#28: Anti-Racism and the Equine Industry... where do we go from here?

For many of us, the Black Lives Matter Movement hit us out of the blue.  Or at least it did me! There I was busy white woman, working her way through building business in the midst of a global pandemic and recession.  Supporting business on a mission and then... 💥💥 I read a comment that stated, "The Equine world is 99.9% White & 99.9 % racist!" 💥💥 I ALWAYS BELIEVED I WAS NOT A RACIST But this made me think this wasn't my problem and there was nothing I could or should do!  It allowed me to carry on in ignorance because it wasn't me, it didn't affect me, I didn't do it, I don't have to deal with it and it stopped me listening and learning! I have always been told not to talk about 'political' things and things that 'don't involve me'!  That in speaking up I could potentially damage my business, I could get backlash! It made me realise how conditioned I was to mute myself! How I allowed the fear of getting it wrong, to stop me doing anything! But my business is built around the foundation of my core VALUES! How could I have a business built on value, see this massive wrong and not examine my own beliefs or challenge my actions! And yes for many this is a private thing to do, but I knew I needed help! So I spoke openly in very conflicting emotional vulnerable facebook live! (certainly not one I was proud of). That sparked this episode of Equine Business TV and the Equine Business Podcast with the lovely Lyla Cansfield. There is MASSIVE injustice in the world.  There is MASSIVE unbalance in the Equine Industry!  There are WRONG perceptions.  It's time for us to not take fight or flight on this.  Its time with love and understanding for us to understand, learn, be compassionate and willing to do something. (a black square on your IG grid is NOT enough!) For more information and to download the slides from Lylas Presentation and resources click here