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Accessibility in Competitive English Riding

A girl is grooming a pony

When Hard Work Isn’t Enough:
The Top Barriers Faced by Aspiring Equestrians

“Hard work will always be a requirement of English riding, and we have to make sure that everyone has the same opportunity for their hard work to count.” 

A rider is smiling while riding a horse

An Examination of Equestrian Competition Costs:
Why is Riding so Expensive?

“In order to make riding more accessible, the equestrian community as a whole needs to push for lower costs and increased funding in areas where costs cannot be lowered.”

A rider mounted on a horse while teammates polish their boots

Suck it In or Suck it Up:
How Different Body Types are Treated in English Riding

“I felt that I looked disgustingly large next to my teammates and couldn’t stop comparing my body – which was still growing and changing – to those around me.”

A collection of horse show ribbons

The Impact of Systemic Racism in America on Competitive English Riding

“Individual acts of charity or kindness alone cannot solve systemic-level problems or compensate for the microaggressions and discriminatory behavior of others.

A soapy horse with a heart drawn in the suds

NCEA vs IHSA:
Elitism in College Riding

“The NCEA format is similar to IHSA in that riders compete on randomly drawn horses supplied by the host college, but that is where the similarity stops.”

A horse and rider jumping a fence

Comparing Barriers to Entry in English Riding Disciplines

“As riders, we should know better than anyone that perfection is an unattainable, but worthy goal, and that the second you think you’ve reached it, you’re done learning.”