Black In The Saddle

We've all seen this discipline. The flips, the stunts, the jumps atop a cantering horse, but have you ever taken a deeper dive into the sport to learn what it really requires? In this episode we talked to Amanda Staalsoe, a physiotherapist and vaulter out of Denmark. She shares with us the story of her vaulting career, the intricasies of the sport and her vision for the future. Connect with Amanda...

You've probably seen Dale gracing social media with his captivating action shots on the polo field. But, what you may not know is that Dale has only been in the industry for 3 years and has had laser-focused every since. He comes from a family that prides itself on history, culture, and making sure Black history is discussed regularly. His mom says, "You don't know where you are going unless you k...

We received a question from Kimberley about some tips for people who are thinking about purchasing a horse. This is a great topic to cover so we came up with a quick list to share with you all today. The two main things to keep in mind are EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE for you and the horse. It takes the two of you to make it work and if you have a great support system and team it can be a wonderful ex...

This is our first episode that originally aired February 28th, 2019. SO much has changed since then. Here we are, November 2020, and a lot of people are asking us to hear our story. We wanted to give you a glimpse into our beginning thoughts surrounding this podcast so we can really digest how far we have come and how far we have to go. Enjoy this episode and give us a follow! Instagram Facebook Y...

Tis the season! For thankfulness, giving and much more. In this season, we discussed the "Gifts N' Things" gift guide we just published as well as some of the brands that are featured. Head over to our website to check it out today --> www.youngblackequestrians.com Have you seen our new apparel? We released 3 new designs this week and are LOVING the response so far. Shop YBE for the YBEs in you...

It's time for updates and conversation. What have we been up to? Where is the conversation of diversity in the industry going? We had time today. Enjoy!

Steven started out in the horse industry by getting involved with therapeutic riding and volunteering at barns. In this episode, sponsored by Flying changes magazine, he used his bubbly personality to network and find opportunities within the industry. He first started showing in AQHA halter (and winning Top 5 in the world), but wanted to focus on becoming a better rider. He has experience in rein...

Shariah Harris grew up in Philadelphia, PA, and stumbled upon the Work To Ride program after getting lost in the park. Through this program, she was able to travel internationally, network with people around the world, attend an ivy league school, and play on their polo team. In this episode, we discussed her journey to becoming a collegiate polo player, this summer's influx of "amplifying black v...

Raised in the rural south, Michael Lynch was determine to show up and show out from a young age. Whether it be canines or equine, Michael gained valuable experience parading the finest of his favorite breeds around the ring. Fast forward to today, Michael is know for his outspoken advocacy and unapologetic conversation. We only got a glimpse of this amazing person in the hour that we chatted. In t...

If you have tapped #blackequestrian anytime over the past 8 months, we are quite positive you have come across the amazing work that is @equestrian_noire. After seeing image after image of captivating attire, lighting and concepts, we had to sit down with the creator and figure out the story behind this project. In this episode, we had the opportunity to chat with Jamillah Simms, the model and cre...

*DISCLAIMER: Young Black Equestrians the podcast, nor it's extensions or sponsors, condone the practice of soring or horse abuse surrounding the Walking Horse industry or any related industries.* Serving in the military for over a decade, Venita has to balance serving her country and caring for her horses. After spending 2 years in Japan, she has come back to compete and train with her Tennessee W...

Ashleigh is a force. Period. In her episode we talk impact, inspiration and influence of Black equestrians around the world. Turn your notifications on for our account, subscribe to our YouTube channel. We get into some conversation you do not want to miss. Tune in on any podcast listener

Charles Perry started this documentary with no funding and no corporate support. Despite this, he left his home, relationship and regular life to pursue a project he was so very passionate about. Over the past 3 years, Charles has married the story of the Black Cowboy and his passion for film making to produce a documentary showcasing the unsung history and culture of black horsemen all over the c...

