United States Eventing Association

What does eventing have to do with equality in our nation and the world? That is one of many questions answered and discussion points mentioned during the open forum led by Anastasia Curwood and Heather Gillette, the co-chairs of the USEA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the co-founders of Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) at the 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Together they delved into how Equestrians of Color are a vital part of our sport and how others can be their allies.

SEE's mission is simple: to create equitable opportunities for BIPOC equestrians and to build a more inclusive equestrian culture. They do so through the following efforts:

• Access: SEE supports the critical work of organizations that provide access to equestrianism for young people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). SEE collaborates with access programs and offers financial support through our Access Program Grants. We are also building a national directory of equestrian access programs to help connect participants, volunteers, and donors to grassroots programs.
• Professional Pathways: One of the unique features of equestrian sports is the number of professional pathways for individuals who wish to find a career working with horses. SEE’s Professional Pathways Program is working to increase diversity in equestrian professions and advancing economic justice for BIPOC individuals by helping to ensure equitable access to professional advancement opportunities.
• Engage and Educate: SEE develops and publishes educational content that explains anti-racism; promotes informed allyship; supports organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion work; celebrates the history of BIPOC equestrians; and elevates the visibility of BIPOC equestrians today.

Watch the Making Strides for Equality and Growing the Sport Video below:

The USEA Foundation and SEE have developed a memorandum of understanding in order to facilitate fundraising for the initiative. Tax-deductible donations to the USEA Foundation for the SEE Fund can be made through the USEA Foundation website and selecting "Strides for Equality Equestrians" from the drop-down menu. Learn more about SEE at www.stridesforequality.org.