lifeline, a source of solace and strength. As she looks to the future, Jen's aspirations soar – from her pursuit of law to her commitment to uplifting others.
"In summary, wanting to help people inspires me," she concludes. "It's about creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and leaving a legacy of kindness and compassion."