In her self-published book Off Course, journalist Judy Berkley provides an insightful critique of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and its embrace of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE) principles, which she argues have infiltrated the traditionally exclusive world of equestrian competition. Drawing from her extensive experience as a horsewoman and columnist, Berkley highlights how the USEF has shifted focus from its core mission to adopt politically charged agendas, including speech codes and affirmative action plans that prioritize identity over merit.
Berkley details the absurdities of this transformation, such as the hiring of an African American Studies professor to promote a narrative of white privilege within the organization. She argues that this shift has led to a dilution of standards in equestrian competitions, favoring subjective measures like sportsmanship over traditional values of excellence and precision. The book also raises concerns about the USEF’s failure to address serious issues like abuse while prioritizing leftist indoctrination.
Ultimately, Off Course serves as a cautionary tale about the pervasive influence of DIE/CRT ideologies in American institutions, illustrating how they threaten to reshape the cultural landscape. Berkley’s observations resonate with broader discussions about the implications of these movements, making her work a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue about privilege, identity, and the future of competitive sports.
