A 21-year-old student from Manchester is working on a photography project entitled ‘Breaking barriers’ which shines a spotlight on the lack of representation for minority groups in equestrianism.

Yasmin Mascarenhas started the project, which comprises a thesis and photography collection, during her studies for a BA in photography at Manchester Metropolitan University and is hoping to develop it further over the coming months.

The photographs, which feature portraits of young ethnic minority riders, have been exhibited at Victoria Baths in Manchester and at Station South, a cycling café also in Manchester.

“The main focus of the project is representation and pushing to increase representation of people of colour within the sport, to then inspire encourage and change the narrative of stereotypical equestrianism,” said Yas

“I chose this subject as I feel like it’s incredibly important yet does not get much attention within the equestrian world.”

Yas had her first riding lesson at the age of eight and was soon riding weekly and also working at yards in exchange for riding opportunities. Eventually she had horses on part loan and even owned a horse for a while. She also joined the university equestrian team.

Removing hurdles

“Growing up in a mixed heritage ‘non-horsey’ household I have seen myself the many barriers against not only people from minority groups or people perhaps not born into the horsey world. Not being what people would perhaps perceive as the stereotypical equestrian, I struggled to feel like I had a community or support within the sport.

“This is something I have further delved in to with my thesis that I’m running alongside the photographic project that explores historical, geographical and financial barriers many of which are more prominent for people of colour.”  

The subjects of the photos are aged between five and 16-years-old and all live in the northwest of England. 

Yas posted on Facebook offering free professional photography shoots for people of colour in equestrianism in exchange for using the images within the project.

“I feel this age range is a beautiful example to push forward and show new generations that equestrianism is becoming much more diverse, and you can be a part of it,” continued Yas.  

Yas is currently creating a zine style small book displaying the images. She has applied for funding in the hope she can expand the project and capture more images. 

To see more of Yas’s work visit her website www.yasluciaphotos.co.uk or Instagram account @yasluciaphotos.

Images © Yas Lucia Photos

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