Okay, we get it! Equestrian life is definitely eye-catching, but it’s not known for being diverse. There are barriers to entry that make it one of the most racially and socioeconomically segregated outdoor activities in the U.S.—and we’re not just talking about cost.  But, there are Black equestrians trying to change that, by pushing back against conventions which make it harder for Black riders to compete and by showing up and doing their best in the arena and on the trail. Here are five Black equestrians you should follow on social media.

1) Zoie Brogdon

The youngest on our list, 18-year-old Zoie Brogdon, has been riding horses since she was nine. After a camp counselor noticed her riding potential, her mom enrolled her in Compton Jr Equestrians, the Compton Cowboys non-profit community service affiliate that uses horses to inspire inner-city youth. Nine-year-old Zoie joined their English riding program where she learned to groom and care for the horses, muck their stalls and even ride bareback in homage to the Compton Cowboys. Eventually, Zoie and her horse Ninja began entering local competitions, and despite the odds, they were a force to be reckoned with – winning many top awards in her division in 2021 (including the USHJA Zone 10 Horse of the Year Champion, the USHJA Zone 10 Jumper Team Championships - Individual Gold, and the USHJA National Championships - Reserve Champion).

“While those I compete against (in this very expensive sport) often have multiple horses, grooms, top-notch equipment, and travel to different states to compete – it’s just me, my trainer, and my one beloved horse competing at local shows and the surrounding areas,” she reflected in an article she wrote for U.S. Equestrian Magazine. 

Throughout her career, Zoie has found community in her Compton Cowboys family. She’s been able to thrive with their support which now includes even younger kids who come to her competitions to cheer her on. At 18, she’s already influencing the next generation of competitive riders.

Zoie, who has been active in the sport for half of her life, feels that her presence in competitions could lead to a more inclusive and equitable sport. “While there’s still work to be done in terms of diversity, I believe that by excelling in the sport I’m helping to pave the way for more inclusivity in the future,” said Zoie. Right now, that means enjoying her freshman year at UCLA where she competes in equitation as a member of their equestrian team. Follow @iamzoienoelle on Instagram and TikTok to see what she does next.

2) Brianna Noble

Three years ago, Brianna Noble’s life changed when images of the 28 year old riding her horse ‘Dapper Dan’ at a Black Lives Matter protest circulated online. The news coverage helped draw attention to her organization, Urban Cowgirl Ranch, which exposes visitors and students, who are mostly People of Color, to horses and other livestock.

While this list is intended to highlight Black equestrians, it’s important to recognize that Brianna Noble identifies as a trail rider and a former equestrian. She does not advocate for Black and Brown individuals to join the sport. 

This wasn’t always the case. She once had dreams of “making it” at the Olympics, but chose a different path due to monetary constraints. “Trying to make it as a professional without any backing is sentencing yourself to poverty,” she explained. 

After a prominent member of her community told her that there was a slim chance she’d earn gold at the Olympics, they gave her the tools she needed to make a living off her passion for horses instead, helping build the foundation for the Urban Cowboy Ranch. 

Today the Californian and other ranch employees use horses to inspire positivity and introduce students to sustainable ways to thrive in the outdoors. For more scenic views from the Urban Cowgirl Ranch, follow @urbancowgirl510 on Instagram.

3) Stephanie Kallstrom

Stephanie Kallstrom rode her first pony at age 3 and leased her first horse when she was just 10 years old. In the years that followed, the Afro-Peruvian and transracial adoptee attended summer camps and took weekend lessons to improve as a rider. While close friendships in the community gave her a sense of belonging, that was undermined by the microaggressions she faced as ‘the only Black rider on the showgrounds’.

Currently, the Canadian show jumper is working on her judges card. Though excited to take this next step, Stephanie does recognize that judges can be critical in every aspect of competition, including how a competitor wears their hair. 

While there is no official rule that forces participants to wear their hair tucked away beneath their helmet, it is implied that hair should be “tightly neat, clean.” Judges can be biased against riders who have thicker, curlier hair, but they can also develop a bias against participants with too many sparkles on their clothes. Stephanie’s hair is currently straight so she doesn’t have to worry about this, but understands that this can be frustrating for other Black and Brown equestrians.

Outside of navigating traditional hair practices, she’s working to overcome the anxiety she experiences during competitions. That has included talking to a sport psychologist. As she takes the steps to overcome this, she says her trainer is supporting her along the way. “[My trainer] uplifts me to do what I need to do and to be confident in the saddle, “ said the show jumper. Follow @stephkall on Instagram for photos of her gorgeous bay Oldenburg horses.

4) Amanda Elonga Staalsø

Equestrian vaulter and gymnast Amanda Staalsø has been in the arena for close to half her life, following in the footsteps of her mom who passed along her love of horses. She competes as an individual vaulter and for the Denmark national vaulting team. Her training videos have racked up millions of views across Instagram and TikTok where the 29-year-old gymnast performs somersaults, handstand splits and choreographed dance on horseback. Did we mention the horse is moving in a circle the entire time!—which ups the fear factor for the casual viewer. Amanda doesn’t just post her highlight reel; she also includes the frustrating moments as well, such as when training doesn’t exactly go according to plan.

Even though the 2x Guinness World Record holder and physical therapist thinks fondly of the sport, she admits she and most other equestrian vaulters in Denmark need to have another job to pay for their competition fees, horse upkeep, attire and more. She estimated that she’s spent upwards of 13,000 DKK ( $1,900 USD) in the past couple of months on competitions. 

If you want to see her backflip off a moving horse, you’ll just have to follow her at @amanda_staalsoe on Instagram and TikTok.

4) Ramontay McConnell

Ramontay McConnell was first exposed to horses at eight or nine years old after watching his friend ride at horse shows and rodeos. Once he fell in love with the sport, his mom decided to buy him a horse in his sophomore year of high school. Later he decided to compete as his friend did, in rodeos. 

At the moment, Ramontay competes in western riding and goat tying. Practicing both disciplines isn’t easy, but he’s chosen to stick with the craft because he genuinely enjoys every moment of it. He even displays a similar love for his horse, a gorgeous 10-year-old Tennessee Walker. For Ramontay, a big part of riding is fostering a relationship with his horse, and taking the time to bond with and understand it. 

He also has admiration and respect for others who compete in the sport, and enjoys connecting with other Black equestrians or People of Color who enjoy the outdoors as much as he does! Follow Ramontay on Instagram at @rodeoramontay.