Transgender Equestrian Finds Freedom and Acceptance with Horses

Jay Robinson: an animal lover's story

If there's one thing Jay Robinson loves, it's animals. He's got an entire household filled with furry companions—two cats, Mustache and Sully, and two dogs, including his diabetic alert buddy, Sage, and Sesame. Jay shares this lively home with his girlfriend, and his professional life isn't much different. At Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles, he dedicates his time and energy working on lifesaving care at their kitten nursery. Pretty clear, right? He lives and breathes animal care.

Horses: a lasting connection

Back in his college days, Jay poured his heart and soul not just onto books but also in equestrian sports. His horses weren't just animals—they were partners that offered him an unspoken sense that he belonged, especially as he embraced his identity as a transgender man. "The horses never asked questions," Jay recalls. "I'd show up, ride, and just be me." The barn was more than four walls and a roof; it was his escape, a place where judgment didn't exist.

Comfort in a stable place

When Jay came out in 2020, those equine friends played a huge role in his transition. He wondered if his horse would recognize him after everything, but when it looked at him with those familiar eyes, he knew nothing had changed between them. "The barn was my haven," Jay says. It's an emotional bond, knowing animals can read our feelings in ways we might not completely comprehend.

Acceptance: no questions asked

For Jay, stepping inside that barn was like pressing pause on all those societal pressures about who he should be. "Horses don't dwell on things like your orientation or gender," Jay shares. "They just care about how you make them feel." This simple, unconditional acceptance was exactly what Jay needed during such a pivotal time in his life.

From horse tracks and beyond

City life in Los Angeles makes keeping horses tricky and expensive, so Jay's horse riding has taken a backseat. But he didn't stop moving! Running grabbed his attention, and by March, he'd already nailed his first marathon. Can you believe it? "I never imagined I'd get here," he admits. Jay's story isn't just about personal challenges but about pushing beyond them with grit and determination.

Through words and advocacy

Rescuing kittens and pounding pavements isn't all Jay does. He also writes about transgender issues, sharing personal insights that feed broader societal conversations. Contributing articles on LGBTQ+ topics, especially in sports, Jay uses his narrative as a source not just inspiration but also understanding.

Freedom on horseback

Thinking back on his days in equestrian sports, Jay describes riding as "the most freeing feeling in all existence." It's like flying but with hooves pounding underneath you. "Riding as myself feels like liberation," he explains. Jay's journey showcases resilience and exploration, wrapped in powerful stories about how animals can accompany and transform our lives.

Jay Robinson's journey with his horses tells us about more than just riding—it's about finding yourself through your companions and embracing freedom. It's a beacon, lighting up hope and acceptance that walks and rides alongside you on your path.