Equestrianism is defined as an activity inclusive of various uses of horses under the radar of horse riding. From practical work to competitive sports, the term holds a stretchable meaning. However, with narrowed preferences and highlighted terms, the sports industry often takes the lead. While horses have been in use by mankind for centuries, their roles have only been ever-evolving to suit interests.

The sporting industry of today has grown to adopt these majestic creatures in the sport of equestrian. While several practices embrace the term, the elite shows of dressage, show jumping, and eventing along the rest stand rather recognized; specifically with Olympic presence. However, as the sport continues to grow, how well has it done so to cater to the passionate?

The gender factor in equestrian sport

Equestrian sport is the only Olympic sport to have mixed-gender competitions. The feature alone pushes the sport up a step with inclusivity. FEI states that equestrian isn’t a sport to heavily rely on the physical strengths of an athlete that may act as a deciding factor involving biological advantages. It took people in authority a good few years to understand the dissertation and finally implement desegregation in dressage in 1952. Add another twelve years and show jumping and eventing were finally under evolution.

Today, athletes of all genders compete for equal prize money on all levels. However, ironically, equestrian is one sport that has held stereotypes against men competing. Studies state that on the amateur or junior level, men have comparatively less representation; with competitions entirely of women. The difference is often attributed to the assumptions made about their sexuality. But go higher, you are likely to find men on podiums.

Representation graphs in the sport

According to reports, since the 1970s, women have been the majority in Olympic dressage. What adds on further is that roughly 75% of the equestrian sport is embraced by female athletes. However, on the Olympic podium, it is men who take the limelight despite their smaller composition of 25%. One of the reasons for the difference between junior levels and the stage of the Olympics has been directed towards bias during selections. But taking the lead on the reason is female athletes’ obligation toward family well-being. However, fortunately, with evolving times, FEI seems to have adopted measures down the right path.

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But before taking a diversion, the inclusivity hasn’t been limited to genders. FEI openly shares that the LGBTQ+ community has been an embraced segment by the organization. “I have never knowingly been treated any differently. I have a good rapport with the other riders, have enjoyed some amazing sponsorship agreements…” Olympic medalist Blyth Tait stated in an interview. While the stated inclusivity has held a bright side, it isn’t all that counts.

Equestrian: a sport for the rich?

When one thinks of equestrian sport, the unavoidable images of expensive gear, estates, and horse management appear before one. It is thus no lie that the sport is majorly for the rich. Jennifer Gates, Jessica Springsteen, Grace Wahlberg, and Eve Jobs, who own the commonality of equestrian passion, also share the background of wealth. The sport is said to earn millions in cash prizes and equally draw the amount for maintenance.

Reports state that horses for the sport alone could cost thousands of dollars and for the following facilitates, thousands of dollars could pull up every month. A report by an experienced gives us a glimpse into the rulings of the class. From $2,000 per week per horse to $250 every eight weeks for hooves maintenance, the sport can be harsh on some. But with the rising awareness, authorities in the higher seats are looking for improvement.

Measures by organizations

To start, the biggest of the equestrian organizations, FEI, has been rather awoke on the inclusivity aspect. In 2010, FEI became the first International Federation to freeze the ranking points for athletes on maternity leave. It was further expanded upon in 2022 to ‘provide athletes an option of adapting the duration of their maternity leave to their individual situation.’ The organization also offers paid paternity leave and continues to work to be more inclusive of people with different sexual orientations.

As for the representation of the rich and lower, the British Equestrian stepped forward with an initiation involving 18 members. The community aims to focus on equality standards, culture, and workforce around participation. “We know ethnically diverse communities and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are under-represented across equestrianism and may not feel it is for them,” Chief Executive Jim Eyre says according to Your Horse.

“…we have to do more to embrace our differences and recognize what can be possible when equality, diversity, and inclusion is woven into our culture.” The equestrian industry, though pretty well on the outside, has a few holes to fill up. Hopefully, with the evolving mindsets and increasing awareness, the industry might one day stand well and high.

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