Taylor has a story to tell and the animation to match. We spoke with this mounted archery (amongst other mounted combat) aficionado and she took her into her world of receiving her first bow, competing and perfecting her craft. Oh, did we mention she does all this while managing life with Lyme disease? Taylor is a force and we were thrilled to have her on the show because as you know, Caitlin is g...

Gigi was first introduced to horses at Girl Scout camp after a terrifying experience on a runaway horse. She recalls this event and immediately says “now there isn’t a horse that scares me”. Now, in her 60s, Gigi focuses on being one with her horse and enjoying the ride. The stories of her first horse, years of horse ownership, and riding all over the world are so captivating. Gigi overcame childh...

“My trainer told me I should take up tennis because I was so bad at jumping.” Andrea Davenport has been competing in dressage for the last 15 years. Her attendance at local horse shows drew her into the scene, not only as a rider, but as part of show management. We all know horse shows can literally be a 3-ring circus when it comes to balancing the staff, volunteers, and attendees. Andrea thr...

Welcome to Young Black Equestrians the podcast with your hosts... jk YALL KNOW US!! But if you are new here, we just wanted to introduce ourselves again and catch you up to speed! A lot has happened in the past few months so tune in to this episode to hear the latest! Watch until the end to see a manifestation occur WHILE we were recording! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 In this episode, we discuss: - Our backgroun...

Tracey Turner is an equestrian and entrepreneur from New Jersey. She was introduced to the horse industry at the young age of 4 after attending a county fair. After taking lessons at a local barn, Tracey fell in love with all things horse!. She went from riding horses to driving horses with the help of her neighbor and local horse community. Tracey now owns multiple horses and drives competitively...

Erin Brown, also known as the Concrete Cowgirl, is the Director of Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy and caretaker for Philadelphia’s police horses. Growing up she rode several disciplines and currently teaches beginner to advanced hunt seat and stock seat at her riding academy. Erin shares with us the rich history of horsemen and horsewomen in the inner city Philly area and how gentrification has...

Racing around barrels and against the clock, Tori Bush has a story that is like no other. Despite her challenges, she has risen to be a household name in the youth barrel racing arena. Check out the last episode of season 3 as we chat with Tori and her mom Rachel about her journey and aspirations for the future.  Follow Tori on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Tori-Bush-Barrel-Racer-11136...

A journey worth having is worth sharing and Dr. Rachel has a journey to share. From failing a year of vet school to traveling to the Dubai to work on the race tracks, Dr. Rachel's journey is one full of challenges and triumph. She shares her experiences working as a veterinarian for the USDA enforcing the Horse Protection Act and championing for diversity at a government level. She even opened her...

Representing YBE’s in the deep south, LaCalvius Tucker is a young trainer and barrel racer who prides himself on breaking horses, but not breaking their spirit. LaCalvius’s experience in the horse industry spans from attending futurities to building his craft and training client horse at home. When confronted with comments about his size, LaCalvius put faith in his training and his support system...

From France to Mongolian, from Hunt Seat to traditional Mongolian riding, Céline has global experiences that are truly one of a kind. In her collegiate days of riding she was told that she could “work in the barn until she fixed the problem”… that problem being her weight.  “You’ll make the horse go lame”  “You need to ride a draft horse”  Those were some of the comments she receive...

Today we have the pleasure of speaking to Ranee James who is an equestrian in the UK. Ranee started riding when she was 16 years old and has not stopped. For a quite a while she had not seen many Black riders. One day she happened to discover the Urban Equestrian Academy. She acted immediately to get involved. Listen now to hear how she balances motherhood, the academy, and her digital artwork whi...

Get ready to have your passionate fire ignited! Avery Jackson, creator of Wild Talk, comes to us this week sharing the value of storytelling and the compelling journey they have taken in AND around the horse industry. Avery Jackson is a multitalented Young Black Equestrian. Their determination to unveil Black excellence in unlikely places is the backbone of Wild Talk.  Wild Talk is an impact...