An equestrian feed company founder who won a prestigious Black British Business Award hopes her success will inspire BAME people across the industry. H&H spoke to her, and others, about progress towards greater diversity in equestrianism
AN equestrian entrepreneur hopes her recent prestigious award will help inspire other young BAME people into all areas of the industry.
Sandra Murphy, founder and managing director of Equidiet UK, was announced as the consumer and luxury senior leader winner of the Black British Business Awards, on 30 October.
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Eventer Lydia Heywood, who grew up in Britain and rides for Jamaica, says ‘there’s a link missing between the foundations and competitive riding’.
Credit: Peter Nixon
As protests around the world throw a spotlight on the underrepresentation of ethnic backgrounds in the British equestrian industry, H&H
Jemima Croft says society makes her more disabled than she is.
Credit: .
‘Some people might feel uncomfortable, as they think pro-Black means anti-white, but it doesn’t’
Credit: Mountain Photography
‘I’m no good with words, but maybe my pictures can say something instead’
Library image.
Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
The funding comes with a particular focus on inclusivity and diversity, making pony racing available to more young people from
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H&H news editor
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.