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Equestrians of Color Project

@eocproject

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Amplifying voices of equestrians of color (EOC) who want to share their story. Pro photographers & EOC please visit our website.
#eocproject #eocp
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"The sport needs you. Just as it took time and a lot of effort to diversify sports like golf or tennis, along with workplaces and schools around America, it is taking time to diversify our sport. If this is something you're passionate about, seek people who will support you in pursuing your dreams and help you find opportunities. If cost is an issue, look for working student opportunities or catch riding gigs. For experienced riders, I encourage others to give consider the "throwaway" horses who cost less and take more work but can be so rewarding to develop. And just know that if riding is what you want, you absolutely belong." EOC Participant: @joylimnakrin Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: @@lisadolnyphotography ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. #eocp #equestriansofcolor #usdf #usef #realtalk #horses #equality #equestrians #equestrianlife by @eocproject
"In the early days, it was not always easy to be "different" as the sport lacked diversity. But it has been so encouraging and exciting to see how the sport has become so much more inclusive. I'd encourage everyone to get to know those around you, even your competitors. Take opportunities to learn from each other, and most of all, show respect." EOC Participant: @joylimnakrin Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: @lisadolnyphotography ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. #eocp #equestriansofcolor #usdf #usef #realtalk #horses #equality #equestrians #equestrianlife by @eocproject
"Competing as junior in the 90s, the sport was much less diverse and it always felt like my family did not belong. I would hear some rude, racist remarks or witness/experience microaggressions. It made us feel that we needed to prove ourselves... to work harder, be better, and win. In the end, it made me stronger and more independent. I am so encouraged to see that today's equestrian landscape has become so much more diverse and inclusive, just as we have seen the in golf and in tennis. It is so heartening to see the doors open and the barriers start to crumble. On the whole, I have seen tremendous positive improvements. But I won't whitewash the fact that even in our own predominantly equestrian neighborhood where we live, a neighbor has called my mom racial slurs. Despite that, I would not discourage anyone of color from pursuing the sport. For anyone who believes "this is not for you" because of your ethnicity or background, they are just plain wrong. This sport is for anyone with a love of horses." EOC Participant: Joy Lim Nakrin Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: @lisadolnyphotography ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. #eocp #equestriansofcolor #usdf #usef #realtalk #horses #equality #equestrians #equestrianlife by @eocproject
"Although representation in horse media is limited, I never connected with any of the black/brown/mixed characters because they were never like me. It’s no problem that they act the way that they do, but it was definitely a reason why I never really watched any horse-related media. Most of it covered situations I never experienced or went about life in a way I was far removed from. My dad, who is black, is who I am closest with, and, therefore, I adopted more mannerisms from him. With a slim population of black people to begin with in my area, being in spaces with rural white folks as the darkest person around as a child is rough! I coped by talking to my horses the way I would actually talk to my friends, and from there I noticed less and less that I needed to conform in order to be a successful horse person" EOC Participant: @@bootypoppinponies Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: @foxtrotequine ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. #eocp #equestriansofcolor #usdf #usef #realtalk #horses #equality #equestrians #equestrianlife by @eocproject
"My style is making sure the horse is first and my needs are second. I can navigate the world virtually however I please where our pets are at the mercy of us for their entire lives. So it’s no problem that I choose to cater to them as they make my heart so full just by being in my life. I’m unconventional. Most people see equestrians as quiet and proper or as gruff cowboys. I treat my horses exactly like my friends: I listen to their problems, dance spontaneously, play dress up, and come up with crazy scenarios we can all laugh with. " EOC Participant: @bootypoppinponies Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: @foxtrotequine ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. #eocp #equestriansofcolor #usdf #usef #realtalk #horses #equality #equestrians #equestrianlife by @eocproject
What do you enjoy about being an equestrian of color? "Existing and blowing people’s minds. Honestly, I’m not the type to want attention to myself, but the idea of someone who can be their full authentic self around a conservative industry is almost near impossible if you look at it broadly. Not only I but others are intimidated to fit into the traditional box that makes an equestrian. It’s those who reach out and say that they are getting into or getting back into horses simply because they saw me who are the ones who keep me going. The keywords I often hear from their stories are feeling “heard,” “seen,” or “safe.” Making others feel secure and happy is what makes me show up." EOC Participant: @Bootypoppinponies Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: Maureen Friedly ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. #eocp #equestriansofcolor #usdf #usef #realtalk #horses #equality #equestrians #equestrianlife by @eocproject
