Young Black Equestrians

In this episode, I am joined by Tiombe Vaughan, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person at the Black Equestrian Summer Bash. Tiombe is an incredible equestrian, artist, and breed preservationist who is doing vital work to protect the Spanish Barb horse. We dive deep into her journey from being a kid in Queens, New York, to establishing Falcons Heritage Farm in Waldorf, Maryland, where she balances life as a veterinary technician with the demands of running a sustainable homestead.We explore how Tiombe uses her background in veterinary medicine and her incredible talent as a self-taught artist to promote the versatility of this historic breed. Tiombe shares the realities of "foaling" and breeding these hardy horses, explaining why it is so important to preserve their form-to-function heritage. She also opens up about the resilience required to navigate the horse industry as a Black woman and the importance of keeping your "blinders on" to stay focused on your vision.I truly loved learning about her "plan

Sometimes you need a little pep talk before you go to the barn. In this episode, I update you on my own 90-day recommitment plan. I share where I am now, what’s been working, and the moment I realized I was letting my “inner bully” tell me a story about my horse that wasn’t even true.I want you to know the exact ways I’ve learned to shut that voice down, build self-trust, and create those small moments of belief that grow into real confidence, on and off the horse.In this episode, I share:How I caught my inner critic in the actWhy I believe confidence is the outcome, not the starting pointHow I use small milestones to keep momentum goingMy process for writing affirmations that actually work for meMentioned in this episode:Glo Atanmo – ‪@GloAtanmo‬ Cowgirl Camryn's Agffirmations - https://cowgirl-camryn.kit.com/e896c80696

In this episode of Black in the Saddle, I sit down with the incomparable Pennie Selina Brown, a community connector, wellness champion, and founder of The STAND Foundation. From trail rides under the stars to leading equine-facilitated leadership retreats in Jamaica, Pennie’s journey into the horse world is anything but traditional. And yet, her impact is exactly what this industry needs.We talk about how a chance encounter at a party led her into the horse world at age 40, how she found healing and growth through her horse Blue, and why she’s so committed to creating safe, transformative spaces for Black girls. We also unpack the difference between her nonprofit work and her new venture, PS Wellness, and what it really means to prioritize healing for ourselves and our communities.We also share behind-the-scenes reflections from our joint trip to Jamaica to introduce equine-facilitated learning to a new audience, and what it taught us about culture, connection, and care.In this episode, you’ll hear us discuss

In this episode, I’m unpacking something that’s been on my heart, and on the minds of a lot of folks in our community: the future of work in the horse industry.We’re in a different era now. College is more expensive, student loan systems are shifting, and the next generation isn’t buying into the “go to school, get a good job” blueprint the way we were told to. So what does that mean for people who love horses but need sustainable careers to support that passion?From planning for vet school to building a career that still keeps me close to horses, I'm sharing my story of pursuing this industry passionately, just not in the way I originally imagined. I also talk about the many transferable skills we gain from being in this world. Skills that can be multipurpose like marketing, logistics, customer service, tech, and beyond. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 40s, if you’ve ever questioned how to stay connected to horses without giving up financial stability, this one’s for you.What I Talk About in This Episode:

In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that’s become deeply personal and professionally exciting for me: agritourism. I’ve been studying this space for over a year now, and through my work on the board of the North Carolina Agritourism Networking Association, I’ve seen just how much untapped potential there is — especially for Black-owned farms and horse facilities.This episode is for anyone with land, a dream, and a desire to do something different. I talk about how agritourism can be a path to sustainability, community connection, and cultural preservation. And if you think all you have to offer is riding lessons? Let’s expand that vision.What I’m Sharing:What agritourism really is (and why it's more than just tours)Why riding isn’t the only way to engage the publicReal ideas for how horse farms can bring in revenue creatively and consciouslyThe behind-the-scenes: zoning, signage, insurance, infrastructureWhy this model might just keep the next generation interested in our farmsAgritourism Examples I Ment

