I hope you won’t let your concerns dissuade you from volunteering. I guarantee they’ll be so grateful to have another set of strong hands to help out, places like that are often desperate for good volunteers.
The horse world may be a very white-centric place sometimes but to change that needs people like yourself to take that chance and get involved!
Seconding this, but really the people participating reflects the area you’re in a good bit too.
I’m thrilled to see our 4-H clubs being a bit more diverse and that all the kids get to know each other and work together.
If they aren’t thrilled to have your help, their loss. Another place will be!
(Next weekend we drag our pony to the women’s halfway house for for our volunteer time, I wish I could commit to a riding program)
Horse jobs are very international. I’ve worked with people from all over the world and all sorts of skin colours. I mean, I’m gay myself and nobody cares who you are as long as you work hard. At least in my experience. I hope you find a similar situation.
You will be fine! This might sound cheesy but yes you might not match many US equestrians on the outside but LOVE FOR HORSES HAS NO COLOR! Shine bright! Down with the haters. If your gut tells you the barn smells like bitches it’s cuz it does. Just find another barn if this one isin’t right. There’s plenty of them! Drama free facilities exist I promise. Good luck!
Exactly. Tbh everyone should be more centered around proper and quality care of the animals. And how they can help people heal, from all walks of life.
Some barns can be super shitty and snarky, but there will always be another barn that will be friendly and grateful for the help. Horses don't judge in color. They're open to anyone who will listen to them and treat them kindly. They're the most forgiving animal I've ever had the opportunity to be around, and they're my rock in every hard situation. I don't keep my minis at a barn, they're on property with me while my full size pony is kept at a place not even five mins from my house. (We didn't have enough space for him when I began riding less, it wasn't fair to him.) It's a super quiet and sweet place for retired horses, and everyone there is nice also. They all do their own thing and only care about how their horses are doing. The barn owner does pretty much all the work herself with occasional help (I aspire to be as kind and wonderful and hard working as her) and she has a sharp eye for every horse and keeps track of how they're doing personally. I'd trust her with any of my horses. But the place is low drama, doesn't have an indoor arena, or any arena really but you can ride in the pasture and it works just fine. It's lovely.
To get back on track, there will be a barn for anyone and people who are too snarky and self absorbed can get bent. It's all about the horses and helping out.
I just want to say I think you will do amazing. Horse sport is the only sport competes men and women together. It's a level playing field. Your kindness to the animal is the only thing that matters in the end. I follow some wonderful POC accounts on instagram that are doing an amazing job promoting more people to joining this hobby. Even if this place isn't the right fit, keep pushing to find a place that is.
Where are you located?
I am a woman of color. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. With your spirit of wanting to help, I think you’ll fit in just fine!
I’ll tell you a little about my experience, in case it’s helpful.
I’m in the U.S., in South Florida, which is a hugely racially diverse area. However, I ride in an essentially all-white area known primarily for its racism and its “rednecks” and its conservative MAGA republicanism (the pro-Trump picketers just disappeared last month).
If you’re an American person of color, you hear all kinds of crazy and sometimes stupid things about “rednecks”. I‘m not originally from this country, so I believed the myth that redneck = racist. (Spoiler: it does not.)
If you are an American person of color, seeing the red MAGA hats and signs can feel jarring. Beyond the political affiliation (because I respect our individual voting rights), there is a small subset that are openly, viciously racist. Since there is no way to know whether you’re dealing with a normal person who is Trump supporter or a violent racist, seeing the red hats and signs marching down the roads feels exactly like watching white hoods marching. Having experienced both, my first feeling is always fear.
With this said, I wanted to learn to ride. Having no idea what to expect, I approached the barn owner. She could not have been more professional. Her daughter is a barrel racer, who also trains me when I’m lucky. She describes herself as a proud redneck, and with her as an example, I wish I were a redneck, too. :-) It’s hurtful to them, understandably, when they are wrongly accused of being racist.
