October 2023 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN October 2023 Page 27 Shannon Duffy, a Muirneen model, was born with a congenital limb loss. She has no left forearm and is a grade-five para-dressage rider. Photo credit: Muirneen Equestrian and Sherri Holdridge Organizations Promote Diversity in the Equine Industry daughter begged her to ride hors- es, Shelly was a willing advocate. But once again, when shopping for equestrian clothing, no one in the catalogs looked like them. The lack of diversity forced Shelly to question whether they belonged in the equestrian community and spurred her on a mission. Shelly wanted to show the world that the equestrian sport is filled with incredible and diverse individuals. “Riding horses was our favorite thing, so I kept going.” Her entrepreneurial spirit melded with her love of creating things and helping people. Her company Muirneen was born. The company name was derived after Shelly’s late horse, an OTTB by the famous Dynaformer. As CEO of Muirneen Equestrian (www.muirneen.com ), Shelly sets a new standard for bold and inclusive riding appar- el. “Muirneen Equestrian is not just a company. It’s a powerful movement inspiring diversity, body positivity, and kindness in horse sports.” The company con- ducted a blind model search that requested information without photos, focused on diversity and size inclusivity. The outcome exceeded ex- pectation. The result of Shelly’s determination and vision is the most diverse photoshoot in the history of horse sports! Her attire for equestrians she says is, “made of the highest quality by wom- en-owned small businesses in the breaking barriers. Shelly hosts regular, virtual town halls that are thought-provoking, tackling tough topics and showcasing inspiring equestrians. Shannon Duffy, a Muirneen model, was born with a congenital limb loss. She has no left forearm and is a grade-five para-dres- sage rider. Shannon’s equestrian journey began at age eighteen as a barrel racer even though her fami- ly thought she was crazy. Shan- non fell in love with the sport and remained in the saddle. Today she manages a noted dressage barn. As a recent townhall speaker, Shannon said, “These town hall events are vital! Open and honest conversations can build bridg- es and present opportunities to increase diversity in equestrian sports. I believe diversity should be welcomed in all disciplines because it makes our sport better.” Lauren Reichler is a Muirn- een townhall speaker born with cerebral palsy and Mermaid syn- drome--a complete or partial fusion of the lower limbs. As a child, Lau- ren underwent surgeries to separate her legs. Afterwards her doctors prescribed therapeutic riding. Her parents were skeptical and nervous. But like Shannon, Lauren fell in love with the sport. Today she is on the board of Gallop NYC which uses therapeutic horsemanship to help others and is president of NewYork Special Olympics. Her experience with the public has been overwhelmingly positive. By Alicia Martin Shelly Watts started riding in her pre-teen years, but only because her friend owned horses. “As a daughter of Asian immi- grants, I would have never started riding if it wasn’t for my friend Jessica. I remember riding horses and never seeing anyone that looked like me.” Later, when her USA.” Muirneen’s mission has grown into a devoted community of equestrians and non-equestri- ans. You might call Shelly a trailblazer. She is taking a stance, one that sometimes could be uncomfortable. Shelly initiates conversations in the equine world regarding inclusion and diversity. By igniting discussion, she is Lauren wants to transform the way we label people—not as disabled, but as living with a disability. She says, “Embrace it!” The community needs to be mindful in context, voice, and terminology. She envisions that someday every show will focus on accessibility. In a recent article by Ema Klugman, “Getting to the Playing Field: Increasing Diversity in Horse Sports,” she writes, “One of the things people love about sports is that once you’re out on the playing field, it doesn’t matter who you are: you compete equal- ly with your opponents. The rules are the rules, and the winner is based on points scored or fastest time. The problem, of course, is getting to the playing field.” Her article confirms diversity affects the ability to be inclusive in many facets from cost to availability. Statistics reveal, for exam- ple, that Black riders make up less than 1 percent of the United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF), and a Black equestrian has never competed for the U.S. in the Olympics. Teresa Carter is another compelling advocate for change and conversation. She is a Marine veteran, professional horse trainer and, to say the least, determined. Teresa has persevered through racism and roadblocks. She has experienced much adversity in her own equestrian journey as a Black woman and wants to remove barriers for future gener- ations. As a Muirneen model and town hall participant she says, “I am proud to be a model because everyone has not had the same journey. Muirneen town halls are a rare opportunity to shed light on important topics of diversity, allowing a space for learning and healing. They help make a way toward a stronger and more inclusive equine industry.” Engaging in conversation and building a case is exactly what the American Horse Council (AHC) is attempting to do. Julie Broadway is president of the organization, the only national association exclusively represent- ing every segment of the equine industry. Based in Washington, D.C., the AHC works daily to ad- vocate for social, economic, and legislative interests of the U.S. equine industry. With more than (Continued on page 28) BLACK’S LIVESTOCK -The Next Pasture - Where the grass is always green, lush & stirrup high Individual Horse & Pet Cremation Standard Mortality Emergency Service Available John E. Black: 610.220.5262 Matthew Hoffman: 610.656.3258 Office: 610.584.4482 Fax: 610.584.9111 BLACK’S LIVESTOCK P.O. Box 662 Skippack, PA 19472 www.nextpasture.com