In 2017, I had a phone meeting with a major stock photo agency. As we were wrapping up the call, one of them said, “We have one piece of feedback for you. We would like you to explore the idea of adding more racial diversity to your work. From your website, it looks like horseback riding is for rich white girls.”

Gulp, he wasn’t wrong! 🫣

Up until that point, much of my equine stock photography was centered around a certain aesthetic—one that unintentionally reinforced the stereotype of equestrianism as a niche for the wealthy and predominantly white. That conversation opened my eyes to the lack of diversity not just in my work, but in the equine media industry as a whole.

After that call, I made a concerted effort to broaden my lens (literally and figuratively) and capture the diverse and vibrant community within equestrianism. I began photographing riders of various ethnic backgrounds, ages, and abilities. These images have resonated deeply with both brands and publications, proving there’s a genuine demand for inclusive equine media. But this journey wasn’t just about fulfilling a market need—it was about telling a more accurate and inclusive story of who rides horses today.

Why does diversity in equine media matter so much?

A friend shared a personal story with me that cemented the answer in my mind. She is Asian American, and when she was a young rider, she had no equestrian role models who looked like her. So when the Olympics came to Atlanta, she begged her parents to take her so she could see riders who looked like her succeeding at that level of competition. She wanted to see herself represented, to know that she belonged in the equestrian world.

This isn’t just a feel-good idea; it’s a crucial part of fostering a more inclusive industry. When equine media reflects diversity, it sends a powerful message to aspiring riders from all backgrounds: you belong here. Especially for young people—or anyone who feels like an outsider—representation matters. They need to see riders who look like them in the magazines they read, the social media they follow, and the ads they scroll through.

The truth is, equestrianism has always been more diverse than the media portrays. Horses are an integral part of many cultures worldwide, from the cowboys of Mexico to the horsemen of Mongolia. By highlighting this in our media, we not only celebrate the rich tapestry of equestrianism but also invite more people to connect with this beautiful world.

As photographers, content creators, and brands, we have the power to shape perceptions. The images we share can either reinforce outdated stereotypes or break new ground by reflecting the true diversity of equestrianism. When young riders of all races, genders, and backgrounds see themselves in equine media, it fuels their passion and encourages them to dream bigger.

So, let’s use our work to open the barn doors wide. Representation isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility, and it’s how we build a more inclusive future for equestrians everywhere.

If you’re ready to start your search for diverse equine stock photos, visit my Diversity Category page.

If you want to learn more about representation in the equine industry and read compelling stories about racially diverse equestrians, visit the Equestrians of Color Photography Project, which I helped found in 2020.