Chris Cervantes: Inclusion in Equestrian Sports

 
Chris Cervantes is a horse trainer at Far West Farms in Calabasas Calif. He is one of the many equestrians who collaborate with the Equestrians of Color EOC on Instagram to promote inclusion and diversity in equestrian sports and for aspiring young riders. Chris is completing his second Masters degree at Pepperdine University in clinical psychology.
Chris interest in horses and riding started with his dad who took him on pony rides. One day he went with his mom to a farm and they asked about riding lessons.

I was about 6 years old says Chris. My mom couldnt afford to pay for lessons for me. I cried every day for horseback riding lessons until she finally took me. That first day I remember watching a girl jump a 5foot fence. I knew right then I wanted to do that one day. In my first riding lesson I remember I rode a pony named Sugar and he bucked me off. A great starting point because you can only go up from there!
Growing up Chris couldnt help but feel a little different though.
I remember always being the only boy half MexicanAmerican riding with blonde girls he says. It was good for me because it created thicker skin to deal with other things in life. But he thinks there will be distinct advantages to expanding diversity in the horse world.
If riders from various ethnicities begin to see trainers like themselves they will begin to feel validated and included in riding. Equestrian remains a highstatus sport that only a certain demographic group is a part of. I think if parents truly support inclusiveness and diversity in their childs life they will aim to seek that in sports activities too.
Life as a Trainer
Now that he works fulltime in the horse world as a trainer Chris has found fulfillment in teaching children that remind him of his younger self.
I love watching kids learn new skills and build confidence he says. I like watching the progression with a student. I try

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to teach them to enjoy the journey of becoming an accomplished rider and not be in a hurry to learn everything in one hour.
He specializes in teaching his students to become independent problemsolvers in their riding.
For riders who are more intermediate I like letting them think for themselves and problem solve says Chris. I want them to eventually become independent riders. I like helping students tune in to their horses training issues and offering solutions that help build their confidence as a rider.
as a rider.
Chris teaches his students to problemsolve so they can be more independent riders. Photo by Lindsey Long
He has great advice that applies to everyone thougheven you!
All riders have insecurities and fear is a prominent issue says Chris. Young riders should know that just because something is scary or hard doesnt mean the goal is unattainable.
Bonus Advice
A life spent working with horses has given Chris a lot of experience and he has a reminder for any horse person.
Daily grooming is the best time to get to know your horse he says. Become familiar with your horses markings their legs and their personality. If you dont do this you could miss a minor issue that later turns into a big problem such as a cut skin infection or brewing abscess.
Chris also encourages young riders to join the Interscholastic Equestrian Association IEA even if they own their own horse in order to gain a wider variety of experience. IEA is for youth in grades 412 and gives you the opportunity to compete in hunt seat western and dressage even if you dont own a horse by random draw the day of the show.
Riding a variety of horses is important he says. Just because you can do one thing on a particular horse doesnt mean you have the skills to perform that task on every horse.