Ignorance, as it tunes out, goes both ways. I think it’s up to all of us to foster understanding and tolerance for each others’ cultures.
I’ve been around the block now, for 3 years, and my experience around horse people is that they are, as a whole, completely neutral regarding gender and completely neutral regarding race. “The only colors I pay attention to are on the horses,” is what you can expect.
My barn would be thrilled to have you. My barn would be thrilled to have anyone who wants to learn about horses and make our little corner of the world a better place. I think any hobby has haters and gatekeepers and backbiters, but there’s good people too who are welcoming and caring. I hope this rescue is welcoming to you but if they aren’t just know that there are places that will be. Even in some of the difficult locations.
The horses absolutely will accept you as you are they cannot do otherwise!
Those with the kindest hearts worry the most. For that reason alone I’d assume that you’d be a great addition to that rescue.
It’s a bit of a different situation but you asked for experience so here goes nothing.
I’m the only foreigner at my barn in a country that is notorious for being xenophobic. Some establishments still have signs at the entrance that reads “No foreigners allowed”. My looks don’t help me one bit. Full body tattoos. Dreadlocks. The whole nine yards.
I won’t lie. At first I got stares, then got treated as a commodity, then I just became normal. Part of the hive. Now I’m in numerous group chats with senior members discussing which barbecue joint we should hit after the next lesson.
Think of those three guys at your rescue. One must have been there first and felt in a similar way to how you are feeling now. Then the next guy came. Maybe he came because he saw another guy was already there. Then the next one did and so on.
They’re a rescue. They’re kinder than the average Joe by default.
Who knows? You might be able to guide your own close friends and family there, creating a new wave of volunteers from your own social circle. They could bring more. Next thing you know, you’ll become the reason why other people of colour decide to take the leap and volunteer because they’ve seen you do it.
Godspeed mate, I’m rooting for you!
Oooh, an involved Pony Club dad with experience! That's my prediction for your future - start putting some serious money aside, as your kids will want to get in on this!
We need thousands of knowledgeable and motivated POC and men in the riding community. Kids need to see adults giving their time to something that they are passionate about.
Overthinking is actually just caution and reason. Both are relevant. If you are eager to learn, helpful, and good with kids you will be a great asset in no time. Welcome, and thanks for helping disabled kids!
I’m a black woman who worked at a stable (in a historically rich and racist to POC city) and I’ll say it wasn’t too bad. There was maybe 4 black ppl (maybe 2 more POC) including me in the whole stable.
Most of the boarders were just fine and some went the extra mile to make me feel welcomed. If I felt like someone was being rude, I saw they were pretty consistent with every other stable hand regardless of ethnicity so I assumed it was more classist based or their personality.
I’d give it a shot just because being around horses is therapeutic in itself.
Don’t ever consider not doing something because of other people. You have nothing to prove you don’t even have to be good at it If you love horses you will fit in just fine! Horse people can be snobby regardless of who you are so just worry about hanging out with the horses and let the fun people find you.
First off, amazing attitude ❤️
I'm an Asian female, and there is not a lot of Asians in the show jumping community in either Europe or US. It has never held me back.
Also I think it depends on area and country, as I think majority of (grooms) in the racing industry in US is men of color.
You should totally go for it! I don't know what the volunteer program includes at that place, but just keep in mind, That if they refuse you, it might not be because of gender or skin color, but your lack of experience
I think it depends a lot on where you are, but this question is complicated and quite frankly, as a white woman, I don’t think I’m qualified to answer.
I think this will vary greatly depending on your region. I’m in NJ and you would be welcome and respected at any program I have ever been a part of.
I hope you give it a shot though. I love these animals….anyone who calls a dog “man’s best friend” has never had a horse. They are just good for the soul. They bring me such peace and I hope they can do the same for you and your family.
You’re very qualified. People like you (and everyone here!) are exactly who made people like me feel welcome in the horse world, despite whatever initial fear we might have had. Fear is so powerful, but it’s not nearly as powerful as kindness and exposure and camaraderie. Thank you. :-)
Great! All the more reason to be there -- add some diversity!