How has your culture influenced your equestrian lifestyle? "Mi familia. Their overwhelming amount of support over the years has become my motivator. That is one of the best things about having a Latin support system. No matter what, I can always look back and know they are there for me 100%. My family had to fight for their freedom. My parents, tias, and tios worked so hard to provide for me and my cousins. To be able to say what resulted in their hard work is their children being lawyers, nurses, businesswomen, marines and military, and so on! Mi familia es mi vida and I owe them so much." EOC Participant: @anneleisesanchez Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: @jenijophoto ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. #eocp #equestriansofcolor #usdf #usef #realtalk #Latin #Latina #familia #horses #equality #equestrians #equestrianlife #family by @eocproject
What challenges have you faced as an equestrian of color? "Not having the same luxury as others who were born into the sport, makes it hard. However, for me personally, this question stems mostly from having to balance the career-horse-life balance. As a single mom to a courageous four-year-old girl and a woman with a career-driven mentality, I have my work cut out for me. Would I change a thing? Absolutely not. I am grateful for the tools and sage advice my culture has given me. Between grit and determination, I will not give up." EOC Participant: @anneleisesanchez Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: @jenijophoto ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. by @eocproject
"I realize that I truly want to embody a well-rounded horsewoman. Well-rounded meaning… knowing my partner’s strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what he does best with my assistance. Being able to build a relationship with my horse in order to communicate with each other. The opportunity to immerse myself into the soul of the horse, and become one with my partner to demonstrate we are a team. Having the courage to not only accept defeat at times but also to embrace it and learn from it. Having been raised by two immigrant parents from Havana, Cuba, and witnessing their successes, has pushed me to such lengths, ultimately leading me to where I am today. I have promised myself that horses will always be the answer, and I will continue life with that mantra leading to being the best horsewoman I can be." EOC Participant: @anneleisesanchez Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: @jenijophoto ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. #EOC #Equestriansofcolor #Equestrians #Horsewoman #Cuban by @eocproject
"I immigrated to the United States in 1978, because I believed in the shining city upon the hill. I worked very hard, played by the rules and achieved the American Dream, overcoming many challenges. As I stated above, upon retirement, I to put my hard earned live savings into our rescue farm, cognizant that the horse world is still predominantly white. In all my years as an Asian immigrant in the US, I have faced more than my share of racism. But I was quite shocked and heartbroken to encounter a neighbor in my equestrian community call me racial slurs, trying to send the message that people like me did not belong in their neighborhood. Well, I am here to stay because I do belong. Having a rescue farm is my life's calling...and I am proud to let any other equestrians of color know that they too belong." EOC Participant: @joyousacres Read the full story here: Link in our bio. Photographer Ally: @lisadolnyphotography ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. #eocp #equestriansofcolor #dressage #asian #chinese #culture #usdf #usef #realtalk #rescuehorses #rescue by @eocproject
"I was born in the Philippines into a traditional, ethnically Chinese family were girls were not wanted. I grew up in Southeast Asia during the Cold War years when being Chinese meant you were part of the Evil Empire. Chinese were a minority group in my native Philippines. Looking back, it was a difficult childhood, but animals always offered me solace. Growing up unwanted and marginalized made it easy to relate to a unwanted beings. Upon retirement at age 70, I made it my life's purpose. Instead of vacationing or playing bingo in my retirement, I chose to live a purposeful life. And so my family and I started our rescue farm, Joyous Acres, where we provide a loving forever home to horses, dogs, cats, and a pig. We even have a wildlife sanctuary for deer. The sight of animals being so happy and reaching their full potential fills me with great joy and happiness. My Eastern culture has shown me the harmony and oneness with nature is the way. We get the love we give." EOC Participant: @joyousacres Read the full story here: Link in our bio Photographer Ally: @lisadolnyphotography ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. by @eocproject
“I first fell in love with horses when I was a young doctor practicing rural medicine on horseback in the villages of the Philippines Islands where I was born and raised. The way they trustily carried me to remote destinations always stuck with me - leaving me in awe of their majesty, grace, and generosity. Now as a 72 year old, I have dedicated my life savings and the remainder of my life to caring for unwanted horses and other animals on my family's rescue farm Joyous Acres. Until I purchased the farm three years ago, I had not owned a horse for more than 20 years - pursuing my career as a gynecologist and raising a family. When I finally retired, I got to fulfill my lifelong dream of having a rescue farm.” EOC Participant: Dr. Teresita Lim King @joyousacres Read the full story here: https://equestriansofcolor.com/dr-teresita-lim-king/ Photographer Ally: @lisadolnyphotography ___________________________ If you are an Equestrian of Color (EOC) or Nonprofit Organization operating in this space and are interested in sharing your story, please visit our website and contact one of our participating photographers. We have photographer allies across the USA. https://equestriansofcolor.com/directory/ Please note, you must be 16 years or older to participate. by @eocproject

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