Grace is the recipient of the Spring 2023 OYES Dream It Award.
After attending a close friend’s 8th birthday party at the barn where she rode, my horse interest began. However, it would take another ten years before I got on my first horse and took my first lesson. When I started, though, the excitement and joy I felt as an eight-year-old quickly returned, and I was hooked.
Since then, I have developed a particular interest in the hunter/jumper disciplines. It’s been my dream to participate in the hustle and bustle of a horse show. Due to the demands of being a full-time college student, I’ve never had the opportunity to show my skills in a show; however, competing in a hunter/jumper show is one of my most incredible riding goals.
My future dreams and plans include starting my equine-assisted learning facility that would combine the knowledge I’ve gained through pursuing my bachelor’s (and eventually master’s) in psychology. I believe that the healing power of horses, combined with proven effective therapy practices, can positively impact others’ mental health. In addition to this goal, I am working to reinstate the Equestrian Club on my university’s campus.
Unfortunately, student interest in the university’s horse program is little to none. I want to educate my peers and the local community about these beautiful animals and inspire lifelong participation in the equestrian sport. I plan to use my free time to use this club to teach people of color about horse-centered horsemanship and increase their representation in the sport. I am moving forward with pursuing my Equestrian Club goals.
I have gained a lot of interest surrounding the horses available to students at my university, and I am excited to offer classes to students and the local community. There is a parade that the university puts on annually that showcases students’ hard work and commitment to their respective organizations. It also showcases community members and small businesses and is a unifying force throughout the Hampton Roads community.
I dream of having members I’ve helped to teach leading or riding on horses in this community parade. Our presence in the parade as equestrians of color will hopefully inspire someone who may not have felt represented or included in what it means to be an equestrian. Hopefully, seeing me, an African American, first-generation college student, riding horses will show them that they can simultaneously accomplish their dreams, ride horses, and pursue their educational goals!
The financial and racial challenges of breaking into the horse world have been steep in my riding career. However, I have been allowed to take lessons with an instructor, and I’ve had many opportunities for growth in the sport I’ve had to turn down because of finances. However, I continue to overcome this challenge by working in exchange for lessons and instruction. I am proud to be a rider of color, and I always feel like I am changing the narrative of what a horsewoman looks like whenever I talk to new people about my riding passions. Showing people that the horse world is a diverse place filled with people united by our shared love for horses despite race, socioeconomic status, physical ability, mental ability, gender identity, and even body type.
I would use the scholarship funds to replace the 12-year-old tack that the equestrian club members would utilize. I will purchase a used all-purpose English saddle so that I can teach English lessons to my riders. Having an English saddle at our disposal will also allow me to properly educate people about the features of the saddle and its proper use in a hands-on manner. Thus, I can introduce the community to English disciplines in horsemanship and Western ones using the appropriate riding equipment. In addition, I will purchase helmets for riders to use so they do not have to buy them out of their pocket; this ensures that no one has to choose between cost and safety.