responsibility to advise riders if they are too big for the horse. To fail to do so would jeopardize the horse’s short- and long-term welfare.”
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An Ongoing Issue What Dyson called on veterinarians to do is a tall order, and one that has the potential to upset or even lose clients. One equine veterinarian who’s a longtime amateur dressage rider declined even to be interviewed for this article, calling the topic of rider size too sensitive. As we’ve discussed, the subject of rider size encompasses an equinewelfare aspect and an aesthetic aspect. Veterinary research indicates that there can be such a thing as a rider who, given a particular set of circumstances, is physically not well suited to a particular horse. But considering our culture’s preoccupation with thinness, it hardly seems surprising that thinner riders may be perceived as fitter and more attractive, and possibly even more skilled, in the saddle than larger riders. The fact remains that it’s a touchy subject. Two well-known FEI-level rider/trainers agreed to speak with USDF Connection for this article, then got cold feet. One remarked that, for larger dressage riders, “the sneers and bullying are out there, for sure.” Those who agreed to go on the record for this article expressed the belief that it’s important to speak out on the subject of weight and body image. “If you believe you can do it, you can,” says Hutchinson. “I will always be chasing my dreams. I want people to believe in themselves and know that they can do it. There is too much stigma about size and weight. It’s too hurtful to the kids growing up and coming up through these programs.” “Other riders, including teenagers, continue to be bullied and harassed online by people because of their size,” says Rogan. “They are quite frightened even to post any riding videos in fear that they would
BODY POSITIVE: Rogan displays her favorite slogan at a dressage show
have trolls comment. I feel as if the [US Equestrian action plan] for diversity, equity, and inclusion could do so much more for the protection of these young riders.” “I know it’s hard to keep going, but please keep going!” Fink urges. “Don’t let others’ opinions of you keep you from your dreams. The folks that need to comment and say unkind things are only unhappy with themselves to pick on others.” Rogan, for one, objects to the idea that larger people have no business riding horses. “Every situation is different, and one blanket statement cannot rule our sport and passion,” she says. “I want to be part of a sport that is inclusive, fun, and supportive, not one that is exclusive, closed-minded, and mean. I heard a quote the other day that said, ‘No one who is more talented or better than you would ever tear you down,’ and that sits with me. I want every single person who has been bullied or harassed for their size to know that they are not alone, and that there are riders of every size at all levels of our sport.”
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Jennifer Mellace is a published author who writes about topics ranging from health and wellness to lifestyle and business. She lives in Frederick, Maryland, with her husband, two children, and three dogs. Visit her website at MellaceWrites.com. USDF CONNECTION | July/August 2023
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