In this episode of Black in the Saddle, I'm reflecting on a type of grief we don't often name, the grief that shows up when our reality no longer reflects our vision, especially when it comes to our horse journey. What happens when the life you said you wanted feels out of sync with the life you're actually living?After a meme, a TikTok, and one simple question from a mentor, I found myself reflecting on how grief shows up in my life and how I have (or often have not) processed it. I share the steps I’m taking to realign, not through performance or pressure, but through a personal 90-day recommitment plan focused on my physical, mental, emotional, and social wellness.If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your joy, your rituals, or your why, this episode might be the mirror you didn’t know you needed.In this episode, I explore:How grief can manifestWhat a recommitment plan looks like with the goal of building my relationship with my horseWhat I’m doing to start small and build up to the goals I’ve created.M

In this episode, I’m reflecting on my experience at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter concert and using it as a jumping-off point to explore history, identity, and how narratives get reclaimed. We’re talking Black cowboys, the politics of genre, and why Beyoncé’s artistry is about legacy, protest, and power.From the symbolism in her visuals to the deep roots of denim in our ancestral labor, this is an episode about remembering what we’ve always known: we’re not new to this. And we don’t need permission to belong.*NOTE* I mention her award show snubs and accidentally say the CMAs added the 'Contemporary Country Album' category, but I should have said the Grammy'sIn this episode, I get into:The overlooked legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirlsWhy genre is more about safety and perception than truthThe history behind denim, indigo, and what it means to reclaim that style todayThe protest embedded in Beyoncé’s use of Jimi Hendrix and national symbolsHow institutions shift the rules when Black excellence shows upSpaghetti Wes

I’m back after a much-needed break and a whole lot of reflection. This episode is my personal reset. I share why I paused the podcast, what I’ve learned from producing over 100 interviews, and how Black In The Saddle is evolving into something more intentional, grounded, and community-driven. If you’ve been riding with me for a while, or you’re just saddling up, this one’s for you.In this episode, I coverThe evolution from Young Black Equestrians to Black In The SaddleBurnout, balance, and why I had to step awayWhat I’m craving more of: depth, research, real conversationsHow the podcast will be more strategic (think: panels, Patreon, meet-ups)Why your voice and ideas are part of what’s nextWant to Get Involved?Pitch a topic or guest: I want your questions, your curiosities, your dream convos. Send me a DM on Instagram @blkinthesaddleJoin the newsletter: You’ll get updates on new episodes, upcoming events, and Patreon launch details.Catch the archive: 100+ episodes full of stories that got us here.Thanks for l

Let's ease into this podcasting thing shall we?

Periodically we like to check-in with each other, assess what we are noticing in our community and in our industry and share any plans coming up for BITS. In this episode, we covered our newest project "Moments", the Fireside Chats with our Facebook community and our plans for the end of the year. Want to join the Moments Waitlist? Visit www.blkinthesaddle.com/moments-waitlist

COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP EMPOWERMENT WELL-BEING The CREW is a nonprofit based out of Minnesota that has gone to great lengths to create spaces for children of color to learn how to interact with and grow with horses. In this week's episode we speak with Jenny and Kenatia from The CREW Urban Youth Equestrians about their journey as a fairly new non-profit organization and their vision for the future. Link with The CREW at https://www.thecrewurbanyouthequestrians.org/ On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thecrewurbanyouthequestrians On Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecrew_equestrians/

Last week, I applied to receive mentorship and well as to become a mentor with two organizations. Being able to uplift and guide the next generation is important to me because I know the impact my mentors have had on my life. They encouraged me to use my voice, encouraged me to challenge every boundary and supported me as I grew in their industry and outside of it. This week's episode is special. I sat down with my recently retired mentor, Dr. Allen Cannedy, to discuss what put him in position to serve as a mentor for hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students.

