Skip to content

Free shipping on orders over $125 within the U.S.

Find a Retailer Near You
Kerrits Equestrian Apparel Kerrits Equestrian Apparel
  • Women
    Shop All Women's »
    • Featured
      • New Arrivals
      • Best Sellers
      • The Ice Fil® Collection
      • New Kerrits Logo Wear
      • Team & Club Collection
      • Footwear
      • Workwear
      • Beyond The Barn
      • EQL Artist Series
      • Kerrits Golf Apparel
      • Gift Giving
      • E-Gift Card
    • Breeches & Tights
      • Shop All
      • Breeches
      • Riding Tights
      • Knee Patch
      • Full Seat
      • Bootcut
      • Tall Length
      • Petite
      • Plus Size
    • Riding Tops & Jackets
      • Shop All
      • Long Sleeve Tops
      • Short Sleeve Tops
      • Tank Tops
      • Jackets & Vests
      • Petite Jackets
      • Plus Size Tops & Jackets
    • Show Apparel
      • Show Breeches
      • English Show Shirts
      • Show Jackets
      • Plus Size Show Apparel
      • Petite Show Apparel
      • Affinity® Show Collection
      • Klassic Show Collection
    • Accessories
      • Shop All
      • Footwear
      • Hats / Gloves / Socks
      • Equestrian Bags
      • Equestrian Belts
    • Lifestyle Apparel
      • Shop EQL by Kerrits™ »
      • EQL New Arrivals
      • EQL Tops
      • EQL Jackets
      • EQL Pants & Leggings
      • EQL Accessories & Gifts
      • EQL Sale
    • Sale
      • Breeches & Tights on Sale
      • Tops & Jackets on Sale
      • Accessories on Sale
      • Shop All Sale
    • Shop Riding Breeches
  • Kids
    Shop All Kids »
    • Featured
      • Kids' New Arrivals
      • Best Sellers
      • Kids' Ice Fil® Collection
      • Kids' Show Apparel
      • Kids' Gift Ideas
      • E-Gift Card
    • Kids' Breeches & Tights
      • Shop All
      • Knee Patch
      • Full Seat
      • Bootcut
    • Kids' Riding Tops
      • Shop All
      • Short Sleeve Tops
      • Long Sleeve Tops
      • Riding Jackets
    • Kids' Accessories »
    • Shop All Kids
  • New!
    Shop All New Arrivals »
    • New for Women »
      • Shop All New »
      • New Kerrits Logo Wear
      • New Breeches & Tights
      • New Tops & Jackets
      • New Accessories
      • New Petite Collection
    • New for Kids »
      • Shop All Kids' New »
      • New Kids' Breeches & Tights
      • New Kids' Tops & Jackets
      • New Kids' Accessories
    • Seasonal Colors
      • Spruce and Seaglass
      • Raisin and Magenta
      • Admiral and Oxford
      • Mahogany and Espresso
      • Sable and Black
      • Classic Neutrals
    • See What's New
  • Breeches & Tights
    Shop All Breeches & Tights »
    • Featured
      • Shop All Women's »
      • Shop all Kids' »
      • New Arrivals
      • Best Sellers
    • Breeches & Tights
      • Shop All Women's
      • Breeches
      • Riding Tights
      • Knee Patch
      • Full Seat
      • Bootcut
      • Show Breeches
    • Shop by Feature
      • Pockets
      • Belt Loops
      • Cooling
      • Pull-On
      • Denim
      • Petite
      • Tall Length
      • Plus Size
    • Shop By Color
      • Tan
      • White
      • Blue
      • Gray
      • Purple
      • Burgundy
      • Brown
      • Black
    • Shop by Season
      • Summer Breeches
      • Winter Breeches
    • Grip Strength
      • Mild Grip Breeches
      • Medium Grip Breeches
      • Extreme Grip Breeches
    • Shop All Women's
  • About
    About »
    • Our Company
    • Kerrits Kares
    • Our Guarantee
    • Our Team Riders
  • Sale
    Shop All Sale »
    • Women's Sale
      • Shop All
      • Sale Breeches & Tights
      • Sale Tops & Jackets
      • Sale Accessories
      • Seconds
    • Kids Sale
      • Shop All
    • Shop All Sale Apparel
Cart
0 items

Free shipping on orders over $125 within the U.S.

