Celebrate Black History Month By Supporting Black Equestrians
Shaq Blake is an adult amateur rider and the voice behind @theblackequestrian. This piece originally published in the Heels Down Spark in Feb. 2021. For more conversation starters delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe now.
Black people have been involved in equestrian sports from the beginning of time. In fact, the first Kentucky Derby was won by a black jockey named Oliver Lewis, only 18 years old at the time. There are several hall of fame jockeys who are black, such as Alonzo Clayton (the youngest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby), Isaac Murphy, Willie Simms (the only Black jockey to win the Triple Crown), and so many others.
This month, as we celebrate Black History, we also champion the Black role models of today: polo player Kareem Rosser, professional show jumper Mavis Spencer and countless others making strides towards diversifying this sport.
This month, we can all do our part to be allies. Supporting black-owned businesses is one way to be an active ally. There are numerous organizations (listed below) doing incredible work to further diversity and inclusion in this sport.
• Cool Ridings founded by eventer Lydia Heywood offers mentorship and opportunities for riders of color.
• Saddle Up and Read founded by Caitlin Gooch encourages youth to achieve literary excellence through equine activities.
• Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship (OYES) aims to bridge the gap by providing scholarship and mentorship opportunities to riders from marginalized communities.
• Compton Cowboys aims to uplift their community through horseback and farming lifestyles, all the while highlighting the rich legacy of African-Americans in equine and western heritage.
• Ebony Horsewomen encourages community change by providing educational programs and improving the physical and psychological well-being of individuals through the use of horses.
• Detroit Horsepower teaches urban youth to ride and care for horses as a way to develop critical skills that will set them up for future success.
By supporting black owned business, diversifying our social media feeds, (check out @blackequestrians on Instagram) taking the time to educate ourselves on how to be effective allies and so many other ways, we can make strides to champion and uplift the Black community together.
–Shaq Blake