Access Matters: White Oak Riders Get VIP Experience at MarsGMI
The team at MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Great Meadow International (MARSGMI) partnered with SEE to give some local young riders a VIP experience at this year’s event as part of the organizing committee’s commitment to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport of Eventing. Recognizing that financial barriers might prevent interested folks from attending the event, which requires the purchase of entrance tickets, the MARSGMI organizing committee donated two tailgating spots for riders from White Oak Stables in Warrenton, Virginia.
White Oak’s young equestrians explored the grounds, watching the competition and soaking up the atmosphere of the event.
They also helped present during the awards ceremonies and were able to have one on one conversations with the many professional riders who stopped by to welcome them and answer questions.
Their interest and enthusiasm were a wonderful addition to a weekend of top-class sport.
SEE works to support programs like White Oak’s that provide access to diverse young equestrians by leveraging our partnerships to create unique opportunities for their participants to broaden their equestrian experience. We also offer direct financial support through our Access Grant program. Check out our Access Directory to learn about programs doing this critical work in your area.
Darrin Mollett of Five Rings Eventing (FRE), the organizer of MARSGMI, remarked:
