A Warminster equestrian worker has put herself forward to be a role model to encourage more black and Asian people into the sport.

Ashleigh Wicheard, 34, wants to help increase ethnic diversity in the British equestrian industry and is now a mentor for the Women in Racing Programme.

"I grew up in Bradford on Avon and was pretty much the only black face there," said Ashleigh, who is now training to work with horses to help vulnerable youngsters overcome emotional difficulties.

"I have ridden and worked with horses most of my life, and want other black kids to know what a great life there is to be had in the sport. I have worked with top racing yards, including Neil Mulholland, Michael Blake and Chloe Roddick, and have led up horses at Aintree and Cheltenham. I want to be a role model for people who maybe thought the horse world was not for them because of their colour.

"I have been fortunate to have people around me with horses, and due to my character and passion for horses, I have not allowed anything to hold me back. However I do understand the feeling of being the "odd one out". I appreciate it has not been so easy for members of the BAME community elsewhere." 

She believes this lack of awareness is a major factor in the lack of ethnic diversity in British equestrianism and joins the ranks of other riders from ethnic minorities as part of the Ride Out Racism campaign launched by 18 year old Reece McCook.

"Now I’ll tell you I’m black and from inner-city Coventry. Did the picture you have in your mind match my reality?" he says.

"I’m making it my mission to facilitate change, tackle discrimination, encourage acceptance and breakdown barriers in my equestrian community."

Imran Atcha runs St James City Farm Riding School in Gloucester and in an interview with Horse and Hound magazine said:

“I’ve had people stop me to say: ‘I didn’t think Black or Asian people rode horses’. It’s about changing that mindset.”