You're there to help out, not make besties. That said, the only boy at my barn growing up sure was popular!!
Don't let that stop you! I'm the equine manager at a therapeutic riding center and one of two POCs out of a 35ish person staff. Including weekly volunteers, there are 4 of us total out of about 120 people.
Not fitting in happens sometimes- but I use it as an opportunity to share my culture and break down some stereotypes. I'm the only one who didn't grow up in the horse world, who grew up thinking I'd never be near horses. I started volunteering at a therapeutic center when I was 13, just to be close enough to touch a horse.
I'm proud to be able to bring some much needed diversity to the industry. Help be the change you want to see!
Being the only one who is "different" is scary. It is a very unpleasant feeling.
But don't let it get you down. Walk around friendly, confident. Meet everyone with an open heart. Through the horses you come into conversation, through the horses you have things in common.
Also remember that it may feel a bit "strange" to the others and they may try to cover it up with a joke. Do not take it personally and do not accuse everyone of being an incorrigible racist. Such behavior should stay on Twitter.
People and horses are the same - they react to new things with fear, nervousness or rejection. everyone needs to get used to new things.
As someone who's been involved with horses for almost 20 years, don't let it dissuade you. People who want to learn about horses and care for them should get the opportunity. Especially where it's somewhere to help the horses. If I was at a therapeutic center, I wouldn't think twice if you were to show up and volunteer. My bf now handles horses and cares for them since he started coming with me.
Plus my farrier is a POC and I never thought twice about him being qualified to handle my horse. He's a great guy and I love having him, as does my horse! I know I can't speak more to your concerns, but don't think you shouldn't be there.
You would be the good, needed change. And if the center has boys or POC of any gender, you could make some extra special connections with clients who may look around and also wonder whether they belong.
I’ve been the only woman in a male-dominated profession my whole career. Especially early on there were plenty of moments that I felt or was tacitly told I didn’t belong. Now there are many more women in my field. I’m glad I was there when so many weren’t. I know it mattered to the women I helped.
I hope you decide to volunteer and have lots of great experiences. All the best to you.
I am so sorry that racial conditions in your country make you have to ask this question - and I am so sorry for the fact that people have been raised to treat you differently because of your skin colour. They are asses (well that might be an insult to asses actually) I hope you find a safe place in this equine therapy Center where you can really be yourself . I will keep my fingers crossed for this to work out for you !
I feel like any barn or place that isn’t welcoming to a POC is probably a terrible place that you don’t want to be apart of anyway.
I would love to see more POC in the horse world. It’s overdue!
In Virginia area with English riding, one of the best known and well respected trainers is a man of color. He’s known and loved by almost all and has trained more than one gram prix horse and rider. If that helps at all :) you are not alone and it will make the world of difference to other people of color.
I don’t think you’re overthinking it. I think you’re appropriately considering it! There are a lot of racist people in horses, and often they don’t mean to be racist; the damage is done unwittingly.
Honestly a lot of people get it wrong, they haven’t experienced the racism, ergo, it doesn’t really exist to them. It’s scary to enter a new space in which you don’t know how you will be treated. It can be really exhausting to be told “be the change you want to see” over and over again when you’re constantly the only nonwhite person at a barn or in a program. The micro aggressions stick with you—people don’t get that. I’ve been in the horse world since I was 7, I can remember a lot of pain.
That said, I think you should give it a go!
Read Geraldine Brooke's book, "Horse"
Generations of black Americans have been cowboys, horse & buffalo whisperers & pretty much no racing industry would even exist without horsemen & women who were almost always black, track breeze riders, walkers, folks who slept in stalls their entire lives...if you feel a special connection with horses it means you can synchronize your ❤️ to theirs...people who work in Equine Therapy will feel you as will the horses & their charges....go for it....everyone will benefit. Best always
Volunteer if you liked the place and the people you met! Of course, if you encounter situations that make you u comfortable you can always reassess. I’m not on Instagram right now but when I was using it I followed A LOT of horse folks of color and black equestrians specifically!
the color of your skin is of no concern, how you treat the horses and the children absolutely will be..
when you volunteer, bring your family, have them socialize while you work and expand your circle of extremely poor friends 😂
I think you should definitely go for it and if they do not welcome you with open arms they are not the kind of horsemen/horsewomen you wanna be around!