    • Women's Menu
    • Women's
    • Shop All Women's »
      • Breeches & Tights Menu
      • Breeches & Tights
      • Shop All »
      • Breeches
      • Riding Tights
      • Knee Patch
      • Full Seat
      • Bootcut
      • Tall Length
      • Petite
      • Plus Size
      • Tops & Jackets Menu
      • Tops & Jackets
      • Shop All »
      • Short Sleeve Tops
      • Long Sleeve Riding Tops
      • Jackets & Vests
      • Plus Size Tops
      • Show Apparel Menu
      • Show Apparel
      • Shop All Show Apparel
      • Show Breeches
      • Show Jackets
      • English Show Shirts
      • Affinity® Show Collection
      • Klassic Show Collection
      • Plus Size Women's Show Apparel
      • Petite Women's Show Apparel
      • Team & Club Collection
      • Accessories Menu
      • Accessories
      • Shop All
      • Hats / Gloves / Socks
      • Bags
      • Equestrian Belts
      • Footwear
      • Lifestyle Apparel Menu
      • Lifestyle Apparel
      • Shop EQL by Kerrits™
    • New Arrivals
    • Best Sellers
    • Kerrits Logo Wear
    • Kerrits Golf Apparel
    • Workwear
    • Beyond the Barn
    • Gift Ideas
    • E-Gift Card
    • Kids' Menu
    • Kids'
    • Shop All Kids' »
      • Kids' Breeches & Tights Menu
      • Kids' Breeches & Tights
      • Shop All Kids Breeches »
      • Full Seat
      • Knee Patch
      • Bootcut
      • Kids' Tops & Jackets Menu
      • Kids' Tops & Jackets
      • Shop All Kids' Tops »
      • Long Sleeve Riding Tops
      • Riding Jackets
    • Kids' Accessories
    • Kids' Show Apparel
    • New Arrivals
    • Best Sellers
    • Sale
    • Kids' Gift Ideas
    • E-Gift Card
    • New Arrivals Menu
    • New Arrivals
      • New for Women Menu
      • New for Women
      • Shop All New »
      • New Breeches & Tights
      • New Tops & Jackets
      • New Accessories
      • Footwear
    • Petite Collection
    • New Kerrits Logo Wear
      • New for Kids Menu
      • New for Kids
      • Shop All New Kids' »
      • New Kids' Breeches & Tights
      • New Kids' Tops & Jackets
      • New Kids' Accessories
      • New Seasonal Colors Menu
      • New Seasonal Colors
      • Spruce and Seaglass
      • Raisin and Magenta
      • Mahogany and Espresso
      • Admiral and Oxford
      • Sable and Black
      • Classic Neutrals
    • Breeches & Riding Tights Menu
    • Breeches & Riding Tights
    • Shop All Women's
    • Shop All Kids'
    • Breeches
    • Riding Tights
    • Knee Patch
    • Full Seat
    • Bootcut
      • Shop by Pant Feature Menu
      • Shop by Pant Feature
      • Pockets
      • Belt Loops
      • Cooling
      • Pull On
      • Petite
      • Tall Length
      • Plus Size
      • Shop by Breech Color Menu
      • Shop by Breech Color
      • Tan
      • Black
      • White
      • Gray
      • Burgundy
      • Blues
      • Purple
      • Brown
      • Shop by Season Menu
      • Shop by Season
      • Winter Breeches
      • Summer Breeches
      • 3 Season Breeches
      • Shop by Grip Strength Menu
      • Shop by Grip Strength
      • Mild Grip
      • Medium Grip
      • Extreme Grip
    • Accessories Menu
    • Accessories
    • Shop All Accessories »
    • Hats / Gloves / Socks
    • Equestrian Belts
    • Bags
    • Footwear
    • Kids' Accessories
    • Sale Menu
    • Sale
    • Shop All Sale »
    • Women's Sale »
    • Kids' Sale »
    • Seconds
  • Footwear
    • EQL by Kerrits Lifestyle Apparel Menu
    • EQL by Kerrits Lifestyle Apparel
    • Shop all EQL by Kerrits™
    • EQL New Arrivals
    • EQL Tops
    • EQL Jackets
    • EQL Pants & Leggings
    • EQL Accessories & Gifts
    • EQL Sale
  • Find a Kerrits Retailer
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts

What Challenges Do Para-Riders Face?

What challenges do para-riders face?

Written by Bryanna Tanase

Although para-riders around the world face many challenges in their quest to be involved in sport, I will focus specifically on the USA, as it is the country I ride in and I am most familiar with the state of para-equestrian sports here.

There is still a great deal of stigma around the para-equestrian community. Many people are unsure about riders with disabilities participating in sport, but we know the risks it entails and are prepared to accept them, just like every other rider. Ableism is rampant within equestrian circles, and riders with disabilities are often turned away from lesson programs due to the liability involved, and the unaccommodating and close-minded nature of program staff. There have been many times I have been told to go somewhere else despite my enthusiasm for horses and sport, willingness to learn, and desire to assist with the day to day needs of the barn however I can. If the attitude of the facility staff is not an issue, another roadblock comes in the form of the accessibility of the facility itself. The main issue is that many stables in my area do not have a safe way for me to mount and dismount, but sometimes the accessibility can be so poor that I cannot get to the barn aisles to see the horses. Even if I suggest a solution to these issues that would not be too much of a hassle to implement, I am met with unwillingness to accommodate. Additionally, if we overcome the first two obstacles, there may not be a safe horse in the barn for me to ride. Sometimes, no matter how much the barn staff wants to help, there is no prudent way for me to ride and be engaged in the culture at a barn, so I have to give up on the opportunity and try to find something else. I would like to branch out from therapeutic riding centers to experience an able-bodied dressage barn, but I cannot do that without support from the staff there. I appreciate the few willing souls running able bodied barns that have tried to work with me recently, even if things did not work out in the end. Your support gives me hope that we can change the landscape of the industry and foster open-mindedness

