Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May celebrates the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans. Today we recognize a few equestrians.
Kait Wilson runs the Instagram account @eyesupdarling, where she shares her life with her horses, Fluffy and Lexington. In addition to chronicling the highs and lows of eventing, the account also highlights issues of diversity and inclusion within the sport.
She stated, “Although the current state of racial diversity in the industry is upsetting, I can’t help but think about what it was like ten years ago. I also can’t help but think about what it will be like in ten years. Riders of color shouldn’t have to wait ten years to find out.”
In the same interview, she added, “You should be unapologetically yourself, embrace your individuality, and lean into your identity.”
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Amanda Forte was the first person in history to win every individual competition at the IHSA National Championships — and then return to win both flat and fences as an alumna. She remains the most decorated student-athlete in the history of Brown University’s equestrian program. Oh, and no big deal — she also graduated with a degree in Cognitive Science. Forte still trains and competes professionally.
Brown University
While researching this article, two names kept appearing in the search results: Bethany Pastorial and Shelly Watts.
Bethany Pastorial is an equine portrait and branding photographer based in Missouri. She founded the Equestrians of Color Photography Project out of a “need to create representation she would have looked up to as a child.”
Shelly Watts is an equine photographer, writer, and founder of a body-inclusive equestrian clothing company.
Conveniently, just last year, they teamed up with several other incredible women to host a webinar highlighting Asian American and Pacific Islander equestrians, discuss contemporary topics in the Hunter/Jumper world—such as representation, media, fashion, and careers in the equine industry—and take questions from the audience. It’s a webinar worth watching.
Go riding.
Amanda Uechi Ronan is an equestrian, author, and wannabe race car driver. Follow her on Instagram @au_ronan.