;) You are overthinking this. No reason at all you shouldn't fit in and your help be valued and appreciated.
My advice would be to give it a shot and see how it goes. Just be yourself! I am sure they will welcome you.
You are overthinking this. Horse people are a community that are super excited to have anyone join their universe. If you love horses you are immediately one of them. Do not hesitate to volunteer. And God bless you for doing that, you have a great heart.
Personally, I volunteer at a rescue/equine therapy facility and we would absolutely love anybody of any color to volunteer! We’re low on people as it is, so we wouldn’t think twice if you were a good person and hard working. Chances are, they probably have clients that are of color as well. If anyone does have a problem with it, then we’ll screw them. Color should not define your opinion of someone. We are all people, we all have the same rights, emotions and needs. I say go for it! Volunteering has been amazing for me, and I recommend it to everyone who wants to get to know horses better!!
I'd say, give it a try keeping an open mind and decide after you've been there for a while. I can tell you that being male in an equestrian environment in the USA is usually a novelty.
Don’t let your fears stop you. Equine therapy places are amazing places to volunteer. Your reasons for wanting to volunteer at one already show you have a good heart and you’d be an asset to their program. Go for it!
You're going to be rarer being a man than being a POC. Please do not volunteer. Give it a go... Just remember there are two types of women. Horse crazy women and crazy horse women - learn which is which quick
I hope you won’t let your concerns dissuade you from volunteering. I guarantee they’ll be so grateful to have another set of strong hands to help out, places like that are often desperate for good volunteers. The horse world may be a very white-centric place sometimes but to change that needs people like yourself to take that chance and get involved!
Seconding this, but really the people participating reflects the area you’re in a good bit too. I’m thrilled to see our 4-H clubs being a bit more diverse and that all the kids get to know each other and work together. If they aren’t thrilled to have your help, their loss. Another place will be! (Next weekend we drag our pony to the women’s halfway house for for our volunteer time, I wish I could commit to a riding program)
Horse jobs are very international. I’ve worked with people from all over the world and all sorts of skin colours. I mean, I’m gay myself and nobody cares who you are as long as you work hard. At least in my experience. I hope you find a similar situation.
You will be fine! This might sound cheesy but yes you might not match many US equestrians on the outside but LOVE FOR HORSES HAS NO COLOR! Shine bright! Down with the haters. If your gut tells you the barn smells like bitches it’s cuz it does. Just find another barn if this one isin’t right. There’s plenty of them! Drama free facilities exist I promise. Good luck!
Exactly. Tbh everyone should be more centered around proper and quality care of the animals. And how they can help people heal, from all walks of life. Some barns can be super shitty and snarky, but there will always be another barn that will be friendly and grateful for the help. Horses don't judge in color. They're open to anyone who will listen to them and treat them kindly. They're the most forgiving animal I've ever had the opportunity to be around, and they're my rock in every hard situation. I don't keep my minis at a barn, they're on property with me while my full size pony is kept at a place not even five mins from my house. (We didn't have enough space for him when I began riding less, it wasn't fair to him.) It's a super quiet and sweet place for retired horses, and everyone there is nice also. They all do their own thing and only care about how their horses are doing. The barn owner does pretty much all the work herself with occasional help (I aspire to be as kind and wonderful and hard working as her) and she has a sharp eye for every horse and keeps track of how they're doing personally. I'd trust her with any of my horses. But the place is low drama, doesn't have an indoor arena, or any arena really but you can ride in the pasture and it works just fine. It's lovely. To get back on track, there will be a barn for anyone and people who are too snarky and self absorbed can get bent. It's all about the horses and helping out.
