The Equestrian Nation and Racial Inequity

Across the globe, people love to ride horses. From the steeds of Africa’s back country to the polished arenas of Europe, equestrian sport has long played an important role in shaping the identity of nations.

Whether it’s riding for fun, racing or competition, horseback riding has long been an integral part of a thriving equestrian nation, as well as a vital resource to local communities. But in recent years, a nagging racial inequity has caused some members of this largely white, deeply traditional sport to question their ties to equestrian culture.

The equestrian nation has been the subject of numerous conversations over the past few years, especially among young people, as well as a growing number of Black riders who are stepping out in the saddle to compete for their nations and, some believe, for their souls. The conversation is heating up, dominating social media and online message boards and opinion pages.

In some countries, like India, there is a tradition of horsemanship that goes back thousands of years. Indians have a strong connection to their equines, and the steed is considered a symbol of power.

But in many countries, including the United States, horsemanship has evolved into a highly competitive discipline that places an emphasis on skill and precision rather than a passion for spirited action. The most common American equestrian disciplines include show jumping, dressage and eventing.

Jumping is the most popular equestrian discipline in the Olympics, with the men’s and women’s teams competing together in the three-day event. At the 1968 Mexico City Games, James Day and his team of James Elder and Thomas Gayford took home a gold medal in the jumping event.

While show jumping has been an Olympic sport since 1900, dressage and eventing have only been included in the modern Olympics since 1952. The FEI, the international governing body of equestrian sport, has established rules for these events and enacted a system of dividing countries into zones.

The FEI has also created a division for equestrians with disabilities, called the Special Olympic Equestrian Program. Its mission is to “encourage athletic competition between members of all ages, abilities, and races by offering the opportunity to participate in sport at the highest level and achieve a high level of success in the equestrian sports of dressage, show jumping and eventing.”

Traditionally, the United States has been dominated by Western-style equestrian disciplines. The most popular is the show jumping, which incorporates both English and Western elements. The United States is one of the world’s leading nations in this sport, with athletes earning a variety of national and world championship titles over the years.

It’s also home to some of the most celebrated equestrians in the world. McLain Ward, Margie Engle and Lauren Hough have all won gold medals at the Olympics and world championships, while Tiffany Foster, Eric Lamaze and Amy Millar have won Olympic individual jumping silver and team jumping bronze.

The equestrian sport has been a significant economic force for many rural economies around the globe. In addition to providing jobs, the industry has been a major source of funding for local schools and universities, as well as nonprofits. The equestrian industry has also played an integral role in the conservation and preservation of wilderness areas and public lands.