There is also a lack of widespread access to resources and development opportunities for para-equestrians, both because of financial and geographic barriers. There are many clinics and seminars I would like to attend to help myself become a better rider and horsewoman, but they are often 2-4 hours away, and travelling that far is a once in a lifetime possibility. There also needs to be a greater proportion of therapeutic riding centers designated as Centers of Excellence. This way the top-notch programs offered at these facilities can reach a wider audience and inspire more people with disabilities to join in the joy of horses and para-equestrian sport. Financially, many para-equestrians often face greater hardship than their able-bodied counterparts, due to having to customize their equipment or purchase their own lift or sling for mounting, for example. These modifications and tools can be quite costly.

How can the equestrian industry help para-riders reach their full potential?

I ask that all equine professionals in the US open their arms, minds, and facilities to equestrians with disabilities in whatever way they are able, even if it is just making the barn aisles clear enough for wheelchairs and other assistive devices to get through. If riding is not an option, allow para-riders to help with various barn chores and administrative tasks to help the operation run more smoothly. Allow us to perform unmounted training, such as lunging or long-lining, as they are able, to keep horses in shape. We may surprise you in the best way

Equestrian media outlets must strive towards inclusion and diversity or continue doing so if they have already started. The voices of those who are rarely heard must be amplified to create change. The world must see the true passion and heart that equestrians have, and how we have worked tirelessly to achieve what we have in a world that is rarely meant for us. Feature not only the stories of those at the top, but those who are determined to get there. Internship opportunities should be made accessible to para-equestrians, so that we can join those who are working to keep the industry alive, and learn new skills

 

The equestrian world should not be one fraught with division and barriers to access. It should be a place where everyone should be welcomed. Able-bodied, para, Black, White, Native American, Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, straight, neurodivergent or neurotypical, poor or rich. Whatever background we come from, we should all be able to come together, learn from each other, amd most importantly, share the joy of horses.

About Bryanna Tanase

Hello, I am Bryanna Tanase. I am a 22 year old Grade 1 Paradressage Rider from Tarpon Springs FL living with Cerebral Palsy. I am a lifelong horse lover who finally realized my dream of riding four years ago when I began taking lessons at Quantum Leap Farm in Odessa, FL. My big dream is qualify for the US Paradressage team and represent my country at the Paralympics! I love Kerrits because of their commitment to inclusion and support for riders of all backgrounds.

Home › Equestrian Resources › What Challenges Do Para-Riders Face?
Back to Equestrian Resources
Invalid password
Enter

Sign Up For Kerrits Emails

Ride with us to hear about the latest & greatest from the Kerrits patch!

Join the list

Be the first to hear about new products, promotions & more!

About Us

  • Our Company
  • Kerrits Kares
  • Our Guarantee
  • Our Team Riders
  • Our Blog
  • Fabrics & Technologies
  • Gift Cards
  • Sign Up for Emails

Help Center

  • Size Guides
  • Shipping
  • Returns & Exchanges
  • Customer Service
  • FAQs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Do not sell my personal information

Kerrits Retailers

  • Kerrits Retailer Login
  • EQL Retailer Login
  • Become a Retailer
  • Find a Kerrits Retailer Near You
  • Kerrits Premium Retailers
  • Kerrits Canada Retailers
  • Kerrits Australia Retailers
  • Footwear Retailers

Contact Us

  • Call Us: 800-274-7946

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM PST

  • Address: PO Box 345, Bingen, WA 98605

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS

Help

  • Size Guides
  • FAQs
  • Shipping
  • Returns & Exchanges
  • Customer Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Become a Retailer
  • EQL Retailer Login

Company

  • Our Mission
  • Giving Back
  • Our Guarantee
  • Responsibility
  • Join Our Mailing List

Shop EQL

  • Tops
  • Jackets
  • Pants
  • Dresses
  • Accessories
  • Gifts
  • Gift Cards

Equileisure™

Equestrian clothing, sweaters, tops, pants, loungewear, pajamas, hats, socks, belts, and outerwear.

EQL by Kerrits™ is a responsibly made lifestyle apparel brand based in the Pacific Northwest. EQL combines casual performance wear with a passion for horses, creating equileisure™ to unbridle your personal style. And, 1% of sales are donated to equine causes.

#lessfootprintsmorehoofprints
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
    © 2023, Kerrits Equestrian Apparel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device
    • choosing a selection results in a full page refresh