It is 100% the job of the crowd of white people to be friendly rather than ostracize someone of color. It’s possible everyone else knew speakers were set up on the other stands only or something. But when I’ve been at a clinic in that type of situation, strangers have reached out to me. Even in Wellington. I’m not rich, and I am socially awkward. But I’m white. We all have a duty to do better. When people of color tell us they have these experiences, believe them, and decide what you can do to change the situation if you ever see it happen.
I’m so sorry OP that you felt excluded at a large clinic and I’m sure it sucks not knowing anyone at clinics and having to sit by yourself.
I sit by myself by choice which is completely different that the OPs situation. My expectation would have been for the organizer to have a chat with you about where to sit and maybe introducing you to a friendly face or two to help you navigate the clinic experience.
As for black people and horses, my black FIL used to use his horses to work his cattle in TX back in the day. I occasionally take him out to shows and horse things when he has time, if you ever see us out, come say hi. He’s just an amazing human.
Yep. And also admonishing people of color for staying away from white spaces. Really? Having listened to one person describe subtle racism like getting 1000 little cuts, I don’t think that’s fair, especially if there is a (very real) concern of even more explicit racist things occurring. Kudos to the OP for loving the sport and horses this much and doing it anyway. Kudos to her for sharing her experience so whites like me can make sure we are more welcoming and inclusive.
I will preface this by saying that I am white…I live just outside of Wellington so I frequently attend WEF & Global. I have never, not once, been approached or had anyone strike up a conversation when I was alone watch at a horseshow/clinic. I guess I have a follow up question for the OP. Was there some sort of lunch get together afterward where people were socializing and she was still left out?
I don’t know about this. I was fairly new to the dressage world when I went to an Amelia Newcomb clinic with my older TB gelding. I was very nervous, never having ridden in a clinic before. I was standing well outside the arena waiting for the current session to complete when another rider (sans horse) came up to me with a big smile, and when I admitted some fear, she actually gave me a hug and said I’d do great. I was shocked. I have never been hugged at any H/J show/event. Then after my first ride, I cannot tell you how many people went out of their way, riders and auditors, to tell me something nice about me, my ride, or my horse. I also find it easy to chat with other folks at the local schooling shows, and have met a lot of very nice folks there. People have come up to me and complemented one of my horses, or one lady who was super nice loved my “Barbie” outfit as she called it (Pinkish coat). So, there are some less-snobby dressage people out there! Lots, I think. Thank goodness.
ETA also, Amelia was super nice and encouraging to me and my training level TB. I watched her give the same professional and friendly attention to upper-level riders.
This has been my experience in the Midwest and when visiting WEC Ocala and KHP as well. I am white as well, but have been mistaken for other races (dark hair/ eyes, olive skin). I’ve never attributed how I was treated to race but have often attributed it to money (I think someone up thread mentioned being treated like they were homeless - that’s the vibe I get as well).
OP I’m so sorry this happened to you. I have no advice but recognize how tough it must have been to sit through that clinic. I think that you sharing your story is helping others though. It’s an excellent reminder to all of us that we need to be making an effort to include everyone, even if that effort is to invite them to stand in line and sit with us at the event.
The crowd (OP included) was there to watch and learn from the clinician. Included in the group were parents, and trainers, and perhaps friends of the riders. I seriously doubt that ostracizing another person, of any race, was on their mind. Their focus would be on their horse/rider, and learning from the clinician. Of course good manners are required as they interact with each other, but it’s not required that they seek out people to be nice to.
One of the duties of an event organizer is to be sure that attendees - riders and non-riders - have everything they need for a successful and enjoyable experience. If an unexpected scenario pops up,
the host handles it. In this case, the event was small enough (more intimate than a horse show) that the organizer could have approached the OP and asked if she would like to join the crowd. It wouldn’t matter if the OP said yes or no, the important part is that she was asked.
I think this is an important point to note. Internalized bias is rarely front of mind and yet it can inform our thoughts, words, and actions. Every person alive carries biases. It is up to the individual as to whether they want to get curious about what they hold and how to become more self aware. No one can make anyone do the work but if they don’t, it’s easy to go through life assuming that the onus is on a marginalized person to better “fit in” or be the one to initiate a connection or opportunity.
