DIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT: 1
I am so excited to introduce the first 3 amazing riders for the diversity spotlight series!
These posts aim to bring about appreciation riders from diverse backgrounds and experiences from around the world who may look different from what we are used to seeing in conventional riding magazines.
I hope you can join me in admiring them and their incredible talents.
Jagtar Singh
@Jags.adventures
Jag partaking in the project '1914 Sikhs’ which highlights the contribution of the Sikh regiments to the British armed forces in both World wars and today.
Riding experience/interest:
I have always had a keen interest in riding but growing up in Birmingham, horse riding wasn’t really a thing people do. I moved to South Wales (Cardiff) during my placement year at University and was exposed to outdoor sports, clay shooting and equestrian.
I joined a riding school but took private lessons until I was able to jump fences. My teacher, Alex was really good at teaching however the school eventually closed and I was on the hunt for another school.
I found a school, which only did outdoor hacks, into the local forest and bridle trails. This was great as I was quite confident in my riding ability. I became comfortable riding outside, jumping small jumps. While on placement, I had a loan horse which I used to ride after work, I self-taught horse-archery and tent pegging.
I then returned to University to complete my final year and joined the equestrian club, which was great. I learnt how to play some horseback games such as relay races. After moving back to Birmingham, riding became less frequent. The local school did not have a horse large enough for me as they mainly catered towards children.
In 2017 I was part of a 1914 Sikhs project to highlight the contribution the Sikh regiments and the Indian Army which comprised of many faiths (Muslim, Hindu and Jain) did in both World Wars. It was part of this project that allowed me to experience watching a few Polo games down at the Ham Polo Club in Richmond – London. I was absolutely taken by this game and the tremendous horsemanship required to play such a challenging sport.
It was later in 2018 I was picked to play as part of the first British Sikh Polo Club – Named Saraghari Polo Club. This was probably my best part of my riding journey, playing polo wearing my Turban. Polo, being an Indian sport, which made it all the more special. We played many Chukkas and tournaments in the arena. We then had to wait a year to get waivers for us to play on the grass pitch in tournaments without wearing a helmet.
When we finally got the waivers from the HPA governing body, we played two tournaments and won both. It was spectacular. However, since Covid 2020, we have struggled to get the team moving again and struggling financially to fund the team. I hope I can help kick-start it off again.
Aside from this, I always try to ride horses on holiday. A few countries I have ridden in are India, Turkey, Egypt and Iceland. I used to ride at the Cannock Chase Trekking centre which is a fantastic place to hack. My friend had 2 horse here in Walsall and I was lucky enough to go out hacking with him in Sutton Park a few times. I have actually now forgotten, how many horses I have had the privilege to ride, this is including some great stallions in India.
How do you identify as culturally?
British born Indian.
What do you like about riding?
I love everything about riding, the horsemanship required once you are comfortable on a horse. The adrenaline and if you’re lucky enough to make a bond with a horse, then it’s a relationship not easily forgotten.
What challenges have you faced in riding?
Well, when I started riding in South Wales, a place not very familiar to Sikhs I was quite hesitant. I think, that’s why I started off with private lessons. I used to wear the traditional Sikh Warrior clothing. I do not remember there being any sort of offensive remarks made my way, which to me was a huge surprise. It was also a huge confidence booster, that it is ok to look different.
When playing Polo, there has been a few strange looks given my way and my teams as we all play wearing our Turbans. I think, our confidence just overpowers any looks we used to get while in this area of equestrian.
Have you ever felt like stopping due to any of these challenges?
Luckily for me, no. I might be that 1/1000 that did no face any racial or discrimination when riding. This is why, I will forever love South Wales and the people I crossed paths with.
Do you think that access to the sport is fair?
No, I think if you live in inner-cities, you are unlikely to understand and appreciate this sport.
Who are your inspirations for riding?
For me, this has always been the Sikh Nihang Singhs (Warrior Clans) in India – who ride with such splendour. They live on horseback and call them ‘Jaan Bhai’ meaning ‘Brother for life’ irrespective of the gender of the horse. They take such love and devotion to their horses, and it’s something beautiful to witness.
What do you think needs to happen to change attitudes in equestrian sport?
I think we need more people of colour taking part in equestrian based sports, show jumping, cross country, dressage and polo. As Asians, our parents don’t really push enough to do sports so horse riding it far from reach. However, if we did encourage our youth and next generations to get involved in equestrian based sports, it would become more normal in time to see someone of coloured skin riding a horse or taking part in an equestrian based sport.
Thank you! Please feel free to write anything extra that you would like to.
Huge fan of Noori!
Aaliyah
@aaliyah_equestrian
Aaliyah on her grandfather’s quarter horse, Faith.
Riding experience/interest:
I have been around horses for my entire life. My grandparents own a small hobby farm where I do most of my riding. Unfortunately they live about 4 hours away so I only get to go on long weekends and summer vacation due to my educational commitments. My main horse is my grandfather's 14.2h quarter horse chestnut mare Faith. I wouldn't be the equestrian I am without her.
