My name is Chandra Thurman. I am a black equestrian and I am proud. I’ve been actively riding for 7 years and showing for about 4 years in dressage. I have my own mare named Kassie, who is my pride and joy. Horses is in my blood. My family bred and raised Morgan’s and I’m glad to carry on the tradition of my love for such an incredible animal. What’s going on in the world gives me a lot of emotions.
"You should support that I am making a difference and breaking barriers in this predominantly white sport."
I’m proud of the people standing up and speaking out, and I am disappointed in the people turning a blind eye. In the equestrian world I am judged immediately when I walk onto the show grounds. I keep my head up and my smile big because I know I’m here for one reason only and that’s to enjoy my horse. After people see me ride and how I handle my horse, they come up to me smiling and wanting to talk. You shouldn’t be scared of me because of my color. You should support that I am making a difference and breaking barriers in this predominantly white sport. I am no different from you, I get on my horse the same side and give them pats after a good ride.
"I keep my head up and my smile big because I know I’m here for one reason only and that’s to enjoy my horse."
The equestrian community needs to be accepting in all disciplines. Our color has nothing to do with how we ride course, preform a series of leg yields or jump a bank. There is nothing different but the shade of our skin and that should never be an issue. Racism has been around and will continue to be around unless we stand up together and fight for equality. My hope is that this generation and the ones before stand up and do what should have done years ago. It’s time for a permanent change.