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After struggling to find comfort in the horse world, this L Graduate from Region 1 decided to take matters into her own hands and foster healthy mindsets by creating her own online community and safe haven for plus-size riders.
By Karen Fulcher
Where do I “fit” in? Unfortunately, growing up in the 90s, even as an average-sized human (size 10-14), I was considered a plus-sized rider, and boots, show coats, and even riding pants ran tight on me. As a size 12 teen, I was called “overweight” by several coaches – and even a judge. As both a rider and human in general, that kind of commentary takes a mental toll and causes all sorts of horrid eating and workout habits, just to try and look the part of what I thought I already was… a riding partner for my horse.
My most vivid memory of winning the Training Level Junior Championship at the 2003 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 1 Dressage Championships (then called the Great American/USDF Region 1 Dressage Competition) was poulticing my legs the night before and only having water the morning of my ride, only to still feel my pulse in my legs during my entire ride because the largest-sized boots at the time were still too tight. Boots and attire have come so far, even in the last ten to twenty years, to be more size-inclusive, and open front lace-ups and zippers were the best thing to happen to boots for riders who “ebb and flow” weight-wise.
I am now a 40-year-old mother, wearing size 18, and every time my foot goes into my stirrup, I am aware of my weight more than anyone around me. When a horse swishes its tail or pins its ears, most people begin thinking about bugs, saddle fit, ulcers, in-heat mares, etc., whereas I have been conditioned to assume it’s because of my weight. Luckily, I have also worked hard to surround myself with riders, trainers, and coaches who can see the effective use of aids and body independence versus just size. Those key people have been instrumental in showing me that there are kind and talented riders supporting all sizes and abilities, as they should be.
About two years ago, I realized there were so many riders like myself who didn’t think they belonged or deserved the opportunity to ride and be an equestrian. I started Mindset Equestrian on social media to help bring positive education to the entire equestrian community, showing size-inclusive brands, how to do at-home suppling exercises, how to mentally work through toxic barn environments, and open up each discipline and breed to other disciplines and breeds. As Mindset Equestrian has grown, I have had brands and tack shops reach out and share that they are growing with inclusivity. The Distinguished Rider helped virtually fit me for very affordable custom boots, and many other clothing brands of all disciplines have done the same.
As a USDF L Graduate and an active coach in the dressage and western dressage world, I have seen how dressage judges have changed how they approach speaking to riders about their size and abilities, and working harder to encourage versus discourage riders to grow in their partnership with their horses. I have seen a wider range of sizes at other discipline shows, and brands are working harder to accommodate for all types of bodies, from larger chests, longer torsos, shorter arms, and HOT weather riding. It is lovely to see the growth we have all gotten to experience over the last 20 years. USDF also carries larger sizes in their coats and championship awards, so progress and change are clearly happening.
It is so hard to overcome our inner dialogue, but the more we remind ourselves why we ride and begin to see more welcoming change around us, the more confident and positive we can feel about ourselves, our abilities, and our partnerships!
Looking for more? Check out Mindset Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
