I write to you today with a heavy heart and, from what you have shared, many of you feel the same too. The death of George Floyd, and the news of so many others killed because of the color of their skin, is deeply disturbing.
I am also saddened that people of color have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of decades of inequality in our country’s healthcare and education systems. And finally, the immediacy and intensity of the protests that tore through the country over the past few days are still raw. I do not pretend to have the right words to say, but I do know that silence will only sustain these injustices or surrender to despair or indifference, none of which will lead to improvement.
Like so many, this has caused us to reflect on how we can be a part of the solution, how we can learn, make corrections, and support inclusivity. Immediately, we will make a donation to Ebony Horsewomen, an organization that empowers youth through equine therapy. We are inspired by the work they are doing to affect positive change and support positive youth development. This is a small step, but we are committed to strive every day to make progress, hold ourselves accountable, better exemplify our diverse community, and further our mission of making horses healthier and riders happier.
We look to move forward, united in our love for all, and the incredible passion we share for horses and the community it has inspired.
-Fraser Cameron, CEO
Hello,
As a Black woman who is fighting for inclusiveness in the horse industry, I appreciate this. Thank you for making the donation to Ebony Horsewomen. They are doing an amazing work!
I am the founder of Saddle Up And Read nonprofit. A literacy program which encourages youth to read and achieve literary excellence. We highlight books with Black Equestrian characters. I am also the co-host of Young Black Equestrians the Podcast. I am also a 4-H leader in my community. Is there someone I can speak to so we can share our ideas on making a change in our community and our world!
Hi Caitlin, thank you for reaching out and sharing your program! We would love to speak with you further and will be reaching out via email. Looking forward to speaking with you more soon! -SmartPaker Jenna
Hello I also have a very heavy heart about all that is going on, it breaks my heart to see it. I live in Northern Calif. am a grandmother and wife. I would love to help in any way I can help to stop this insanity. I would love to help please let me know what Ican do. The good and blessed things in this country outwiegh the bad but we must to do our part. Please let me know what I can do?? God bless you and this country, Pauline Smith My email: the truckeelady@ltol.com God bless Mr Cameron for his letter, it made me cry! Pauline Smith (long time horse owner and smartpak customer) P.S. The horses seemed to have it right they try to live in peace!!
Thanks so much for this touching comment! I’m sitting in Austin, at home during lockdown, and hearing about protests all going on down the street at the state capitol. I worry about everyone but their voices need to be heard. Thanks for doing such a wonderful job with my horse too!! Jenny just helped me alot with Fat Cat and my 26yo 7+ yrs EPM positive horse will feel much better getting some weight on him. I hate losing sleep over him but SmartPak helps me sleep better!
Hi Leslie, thanks for sharing. We’re proud to support riders of color and all the communities we serve. I’m glad to hear SmartPaker Jenny was able to be of help to you-wishing you and your horse the best! -SmartPaker Jenna
I have contacted Smartpak and you for ten years about your lack of representation of people of color. I will be posting your correspondence. This is a bullshit PR response. You had the chance for years to make things right. I have ridden my entire life and spent tens of thousands of dollars with Smartpak when you could never put a black model in your marketing. I begged. I have wanted to see someone who looked like me forever. I am 42 years old and will not stop this until you resign. Enough is enough. Black riders matter. Your bullshit PR response which I will disprove bit by bit is years too late. Your responses to my emails over the years are something the world needs to see.
Hi Ashley, Please know that your voice is heard, and as we shared with you last November, our team is committed to representing our diverse community. We will continue to learn and make corrections, which to-date have included utilizing diverse models and better representing riders of color in our marketing assets and social media channels. We recognize that there is much more work to be done, and strive to every day make progress and hold ourselves accountable. We are actively discussing what further actions we can take to help promote the diversity and inclusion our sport needs and we appreciate your feedback. -SmartPaker Jenna
Committed? Why are we still talking about this. I have been asking since 2010. Your words are hollow without action today! The active discussion is bs and everyone knows it. We see you Smartpak. Your racism is showing. Even this answer is the same fruitless drivel I have heard for over a decade. Smartpak doesn’t care about black riders or black people.
ASHLEY M. is a very angry woman making sweeping statements about SmartPak.
Change doesn’t happen overnight. In the 1930’s, half my family came from Ireland and they were discriminated against. Shops had signs in their windows:IRISH NEED NOT APPLY.
I grew up in a small White Anglo Saxon town, and because my mother was Italian, we were discriminated against.
I was discriminated against because I am a woman who would not sleep with my boss to get a promotion. At one time or another, we have experienced discrimination – it sucks.
I am truly sorry that black people have been killed because of the color of their skin. And it’s those religious wackos who pretend to love God and kill God’s children of color.
Look at the racist who is ruining our country – the good ole white boys – Trump and his cronies. He doesn’t care about you or me for that matter. His main concern is that he is re-elected so that he can continue to fleece us – he has made over $400 million dollars from us and his daughter over 85 million. And, what about the stimulus money that is unaccounted for…..Mara Lago is hurting….hmmmm…..and Trump is hiring all the investigators who are keeping track of the stimulus money.
There will come a day when we can all live in Peace and Harmony. Many people are working towards this goal. Pray for peace – it will come.
Thanks so much for your statement, Fraser, and your support for Ebony Horsewomen.