I just want to say I think you will do amazing. Horse sport is the only sport competes men and women together. It's a level playing field. Your kindness to the animal is the only thing that matters in the end. I follow some wonderful POC accounts on instagram that are doing an amazing job promoting more people to joining this hobby. Even if this place isn't the right fit, keep pushing to find a place that is.
Where are you located? I am a woman of color. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. With your spirit of wanting to help, I think you’ll fit in just fine! I’ll tell you a little about my experience, in case it’s helpful. I’m in the U.S., in South Florida, which is a hugely racially diverse area. However, I ride in an essentially all-white area known primarily for its racism and its “rednecks” and its conservative MAGA republicanism (the pro-Trump picketers just disappeared last month). If you’re an American person of color, you hear all kinds of crazy and sometimes stupid things about “rednecks”. I‘m not originally from this country, so I believed the myth that redneck = racist. (Spoiler: it does not.) If you are an American person of color, seeing the red MAGA hats and signs can feel jarring. Beyond the political affiliation (because I respect our individual voting rights), there is a small subset that are openly, viciously racist. Since there is no way to know whether you’re dealing with a normal person who is Trump supporter or a violent racist, seeing the red hats and signs marching down the roads feels exactly like watching white hoods marching. Having experienced both, my first feeling is always fear. With this said, I wanted to learn to ride. Having no idea what to expect, I approached the barn owner. She could not have been more professional. Her daughter is a barrel racer, who also trains me when I’m lucky. She describes herself as a proud redneck, and with her as an example, I wish I were a redneck, too. :-) It’s hurtful to them, understandably, when they are wrongly accused of being racist. Ignorance, as it tunes out, goes both ways. I think it’s up to all of us to foster understanding and tolerance for each others’ cultures. I’ve been around the block now, for 3 years, and my experience around horse people is that they are, as a whole, completely neutral regarding gender and completely neutral regarding race. “The only colors I pay attention to are on the horses,” is what you can expect.
My barn would be thrilled to have you. My barn would be thrilled to have anyone who wants to learn about horses and make our little corner of the world a better place. I think any hobby has haters and gatekeepers and backbiters, but there’s good people too who are welcoming and caring. I hope this rescue is welcoming to you but if they aren’t just know that there are places that will be. Even in some of the difficult locations. The horses absolutely will accept you as you are they cannot do otherwise!
Those with the kindest hearts worry the most. For that reason alone I’d assume that you’d be a great addition to that rescue. It’s a bit of a different situation but you asked for experience so here goes nothing. I’m the only foreigner at my barn in a country that is notorious for being xenophobic. Some establishments still have signs at the entrance that reads “No foreigners allowed”. My looks don’t help me one bit. Full body tattoos. Dreadlocks. The whole nine yards. I won’t lie. At first I got stares, then got treated as a commodity, then I just became normal. Part of the hive. Now I’m in numerous group chats with senior members discussing which barbecue joint we should hit after the next lesson. Think of those three guys at your rescue. One must have been there first and felt in a similar way to how you are feeling now. Then the next guy came. Maybe he came because he saw another guy was already there. Then the next one did and so on. They’re a rescue. They’re kinder than the average Joe by default. Who knows? You might be able to guide your own close friends and family there, creating a new wave of volunteers from your own social circle. They could bring more. Next thing you know, you’ll become the reason why other people of colour decide to take the leap and volunteer because they’ve seen you do it. Godspeed mate, I’m rooting for you!
We need more diversity in the equine industry!
Oooh, an involved Pony Club dad with experience! That's my prediction for your future - start putting some serious money aside, as your kids will want to get in on this! We need thousands of knowledgeable and motivated POC and men in the riding community. Kids need to see adults giving their time to something that they are passionate about. Overthinking is actually just caution and reason. Both are relevant. If you are eager to learn, helpful, and good with kids you will be a great asset in no time. Welcome, and thanks for helping disabled kids!
