The super bowl and the racists costume and name of the Kansas City football team reminds me of how the horse world is ignoring the appropriation of Bedouin culture in the Arabian native costume shows.
Dressing the horses up is fine, but seeing all these white people putting on the costumes is just icky. It is like bad halloween at every event.
I agree it’s extremely tacky, but me personally I have so many actual horse welfare concerns about the Arab breed circuit (after attending a few big Arab shows to watch) that this isnt the hill I’d choose to die on. I’d go after stacked hooves in Arab saddle seat, razzing up halter horses, and breeding freaky deformed noses first.
Or the Appaloosa heritage classes. Red face is still done.
I love it.
OP - are you Bedouin and offended? Or just white and offended on their behalf?
There were 42 entrants in Arabian & HA Native Costume at Nationals in 2022. There were 24 at Scottsdale. Even in the most active regions, you’re looking at single digits in their championships.
I’m not minimizing appropriation, but I will bet money that in 10 years there won’t even be native costume classes anymore due to lack of entrants.
It seems a bit tacky if they do the whole sword and extras. Maybe they can get more creative and do flowing costumes of their own design? Breeches and desert appropriate wear? The shows in Arizona can lend themselves to plenty of local Southwestern attire. Some of it is based on Navajo blankets, but I think it’s been altered enough to be its own style by now.
Does it matter what ethnicity/race I am? Just because it has been done doesn’t mean it is appropriate. We know better and need to do better.
Or the Appaloosa heritage classes. Red face is still done.
LOL thank you for answering my question.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
