01/11/2019
I’m not usually one to make controversial statements on social media. I think social media has a place for that when coming from an educational place but for me that’s not the hill I want to die on.
However for me the time is right to share this small piece of information.
This year I’m saying ‘Nup’ to The Cup.
Big deal you say? I know right, it’s probable that hardly anyone even cares. But I do. It’s something that’s been on my mind for quite some years. Don’t get me wrong I love a chance to dress up and wear an amazing headpiece more than most. And in previous years I’ve felt a great sense of achievement seeing my headpieces paired with amazing outfits on stage accepting best dressed awards. Melbourne Cup day is a time of the year when people are excited about over the top, sculptural headpieces and this sort of creating, if I’m honest is the type that keeps me inspired.
So I’ve had many reasons to support and enjoy The Cup, but still I felt an undertone of discomfort.
As I’ve matured, especially since realising I’d not have more babies, and even more so since welcoming a pet dog into the family I’ve noticed my attention to animals shift. It sounds bizarre and I wish I could say I’ve always felt this way but the fact is my respect and deep love for all animals has intensified so much these last few years. I just absolutely, whole heartedly love them so much. I see so much beauty in everything from the tadpoles my kids collect to the injured water dragon we met last week. And this love, of course extends to horses. And I really believe now thanks to campaigns against animal cruelty that horses have a pretty s**t time when they’re kept and used for racing. I know there’ll be people out there who have race horses that receive 5 star lifestyles and that my statement may not speak for them all, but this year I’m choosing not to support a sport that sees animals beaten with whips, dying on the racetrack or being slaughtered when no longer profitable. And to my greatest pleasure I’ll be doing it dressed to the nines wearing a spring hat at a Newcastle based Nup To The Cup event and fundraiser for animal wellbeing.
