On International Women’s Day Top Female Equestrian Show Jumpers
Talk Equity in Sports
Can there be a level playing field when women compete against men?
Wellington, Fla. (February 22, 2021) –On Monday, March 8, five top professional female equestrian show jumpers will come together to discuss equality in the sport in honor of International Women’s Day. Equestrians participate in the only Olympic sport where women compete directly against men—particularly in show jumping. The sport, in which the rider guides the horse through a course and over five foot high gates, was initially opened up to women in 1952. Although men and women go head to head against one another, show jumping is still dominated by men. The panel will talk about the challenges, benefits and idiosyncrasies these leading female athletes navigate in this elegant, demanding and uniquely gender neutral sport.
WHAT: Women in Show Jumping, A Panel in Honor of International Women’s Day
WHO: Hannah Selleck, award-winning show jumper, founder Descanso Farms
Georgina Bloomberg, professional equestrian, founder The Rider’s Closet
Laura Kraut, 2008 Olympic gold medal winner for Team Jumping, 2018 gold medal winner at the World Equestrian Games
Mavis Spencer, professional show jumper and Ambassador for U.S. Equestrian
Karen Polle, award-winning show jumper, member of the Japanese National Show Jumping Team
Sarah Appel, Editor in Chief of Horse & Style, moderating the panel
WHERE: Zoom, free and open to the public. Register here.
WHEN: Monday, March 8
6pm to 7pm EST
BENEFITTING: The panel will raise money and awareness for the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), which exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. Donate directly by texting WSFHORSE to 91999 or through this link.
Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, WSF strengthens and expands participation and leadership opportunities through research, advocacy, community programming and a wide variety of collaborative partnerships. The foundation has positively shaped the lives of millions of youth, high school and collegiate student-athletes, elite athletes and coaches. The Women’s Sports Foundation is working towards a future where every girl and woman can #KeepPlaying and unlock the lifelong benefits of sport participation. All girls. All women. All sports.® To learn more about Women’s Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.