So, about a month ago, an equestrian publication published an article suggesting that a biggg horse event should change its name because of a problematic word in the name.

That word is Plantation.

The event refused (because racism.)

As a result of public pressure on them, the landowner, who is also on the board of the event organization, pulled the lease from the event because he didn't want his family to be called racist (that was literally the reason given.)

And the event made a public statement saying Plantation wasn't not a racist word and also it was the fault of this publication that the event was going to cease to exist.

It was like a match into gasoline.

It's basically been ongoing insanity and white fragility, which is not shocking in the horse world, since then.

However, MORE gasoline was thrown on this weekend when an Olympic rider who shall not be named said he didn't want that publication to write about him or his horses or use their photos.

Which like...isn't a thing. But he tried it I guess.

(He's not American, but he is white.)

But that's where I saw this really really incredible gem of a quote.

"So only Black eventers can have an opinion on the name? But there are so few Black eventers!"

That...that's the problem, Karen (who was non Black POC)! There are so few and we NAME OUR EVENTS PLANTATION.

I grew up riding at Plantation Fields. I consider it my 'home' event. I have volunteered, and ridden, and spectated there.

And honestly never thought twice about the name.

That was a lot of privilege.

But there's no reason for it to be named Plantation. There's no reason to cling to the name. It could easily be called Unionville Fields or Chester Fields or Penns Fields!

There is no reason to cling to this, except racism.

There's no real point to this thread, other than this conversation is happening everywhere, finally, including some of the whitest places I've ever known. And I know how to argue and fight for what's right because YA and kidlit taught me how.