How would you describe yourself as an equestrian?

The flyest pony pal out there. My style is making sure the horse is first and my needs are second. I can navigate the world virtually however I please where our pets are at the mercy of us for their entire lives. So it’s no problem that I choose to cater to them as they make my heart so full just by being in my life.

I’m unconventional. Most people see equestrians as quiet and proper or as gruff cowboys. I treat my horses exactly like my friends: I listen to their problems, dance spontaneously, play dress up, and come up with crazy scenarios we can all laugh with. 

What do you enjoy about being an equestrian of color?

Existing and blowing people’s minds. Honestly, I’m not the type to want attention to myself, but the idea of someone who can be their full authentic self around a conservative industry is almost near impossible if you look at it broadly.

Not only I but others are intimidated to fit into the traditional box that makes an equestrian. It’s those who reach out and say that they are getting into or getting back into horses simply because they saw me who are the ones who keep me going. The keywords I often hear from their stories are feeling “heard,” “seen,” or “safe.” Making others feel secure and happy is what makes me show up.

How did you get involved in horses?

I got lucky to have been born into a family with them. Gramps grew up carting drafts and showing shetland ponies. Then he went down a team roping/cowboying path. As his only pony-loving grandkid, I was front row to everything he did whether it was roping every Friday night or working cattle up on our Don Pedro property.

I can never really answer the question as to why I stuck with them. They’re so freaking dope, I don’t know what to say! I never showed or competed in any way, but I was always at the ranch sitting in the pasture with them.

How has your culture influenced your equestrian lifestyle?

Oh, my horses are “black.” Although representation in horse media is limited, I never connected with any of the black/brown/mixed characters because they were never like me. It’s no problem that they act the way that they do, but it was definitely a reason why I never really watched any horse-related media. Most of it covered situations I never experienced or went about life in a way I was far removed from.

My dad, who is black, is who I am closest with, and, therefore, I adopted more mannerisms from him. With a slim population of black people to begin with in my area, being in spaces with rural white folks as the darkest person around as a child is rough! I coped by talking to my horses the way I would actually talk to my friends, and from there I noticed less and less that I needed to conform in order to be a successful horse person.

What challenges have you faced as an equestrian of color?

Micro-aggressions – and I have some serious beef with one another. Despite me trying to be as authentically myself at all times, sometimes I have to dial myself back in order to get somewhere. I’ve done this with jobs or meeting new people that I would like to be professionally acquainted with. I hate to say that I do it and sometimes argue with myself whether it was the right choice to dilute my personality and style just to be able to work with someone. It should be my credentials and achievements looked over, not whether or not you like my natural hair.  Most people say they do this all the time, but I get the added baggage of discrimination for being a woman and black.

I’m also pretty big online, so I get all the fun, racially charged messages which I quickly delete in order to harbor a safe virtual environment. Sometimes I put them on full blast but only since it shows others who doubt these problems in the industry that they are still alive and well. At heart, I am not confrontational but others are and make it their mission to tear others down. As a certified hater of bullies, I see to it that they don’t prevail.

What are you most proud of as an equestrian?

My ability to adapt is one trait I didn’t realize that I would appreciate the most. I love horses so much that I look forward to and study new information regarding welfare, brain function, product use, and medical practices. The industry is one of tradition, and, as cool as tradition can be, harmful tradition should not be continued or defended regardless of how long we’ve been “doing it” or how much it “works for us.”

I started out just like most equestrians: utilizing negative reinforcement and positive punishment. Through my journey into positive reinforcement, I have found myself to be less spiteful, less angry, and more violent in the love department. Not many people are able to do so. Some people will never even consider change. The attitudes towards change were a big eye opener to me. Even though I can look at a piece of text that I may disagree with at the beginning, I can always keep an open mind whereas others would not give it the time of day.

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

When they say “Be you, otherwise who else will” it’s so true. You do not need to be the loudest dresser, vocalist, winner, or the expert but as long as you are staying true to yourself, you’ve already won. It sounds cheesy but I’m so real. DO YOU!

What is your favorite?

Horse breed: American Miniature Horse

Horse color: Blue Roan

Discipline: Trick Riding/Vaulting

Treat to give: Teff pellets

Place to ride: Don Pedro

What is your happiest moment as an equestrian?

Although being on the news about being a diversified equestrian is a huge deal, I am personally proud that not only I but my forever favorite childhood pony was also there with me.

Mark S. Allen from ABC News Sacramento came out to the farm to interview me for a cute story. Originally, my first born son, Ducati, was supposed to be in the cutaways. However, he would rather be a toddler and eat our clothes and flat out be uncooperative. I told them to wait since I’ll be returning with “something better.” They came out from under the roof and there I was running across the pasture in the rain with my pony, Twilight, unhaltered with my arm loosely around her neck. She got to be in the intro and ending of my news story just like how she was the start of my passion and will be till the very end.

In Memory of Twilight.