Mardi1, it was the people sitting on the bleachers who gave me the ick. I live less than 5 miles from PEC. I know the owner and took lessons from her for many years.
As for my statement of everyone fawning over Anna, I just found it interesting that the very people who ostracized me would embrace her so whole-heartedly. You’re right in that Anna is an exceptionally talented rider. It’s been my experience that multi-racial people are treated differently from fully black people. I remember being shocked when Genay Vaughn was interviewed and asked if she had experienced racism in the riding world and she said no.
Thank you all for your comments and understanding. If anyone is ever at a Sacramento area show and you see a Black woman there, it’s probably me. I would love to meet you. I have my tickets for the FEI World Cup in Houston in 2026 and it would be nice to meet fellow riders there, as well.
This may sound strange, but I felt more comfortable in Aiken, South Carolina, than I’ve ever felt here in California. I’m from Talladega, Alabama, so that could explain it. I’ve been flying to Aiken looking at equestrian communities for when I retire, so I’ll probably come on COTH asking for Aiken area dressage trainers and PRE horses for sale in the future.
Not a frequent flyer on the Dressage pages but OP’s heading caught my eye.
I witnessed a lovely inclusion moment that I would like to share.
Bromont Three Day Event - everyone is hot, tired, dirty and packing up to go home after four days on site. Standing just outside our barn, peering into the busy scene is a Muslim woman traditionally dressed with her three young daughters. U.S.A Olympian Boyd Martin walked out to them, greeted them and presented his ribbons to each of the girls. I don’t think anyone but me saw this happen so it wasn’t as if it was a photo-op … just a very good person being inclusive naturally. It was quite moving.
I used to travel for work, mostly to smaller towns/rural areas. The first time I went to the American “bible belt” I had major culture shock. One particular trip I was staying in a small town roadside hotel, that was quite white trash. I decided to follow my nose to find dinner at a very aromatic BBQ place across the tracks. The place was busy, but I soon realized that I was the ONLY white person in the place, and I immediately felt like an intruder. Had someone said Hi to me I may have relaxed, but as it was I ordered my take out and scurried off, never to return. I have no idea if my white presence was an issue. I have no idea if I was welcome there. The people in the restaurant didn’t do anything to make me feel unwelcome, so it may have been all in my head, but since then I have been more aware of how difficult it can be to be the visibly “odd one out”, and how much a difference recognizing and addressing that inherent feeling others may be feeling can help. It doesn’t have to be colour though, it could also be different attire, age, language or a disability (as examples).
Thank you for sharing! This is a great example of how the In Group can do better to make sure they are being welcoming to everyone.
I’d like to add that people who have experienced discrimination will completely reasonably be more aware of the subtext of a situation - your brain is wired to recognize repeated patterns and protect you from danger/discomfort.
People who have always been a part of the In Group will miss the more subtle clues, and may not see “anything” in a situation until blatant aggressive behavior is shown. And even then, it’s uncomfortable to think about these things so it is common for the In Group person to reach for any other reason to explain the behavior of others.
To OP, I’m sorry you experienced this. I’m nowhere near you, but I will file this away as a reminder to pay attention and to reach out and say hi. I’m not particularly outgoing, but if I can make someone feel a little more welcome it is worth it.
As a person who rarely attends clinics and doesn’t show or ride at a popular barn, I’m usually a loner at these kinds of things. No one knows me and many others are there with friends and no one approaches and includes me either.
OP, I would have waved you over to the other side with the rest, although I suspect I’d be sitting on your side too.
THIS deserves more replies. The grace this individual has sharing her experience. You’re open to interpretation yet realistic about reality. You’re a model for this country to learn from. I’m sorry to hear about your experience whatever the reason. It’s not a great feeling regardless.
Like others here, I often go places and often horse activities alone. Ive never had anyone just walk up to me either, and I’m white. But I don’t worry about it either, If I make a friend great, if not fine. I have lots of friends and I continue to enjoy the activity. I think sometimes it’s too easy to attribute some things to (race, sex, whatever other characteristics) when that may not necessarily be the case. Not that sometimes it is exactly the case, but that shouldn’t be the default go to.
