Meet The Panel: Let’s Talk About Diversity In Horse Sports

It’s no question that equestrian sports overwhelmingly caters to white athletes. But why?

In recent weeks, we’ve seen civil unrest play out across North America, as people protest against police brutality and systemic racism. Those tones seep into everything we do – even our most beloved hobbies and sports.

So where do we go from here?

Heels Down Mag invites you to join us for a thoughtful conversation about diversity and inclusion in horse sports. On Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 P.M. EST, join us on Zoom for a virtual discussion with five Black equestrians who will share their own experiences as horseback riders and their ideas on how to move the conversation forward.

Sign up in advance to join the Zoom call here.

Once your registration is approved, you will receive an email with an individual Zoom link. You will need that link to join the Zoom meeting. It cannot be shared. Registrations close on Thursday, June 18 at 9 a.m. Eastern.

Meet The Panel:

Shaquilla Blake is an adult amateur equestrian who climbed back into the saddle after a 20-year break from riding. She created theblackequestrian.com blog to be a space to explore and celebrate riders of all ethnicities and backgrounds and to share her riding journey through the eyes of a minority in a sport that she loves.

Abriana Johnson is a multi-talented horsewoman whose vision is to create a space for people of color who are passionate about horses, agriculture and entrepreneurship. She has over 15 years of horse experience ranging from reproduction and barn management to trail riding and showing her Tennessee Walking Horse, Maestro. As a serial entrepreneur, Abriana discovered a knack for branding, social media marketing and content creation, all of which she has to do for her podcast, Young Black Equestrians, and Cowgirl Camryn, a book series she authored and illustrated. In 2019, Abriana launched Black Unicorn Creative, a company dedicated to the creative development of Black-owned horse businesses through brand development, social media marketing and content creation. Through all of her horse industry ventures, Abriana reminds her clients and friends to pursue their passion and watch all of life’s pieces fall into place.

Brianna Noble is the founder and owner of Mulatto Meadows, an equestrian business dedicated to expanding the accessibility of riding and horsemanship to communities historically excluded from the equestrian world. Bri is especially passionate about introducing horsemanship and riding to youth of color and economically disenfranchised populations through her program Humble. She has ridden and trained in both English and Western disciplines including jumping, eventing, ranch versatility, and Trail Trials. She believes that no matter the focus, whether it’s trail riding or show jumping, true horsemanship is a language that transcends all disciplines. Bri recently garnered international attention when she rode her horse Dapper Dan at an Oakland, Calif., Black Lives Matter protest over the death of George Floyd. The image of Bri atop her 17.1 hand horse has become a beacon of hope for people worldwide. 

Mavis Spencer is a Grand Prix show jumper. She grew up in Los Angeles and started riding at 2 years old. A successful junior career, where she earned individual and team silver at the USEF National Junior Jumper Championship, she worked as a groom before becoming a professional show jumper.

Kanyon Walker is an eventer and football player at Tulane University in New Orleans. Kanyon grew up in Florida and fell in love with horses at six years old. He competed at NAJYRC and is a U.S. Equestrian Ambassador.