What is blinders about?
A horse lover’s recount of her journey to discovering the negatives of the horse racing industry.
This short documentary follows Shanin Quashie, a lifelong horselover who has discovered more about the horseracing industry over the past decade after adopting and rehabilitating multiple off-the-track thoroughbreds herself. Watch as she and her daughter go through the many layers that they have uncovered, unveiling some of the lifelong effects that the human-made racing industry and greed culture has on these beautiful athletes both physically and mentally. With help from professional equine masseuse, Janet Jacobe, further tap into what they have learned to remedy some of these ailments.
WHO IS SYDNEY QUASHIE?
Director, Writer, Producer
Sydney Quashie is a first-time filmmaker. After having a passion for media and storytelling her whole life, she worked on her craft during her time at Virginia Commonwealth University. This short documentary is a result of that time, being her Capstone Project.
"I've been a horse lover my whole life, and after my family began adopting former racehorses in 2013, I started to see many of the negative effects that the racing industry has on these horses. It also became clear to me that not many people knew about the negative side to the industry, so I always wanted to create a project surrounding that topic." - Sydney Quashie
WHO IS SHANIN QUASHIE?
Lifelong Horse Lover, OTTB Rehabber
Shanin Quashie grew up practically on a horses' back, and her love of all animals has been at the forefront of her entire life. While growing up in Arizona, she wasn't too familiar with the specifics of the racing industry until more recent years. After learning more, and falling in love with the heart of the thoroughbred, she has dedicated herself to bettering these wonderful athletes. Adopting three ottbs herself, and looking for more to rehabilitate, nothing is stopping this caring force!
OTTB = Off the Track Thoroughbred
who is janet jacobe?
Professional Equine Sports Masseuse - POWERHORSE THERAPY
With a lifelong background in hunters, trail riding, natural horsemanship, dressage, and animal communication, Janet has expanded her expertise to serve the racehorse community as well. Whether working with a high-performance sport horse or a retired family companion, she tailors each session to the horse’s unique needs, always listening intuitively to both the horse and its owner. Managing anxiety and stress is a key part of her approach, as it profoundly affects the horse’s overall well-being. Her main mission is to improve the health, strength, longevity and performance of our equine athletes and animal companions.
what are blinders?
Blinders aka Blinkers
Limit a horse's field of vision blocking vision to the sides, the rear, or both.
Often used in horse racing to prevent horses from being easily distracted or spooked by things happening around them
Blinders - behind the scenes photos
Where can I watch blinders?
SCREENING AT THE 2025 RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL THIS FALL!
Blinders has recently been selected to be screened at the 2025 Richmond International Film Festival this September! Be on the lookout for the official schedule so you can get your tickets!