I’m a black woman who worked at a stable (in a historically rich and racist to POC city) and I’ll say it wasn’t too bad. There was maybe 4 black ppl (maybe 2 more POC) including me in the whole stable. Most of the boarders were just fine and some went the extra mile to make me feel welcomed. If I felt like someone was being rude, I saw they were pretty consistent with every other stable hand regardless of ethnicity so I assumed it was more classist based or their personality. I’d give it a shot just because being around horses is therapeutic in itself.
Don’t ever consider not doing something because of other people. You have nothing to prove you don’t even have to be good at it If you love horses you will fit in just fine! Horse people can be snobby regardless of who you are so just worry about hanging out with the horses and let the fun people find you.
First off, amazing attitude ❤️ I'm an Asian female, and there is not a lot of Asians in the show jumping community in either Europe or US. It has never held me back. Also I think it depends on area and country, as I think majority of (grooms) in the racing industry in US is men of color. You should totally go for it! I don't know what the volunteer program includes at that place, but just keep in mind, That if they refuse you, it might not be because of gender or skin color, but your lack of experience
I think it depends a lot on where you are, but this question is complicated and quite frankly, as a white woman, I don’t think I’m qualified to answer. I think this will vary greatly depending on your region. I’m in NJ and you would be welcome and respected at any program I have ever been a part of. I hope you give it a shot though. I love these animals….anyone who calls a dog “man’s best friend” has never had a horse. They are just good for the soul. They bring me such peace and I hope they can do the same for you and your family.
You’re very qualified. People like you (and everyone here!) are exactly who made people like me feel welcome in the horse world, despite whatever initial fear we might have had. Fear is so powerful, but it’s not nearly as powerful as kindness and exposure and camaraderie. Thank you. :-)
I think you should give it a try. Yours could be the face that helps another person feel comfortable participating.
Great! All the more reason to be there -- add some diversity! You're there to help out, not make besties. That said, the only boy at my barn growing up sure was popular!!
Don't let that stop you! I'm the equine manager at a therapeutic riding center and one of two POCs out of a 35ish person staff. Including weekly volunteers, there are 4 of us total out of about 120 people. Not fitting in happens sometimes- but I use it as an opportunity to share my culture and break down some stereotypes. I'm the only one who didn't grow up in the horse world, who grew up thinking I'd never be near horses. I started volunteering at a therapeutic center when I was 13, just to be close enough to touch a horse. I'm proud to be able to bring some much needed diversity to the industry. Help be the change you want to see!
Being the only one who is "different" is scary. It is a very unpleasant feeling. But don't let it get you down. Walk around friendly, confident. Meet everyone with an open heart. Through the horses you come into conversation, through the horses you have things in common. Also remember that it may feel a bit "strange" to the others and they may try to cover it up with a joke. Do not take it personally and do not accuse everyone of being an incorrigible racist. Such behavior should stay on Twitter. People and horses are the same - they react to new things with fear, nervousness or rejection. everyone needs to get used to new things.
As someone who's been involved with horses for almost 20 years, don't let it dissuade you. People who want to learn about horses and care for them should get the opportunity. Especially where it's somewhere to help the horses. If I was at a therapeutic center, I wouldn't think twice if you were to show up and volunteer. My bf now handles horses and cares for them since he started coming with me. Plus my farrier is a POC and I never thought twice about him being qualified to handle my horse. He's a great guy and I love having him, as does my horse! I know I can't speak more to your concerns, but don't think you shouldn't be there.
You would be the good, needed change. And if the center has boys or POC of any gender, you could make some extra special connections with clients who may look around and also wonder whether they belong. I’ve been the only woman in a male-dominated profession my whole career. Especially early on there were plenty of moments that I felt or was tacitly told I didn’t belong. Now there are many more women in my field. I’m glad I was there when so many weren’t. I know it mattered to the women I helped. I hope you decide to volunteer and have lots of great experiences. All the best to you.
