Throwback: Amid the Ongoing Barbenheimer Craze, $1,000,000 Worth Equestrian Event Had Its Own ‘Barbie’ to Celebrate

In the realm of equestrian sports, where the grace and power of horses captivate everyone’s heart, there is a narrative often overshadowed by thundering hooves and vibrant races. It’s a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and the quest for representation. One that brings to light the challenges faced by women within the equestrian world. This is not just a story of sport; it’s a journey through the struggles and triumphs of those who have dared to challenge the status quo.

In a domain where tradition sometimes eclipses progress, it’s time to unravel the layers, to discuss the often silent struggles faced by women in equestrian sports, and to celebrate the determination that propels them forward. Amid the buzz of Barbie and Oppenheimer, a piece of throwback news is recirculating on the internet that talks about how a woman made her place in the male-dominated equestrian world and connected it with Barbie.

Barbie’s equestrian connection

For those who haven’t yet watched Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar blockbuster, this is a spoiler alert.

As reported by the Daily Gazette, the reference was made to when Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, enters the Mattel Executive’s office and asks about the CEO. Later, she comes to know that there were only men holding the top positions, and not a single woman was in charge. This was connected with the incident when there used to be no women in the top positions as equestrian officials. Even though women were not given great priority, there used to be a lady who made her way to the top with her unmatched dedication and resilience.

The lady was Marylou Whitney, wife of the late Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, the family whom the $1 million Whitney Stakes is named after. After her husband’s demise in 1992, Marylou Whitney took all the responsibilities on her shoulders, and she used to present the trophies and prizes in postrace ceremonies. She also used to host celebrations at the Canfield Casino in downtown Saratoga. These celebrations used to have a world of their own, reminiscent of a realm akin to Barbie Land. This was not it, as there were many things that Mrs. Whitney did that made her reminiscent of Barbie.

Not a Barbie girl, but definitely in a Barbie world

Whitney was fondly regarded as the “social queen of the Saratoga and Lexington racing seasons.” It was due to her charming personality and the way she carried herself all her life. Those amazing outfits, those hats, garlands, and goggles—she would even make the real-life Barbie envious. She always had an aura around her, and her arrivals at the equestrian arenas were the highlight of Whitney’s career. She used to arrive in antique horse carriages, a Cinderella-themed pumpkin chariot, and even hot air balloons.

Read More: “A Window for Other Women to See”: Worth a Whopping $8,000,000 Famed Female Equestrian Opens Up on What Her Achievement Truly

She had residential properties in posh areas like Saratoga, Palm Beach, the Adirondacks, etc., and she used to drive some nice cars. Now Whitney is no longer there to grace the arena and enchant the audience with her outfits and unique way of arriving. She passed away in July 2019, leaving behind a bunch of memories that are etched in the hearts of equestrian fans.

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