Tameka’s Passion

I spend a lot of time in my daydreams. They comfort me like a warm blanket, enveloping me with a sense of peace and relaxation. I use that precious time to envision the equestrian industry I’d like to build. Because for all the components of this industry I love, there are clear issues that need to be addressed. Namely, there is a real problem in the lack of diversity and equity in our industry and sport. It is hauntingly clear as a professional equestrian of color. So I use my musings to fuel my drive for a more inclusive and welcoming sport and industry. It’s never been more needed than now. The future of our industry depends on our ability to promote cultural competency and inclusivity from within. To adapt and evolve. I get asked a lot why I am so passionate about promoting talented equestrians of color and other underrepresented groups? Why is it important? Where’s the need? And the answer is the same for all questions of this caliber: To create a more ethical, accessible, humane, and equitable industry, we need diverse voices and perspectives. To foster innovation and ingenuity, we need varied yet complementary perspectives involved in every facet of our industry. For example, our traditional training methods alone are majority eurocentric and often exclude BIPOC training systems of significant merit. Combining this error with exclusionary practices such as information gatekeeping, or inhospitable equestrian events and venues only furthers the chasm between our current reality and the future advantageous innovations to our horses and fellow equestrians. More importantly, dismantling these barriers to access should be a mandatory practice for all equestrians. It is our duty to make this industry and world better for those who come after us (equine and human alike). It is our duty as equestrians of color to show up and show out; represent! Do not cower in the face of adversity, but wear it like a badge of honor and demand your presence to be respected. Because you belong here. You always have, and always will. I’m determined to be that representation for equestrians who look just like me. To actively seek and support diverse equestrians and continue to grow through these actions. To bring new ideas to the world of veterinary medicine, equitation science and training, equine and rider psychologies. To promote animal and human justice by starting with equestrians who look just like me.