You may have watched his bull riding career, and you may have seen him on the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, but have you seen what impact Jamon is making in communities across the country? Just Believe provides hands-on equine and agricultural education programs along with trade introduction for youth. They believe in the power that agriculture holds pertaining to the health, wellness, and economic longevity of a strong nation. As an advocate for western sports and trade programs, they specialize in education and inclusion for non-agricultural communities. In this episode, we talked about what it means to bridge the gap between the education students receive in traditional school settings and the experiences they have that lead them to agricultural careers. Jamon shared insight on how mentorship and practicing compassion in the communities you want to serve is critical to understanding how to make a lasting impact. This episode is chock full of gems. What did you learn from this episode? To connect with Just B

Cowgirl Camryn is an equine innovated learning brand that grew from a children's book series. As the creator of that brand (and this one) I thought it was important to share how you can bring your ideas to fruition and impact your community in a non-traditional way. In this episode, I share 4 things I learned/reflected on after this event that will continue to lead to success. I hope you enjoy some insight into other work I am developing and how it relates to and continues to support this community as well. To catch up with Cowgirl Camryn yourself, head over to our Instagram and Facebook pages @cowgirlcamryn Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @blkinthesaddle

What does it mean to be Black In The Saddle? After a summer hiatus, the podcast is back with a new name, a new feel, and a new energy. In this episode, Abriana talks about the transition to Black In The Saddle (BITS), her vision for the future of the podcast, and bringing along help to make it happen. Tune in to hear about new sponsorship and collaboration opportunities as well as how this season is dedicated to giving back to the communities that support us. Connect with Key on Instagram @keyni.equestrian Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @blkinthesaddle

We made it! 100 episodes of Young Black Equestrians the podcast

The last time I had Brittney on the podcast, she had just quit her corporate job 2 weeks prior and started working in her lesson program full time. Fast forward to now, with 3x the client load, 3 additional staff members, and her own private barn to run her lesson program, Brittney has learned how to carve her own path in the industry. Brittney has branched out to consulting for budding lesson programs and runs a Facebook group named Building Your Equine Lesson Program. She has packaged her expertise from 6 years of growing her lesson program into courses and consulting packages. https://www.tiktok.com/@brittt_90 (Check Brittney out on Tik Tok!) This episode is sponsored by the US Icelandic Horse Congress ___________________________________________ Stay Connected with YBE! Learn about the host and the platform at https://youngblackequestrians.com/links (https://youngblackequestrians.com/links) Follow YBE on Instagram Like YBE on Facebook Subscribe to YBE on Youtube

Whether you are new to horse ownership or you are dabbling into a new discipline, building a team of people around you to support you during this journey is instrumental. In this episode, I share the five key members of your horse care team and the role they should play in your horse journey. Sponsored by Cargill Nutrena ___________________________________________ Stay Connected with YBE! Learn about the host and the platform at https://youngblackequestrians.com/links (https://youngblackequestrians.com/links) Follow YBE on Instagram Like YBE on Facebook Subscribe to YBE on Youtube

If you search for an image of the "Black Cowboy" you will likely come across Ivan's work. He has spent the past few years capturing Black cowboy culture, rodeos, and trail rides and telling their stories through captivating images. Ivan's work has been featured by major brands and outlets as well as on exhibit in galleries and museums. Despite being known for his work, in this episode, we get to know more about the man behind the lens. Ivan shares how his work has formed lifelong connections, allowed him to mentor up-and-coming content creators, and built a legacy for his family that is fueled by the passion for story telling. Learn more about Ivan's work at https://eightsecs.com/ (https://eightsecs.com/) This episode is sponsored by the US Icelandic Horse Congress ___________________________________________ Stay Connected with YBE! Learn about the host and the platform at https://youngblackequestrians.com/links (https://youngblackequestrians.com/links) Follow YBE on Instagram Like YBE on Facebook Subscribe

When confronted with protests and riot cops right outside of her apartment, Nikki West picked up her camera and did what she knew how to do best. Capturing impactful moments through the summer of 2020 led Nikki to her passion for activism in and out of the equestrian space. In this episode, Nikki shares how her activism has impacted her equestrian journey and experiences in the horse industry. Connect with Nikki on Twitter @Nikki__West This episode is sponsored by Cargill Nutrena ___________________________________________ Stay Connected with YBE! Learn about the host and the platform at https://youngblackequestrians.com/links (https://youngblackequestrians.com/links) Follow YBE on Instagram Like YBE on Facebook Subscribe to YBE on Youtube