horsetalk.co.nz
Publication: horsetalk.co.nz
Date: June 2020
Young black equestrian aims to “Ride out racism” in horse sport
My name is Reece. I’m 18 and my passion is equestrianism. Picture me riding and jumping my beloved bay mare Rose, helping the younger riders at the yard with their horsemanship skills and volunteering with a local equestrian charity.
Now I’ll tell you I’m black and from inner-city Coventry. Did the picture you have in your mind match my reality? Probably not but that’s not your fault as I’m not your stereotypical equestrian participant. But I’m making it my mission to facilitate change, tackle discrimination, encourage acceptance and breakdown barriers in my equestrian community.
I’ve recently launched a campaign to “Ride out racism” and have been overwhelmed with the response already. I’ve experienced and been subjected to racism in my equine education and employment but I’ve also had a great deal of support and encouragement and I want to use what I’ve experienced to bring riding to more young people like me.