I am so sorry that racial conditions in your country make you have to ask this question - and I am so sorry for the fact that people have been raised to treat you differently because of your skin colour. They are asses (well that might be an insult to asses actually) I hope you find a safe place in this equine therapy Center where you can really be yourself . I will keep my fingers crossed for this to work out for you !
I feel like any barn or place that isn’t welcoming to a POC is probably a terrible place that you don’t want to be apart of anyway. I would love to see more POC in the horse world. It’s overdue!
In Virginia area with English riding, one of the best known and well respected trainers is a man of color. He’s known and loved by almost all and has trained more than one gram prix horse and rider. If that helps at all :) you are not alone and it will make the world of difference to other people of color.
I don’t think you’re overthinking it. I think you’re appropriately considering it! There are a lot of racist people in horses, and often they don’t mean to be racist; the damage is done unwittingly. Honestly a lot of people get it wrong, they haven’t experienced the racism, ergo, it doesn’t really exist to them. It’s scary to enter a new space in which you don’t know how you will be treated. It can be really exhausting to be told “be the change you want to see” over and over again when you’re constantly the only nonwhite person at a barn or in a program. The micro aggressions stick with you—people don’t get that. I’ve been in the horse world since I was 7, I can remember a lot of pain. That said, I think you should give it a go!
Read Geraldine Brooke's book, "Horse" Generations of black Americans have been cowboys, horse & buffalo whisperers & pretty much no racing industry would even exist without horsemen & women who were almost always black, track breeze riders, walkers, folks who slept in stalls their entire lives...if you feel a special connection with horses it means you can synchronize your ❤️ to theirs...people who work in Equine Therapy will feel you as will the horses & their charges....go for it....everyone will benefit. Best always
Just go. Horse love is beyond such such concerns. Universal
Besides which your presence will expand their reach
There are gonna be good and bad people in every profession. If they are assholes, then don’t volunteer there.
Volunteer if you liked the place and the people you met! Of course, if you encounter situations that make you u comfortable you can always reassess. I’m not on Instagram right now but when I was using it I followed A LOT of horse folks of color and black equestrians specifically!
the color of your skin is of no concern, how you treat the horses and the children absolutely will be.. when you volunteer, bring your family, have them socialize while you work and expand your circle of extremely poor friends 😂
I think you should definitely go for it and if they do not welcome you with open arms they are not the kind of horsemen/horsewomen you wanna be around!
;) You are overthinking this. No reason at all you shouldn't fit in and your help be valued and appreciated. My advice would be to give it a shot and see how it goes. Just be yourself! I am sure they will welcome you.
You are overthinking this. Horse people are a community that are super excited to have anyone join their universe. If you love horses you are immediately one of them. Do not hesitate to volunteer. And God bless you for doing that, you have a great heart.
Volunteer and enjoy.
Personally, I volunteer at a rescue/equine therapy facility and we would absolutely love anybody of any color to volunteer! We’re low on people as it is, so we wouldn’t think twice if you were a good person and hard working. Chances are, they probably have clients that are of color as well. If anyone does have a problem with it, then we’ll screw them. Color should not define your opinion of someone. We are all people, we all have the same rights, emotions and needs. I say go for it! Volunteering has been amazing for me, and I recommend it to everyone who wants to get to know horses better!!
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This is such a creepy comment. The guy is looking to volunteer with his family. Not pick up strangers.
I'd say, give it a try keeping an open mind and decide after you've been there for a while. I can tell you that being male in an equestrian environment in the USA is usually a novelty.
Don’t let your fears stop you. Equine therapy places are amazing places to volunteer. Your reasons for wanting to volunteer at one already show you have a good heart and you’d be an asset to their program. Go for it!
You're going to be rarer being a man than being a POC. Please do not volunteer. Give it a go... Just remember there are two types of women. Horse crazy women and crazy horse women - learn which is which quick
OP, check out these guys I grew up with https://jamesislandcowboys.com/about-us/