How do you identify as culturally?
I identify as a Pakistani Muslim.
What do you like about riding?
For me, the connection and trust involved in working with, and riding horses is the best part of being an equestrian. Riding is a great way to build connection and trust while maintaining physical strength for both horse and human. There's something about being with horses that frees my mind from everything and it's a feeling I wish everyone could experience.
What challenges have you faced in riding?
As a muslim girl in Canada, I have experienced challenges regarding my attire while riding . As a child, before I wore hijab, I hadn't faced any issues, however, once I started to wear a hijab, things changed.
I was nervous to wear my hijab around my friends at my riding facility because I knew I was the only one. I attempted to solve my issue by designing a loose pair of ‘Riding pants’ but after my first ride it was evident that it wasn't going to work. Now I tried my dress with pants just a bit tighter at the bottom but still loose at the top. It was much harder to keep my legs steady since there was no grip on my pants.
I’d consistently get asked ‘are you riding in that?’ or ‘ are you changing before you ride?’ ‘How can you ride in that, isn't it uncomfortable?’ So once again I did a switch. Often I still get questioned by my choice of clothing while riding but it doesn't bother me anymore. What I wear isn't dangerous and I am comfortable riding in it. It makes me sad to see the lack of muslim women in the equestrian comunity. I have many friends who love horses and even participated in riding events as children but stopped due to the struggle of attire and feeling of being the only muslim.
I too felt alone until I got instagram. I soon discovered there are a good handful of hijabi equestrians who ride and have horses as well. I then realized being different in a group of riders isn't a bad thing. In fact, people often remember who I am better because of my difference in attire. I think things like this blog is a wonderful way to remind equestrians that we are a community and we can connect with each other through our deen (religion) and our love for horses.
Have you ever felt like stopping due to any of these challenges?
I have not ever wanted to quit riding. My challenges only drove me to finding a solution.
Do you think that access to the sport is fair?
I think the equestrian sport is most definitely an expensive sport but considering the fact that you are caring for another living athlete it makes sense. I wouldn't call the sport accessible but I also wouldn't say the access isn't fair. I do acknowledge the fact that having close ties and money gives individuals an advantage in training and competitions, but personally, I think that's the case with everything in life. I also feel there aren't enough lesson facilities near cities which makes weekly lessons less reasonable for city folk but this too is understandable. I think being an equestrian requires a lot of determination and dedication.
Who are your inspirations for riding?
Currently I'm really into researching how the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) liked to ride horses. I also look up to a lot of riders in my community and I hope the best for them and their riding careers.
What do you think needs to happen to change attitudes in equestrian sport?
As I mentioned previously, I think the equestrian world needs more muslims, more diversity, and a bit more accessibility for people with different needs and money brackets. I would love to see more diverse engagement in the equestrian community and I hope I can help make that change.
Shari Christine
@sharicssd
Shari out riding in the forest.
Hello my name is Shari, I am from Germany and have some Iraqi roots. I grew up internationally and lived in Germany, Belgium, Texas, Egypt and Dubai.
Riding experience/interest:
I started horse riding when I was five years old in Egypt and continued ever since. Due to moving around, I’ve sometimes had to skip a few months here and there, but even still I am crazy about horses. I even rode during my first pregnancy up until a few days before my due date and even now with my second pregnancy I will try to continue riding as long as I am able.
I started riding dressage however classical dressage was not my favourite style, I prefer the baroque dressage and have some basic skills. I also tried out some small jumps and basics of Western riding however my heart belongs to endurance riding.
I was introduced to endurance riding when living in Dubai, and was gifted with my first horse, who was a beautiful Arabian mare. I was really upset that I couldn’t take her with me to Germany.
I dearly miss her; she was my soul horse. At the moment I live in Germany and I am really happy that I have a very trustworthy loan horse to ride while I am pregnant.
What do you like about riding?
Riding means everything to me its just freedom. The best thing besides having a trustworthy horse is to canter, the feeling of flying.
What challenges have you faced in riding?
I was always lucky and barely faced unfairness in any country but it’s not always fair. Each country treats their horses differently and sometimes don’t understand a different point of view. I love being able to understand these differences and I can tell if a horse is treated well or not due to my training as a veterinary technician.
What do you think needs to happen to change attitudes in equestrian sport?
Some people view horses as an item and not as a living being, so I wish that horses could be treated more fairly, they are living creatures and have a soul too. But for many people its just about the sport or/and the money. I know they are heavy creatures and sometimes you need more than just a mental connection otherwise they might endanger you but that is the same with any other animal. There is always an opportunity to cooperate with them and treat them well e.g. the Native American Indians are a good example.
Horses were their everything: friend, family, business partner and car. I hope people will be more open to new ideas and not only the strict ways that they may have grown up with or learnt so far.
There is always more than one option.