How do you describe yourself as an equestrian? 

I describe myself as an equestrian who pushes myself past my limits, and I have people in my life who also push me when I feel like I can’t do something. I’m an equestrian who wants to do new and harder things. In the nine years of riding, I have taken what I learned and used it to help others who were like me when I first started. I always love a challenge. It can be a new horse or a new class. I love pushing myself to get better. I have an amazing group of trainers and my family who have supported me since I started, and they continue to help me get better mentally and physically on my journey to achieve all my goals.

How has your culture influenced your equestrian lifestyle? 

My culture influenced my equestrian lifestyle because the people I grew up with all wanted to be sports players, police officers, and lawyers – but I was different. For me – being an equestrian of color – people don’t believe that I do horseback riding when I tell them that until I show them pictures. Then they are shocked. People are excited to see and hear that I am an equestrian because they don’t know anyone who does that. Me being an equestrian, especially one of color, makes me stand out, and I have people that I have grown up with since I was a kid and people I met along the way tell me to continue what I’m doing.

What challenges have you faced as an equestrian of color? 

The challenges I have faced as an equestrian are being part of a minority, and I am very proud to be part of it. In the nine years of riding, I have encountered about 10 other equestrians of color who are like me, and we have shown that we can do it too. When I first started showing, people were not really watching. I was a new young equestrian of color. But after some time, I had an audience, and it just continued to grow and grow. I started to have people I didn’t even know come and introduce themselves, and some told me that they always wanted to see me show and they were happy they got the chance too. I stand out for two reasons: one is because I’m an equestrian of color, and two is because I push myself past my limits. 

What words of encouragement would you have for other equestrians of color or people of color considering becoming equestrians? 

So, a word of encouragement is don’t let someone tell you how far you can go. You get to choose that. You can do anything you put your mind to if you put the work in for it. Challenge yourself to do new and harder things like joining a different showing class, etc. You never know who is watching those people who could help you at some point in your life. I have someone like that who works a chagrin saddlery and she has been there since day one. She always encourages me to continue going. People are watching you, so just give your best and have fun out there. 

What role do horses currently play in your life?

Horseback riding currently plays the role of a place to get away from my problems, and, every time I ride, it’s just me and the horse communicating with each other. I have a strong connection with horses, and I have earned the nickname Horse Whisper. A horse understands when something is going on with you. I had some situations happen and then I went horseback riding – the horses tried to cheer me up. I have a soft spot for horseback riding. I love it, and it makes me happy to do and be part of different programs that give others the opportunity to do something different instead of being out on the street. 

What is your happiest or proudest moment as an equestrian?

One of my proudest moments as an equestrian is seeing two wonderful boys named Remy and Cassius grow and do their first show. They were nervous at first, but after we talked, they went out there and did an amazing job. To this day, they are still doing an amazing job. My next happiest moment was to have my brothers and sister get into riding. They had so much fun, and they grew a connection with some of the horses. One brother grew a connection with the donkey. I have been interviewed for the news twice now, and I have been in magazines for horse shows.

I have so many moments, but the one moment I relive is us saving a horse named Lucy. Lucy came to the barn kicking at every male who tried to get close to her, but my trainer Pat worked with her and then I worked with her. I was struggling at first, but after some time, we bonded, and we went on to show and place 2nd and 3rd. Years later, Lucy has little kids riding her and showing her. Seeing where she started off at to where she is now is a big change. She was one of the horses that kept me going, and I wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t have my family, friends from the barn, the horses, and the support from people who know that I ride. Thank you to everyone!