October 2023 Issue

Page 28 October 2023 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN Organizations Promote Diversity in the Equine Industry 30 years of leadership in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Julie holds a BS, MBA, Exec- utive Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership and is Certified Asso- ciation Executive®. Julie is a lifelong horse enthusiast ranging from recre- ational rider and breeder to show competitor. “When I was 13 years old, my parents sent me to 4-H Camp where I took horseback riding lessons and was hooked. Unfortunately, there were no horses on the island, so it wasn’t till college I got back to riding.” She agrees a conversation on inclusion and diversity is vital to the industry. “We love horses be- cause they allow us to unlock our own power. We want to invite all people to experience the power of the horse/human connection. Sharing that passion with oth- ers—by ensuring underrepresent- ed communities are invited and welcomed to experience the pow- er of horses—will create a greater sense of belonging for all horse lovers, and build a stronger, more sustainable equine industry.” In building their case for diversity, the Council believes industries and organizations which prioritize DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) values will rise to the top for future genera- tions. DEI workplaces will take on greater importance as younger generations become the dominant workforce. Early research sug- gests this approach can improve teamwork, spark innovation, and boost millennial engagement, and over time it might even help alle- viate divisions in broader society. The Council asserts focusing on a diverse future will increase sustainability. As cited in Harvard Business Review , diverse compa- nies are 70 percent likelier to cap- ture a new market and 45 percent more likely to report increased market share year over year. It's no surprise that diverse equine or- ganizations have the expertise and networks to expand the circle of support to policymakers, donors, volunteers, and participants. The participants in this ar- ticle are inspirations and exam- ples of resilience. Horses have dynamic healing capabilities. Everyone deserves an opportu- nity to experience them, whether through watching or engaging in the sport. We all can play a key role in making that happen. Reach out to the American Horse Council at horsecouncil.org for more information on becom- ing DEl-friendly, and help the industry move forward together. Muirneen Equestrian invites you to join their mission in an up- coming townhall recording about Cheryl White, the first Black female jockey at muirneen.com. Alicia Stephens Martin is a businesswoman and writer from South Central Pennsylvania. She has authored several novels; the latest will release this winter. The Silver Cowgirls Ride Again surrounds four women in midlife who return to horses and face their diversities. (Continued from page 27)