HEALTH & FITNESS 
TEACH ME 
HORSE & HUMAN 
MY EQUESTRIAN LIFE 
As part of this year’s Pride celebrations across the world, we spoke to some openly LGBT equestrian stars about how the sport embraces diversity…
Britain’s Olympic gold medalist Dressage star Carl Hester, Blyth Tait, the New Zealand Eventing legend, and Olympic medalist Hans Peter Minderhoud, whose partner is fellow Dutch Dressage athlete Edward Gal, discussed their experiences within the equestrian world…
Why do you think equestrianism is so diverse?
Blyth: “I think because the people attracted to equestrianism are great people. They understand the challenges of training and competing with horses and generally respect and admire those who show empathy for all.
“There has always been a level playing field for all genders. I think it is still one of very few sports where men and woman compete together, have no advantage and as such blend happily.”
Carl: “It mixes sport with artistic, certainly with dressage there’s a lot of artistic flair in there. I think that’s probably what brings it together. You’ve got to have a caring side because it’s animals we’re dealing with. It’s difficult because saying these things you don’t want to make it sound that everyone that’s in it then they should be gay!”
