Black History Month: In The Show Ring
Black equestrians have shaped and continue to influence the equestrian world despite historical barriers.
Black equestrians have played a significant yet often overlooked role in the history of horseback riding, both in the past and in modern times. From the legacy of Black cowboys and riders in the 19th century to the trailblazing athletes and trainers of today, Black equestrians have demonstrated incredible skill, resilience, and passion for horses.
Despite facing systemic challenges, they have continued to shape the equestrian world, breaking barriers in both competitive and recreational riding. This article explores the rich history and ongoing contributions of Black riders, celebrating their enduring influence in an industry that has often been exclusive, and highlighting the efforts of those who continue to pave the way for future generations.
Sonny Brooks. COTH. Budd Photo.
Charles “Sonny” Brooks
Brooks was raised in Connecticut, where his father, Charlie, managed the stable at the Fairfield County Hunt Club. Throughout the 1950s and ’60s, he amassed numerous titles at show jumping events across the northern United States and Canada. Known for his gentle, systematic approach, Brooks had a remarkable ability to transform troubled horses into champions.
Despite his success, Brooks faced racial tensions and was often excluded from after-parties and award ceremonies, as noted by Chronicle of the Horse.
“He encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing,” said Junior Johnson in the article. “He didn’t give up. No matter what hell he caught, he kept going. It was rough for him back in those days, really rough. That’s a tough thing, to [not] let something like that hold you back.”
Brooks remains the first—and still the only—Black American ever inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame.
Sonny Brooks. Photo from the United States Hunter Jumper Association.
Shachine Belle
Belle was a typical horse-crazy kid. After reading A Very Young Rider by Jill Krementz, she signed up for riding lessons at the Farmington Polo Club in Connecticut. She spent the next two decades catch-riding for FBC, specializing in green and troubled horses, and racked up numerous achievements as a junior rider, including winning the ASPCA Maclay at Devon. After graduating high school, she focused on college, earning a degree in psychology. It wasn’t until 2001 that she returned to serious training, and in 2002, she met “Odie,” better known as In Disguise.
The pair went on to win several championships at major horse shows, including back-to-back Green Conformation Championships at the Devon Horse Show in 2002 and 2003, as well as earning a perfect score of 100 at the Capital Challenge in 2003. “Odie” was named USEF Horse of the Year in 2004.
Belle continues to compete, train, and teach.
Anna Buffini
Buffini made it her mission in life to become an Olympian at the age of 3. It took her a bit longer to figure out which sport she wanted to pursue, but after her first dressage lesson at age 11, the decision was sealed.
“I don’t think you could wipe the smile off my face for a week!” Anna told Sidelines Magazine.
She earned Team Gold at the North American Youth Championship in 2014 and topped the Young Rider Division at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions. She claimed another national championship in the U25 division in 2016. After turning pro, she competed for the U.S. Dressage Team in multiple international Nations Cup competitions and is a two-time World Cup finalist. She still hopes for the Olympics but prefers not to dwell on the subject.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to achieve since I was 3 years old in gymnastics. The fact that it might actually be possible one day is something I want to be very respectful of—to never assume or talk about it too much,” Anna said.
Buffini was on the U.S. Dressage Team Olympic Short List for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She and her horse, Fiontini, a 2010 Danish Warmblood mare, were included in the initial announcement on May 8, 2024.
Stephanie Kallstrom
Kallstrom began riding at a young age, leading the stereotypical “horse girl” life filled with show ribbons and summer camps. However, growing up in Canada, her joy for riding was often overshadowed by the microaggressions she faced as “the only Black rider on the showgrounds.”
Kallstrom has since become a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport, writing multiple articles for well-known magazines and using social media to push for acceptance.
“I pushed the envelope by being a visible Black equestrian and a plus-size one at that. My activism also includes advocating for those living with disabilities, the LGBTQ2S+ community, and many other marginalized groups. I believe that we can all meet at a common ground: we all love the horse, and from there, we can move forward to loving each other just the way we are,” she wrote on Instagram.
Kallstrom was recently awarded her ‘r’ Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation judges card.
Zoie Brogdon
Brogdon joined Compton Jr. Equestrians, the Compton Cowboys’ nonprofit community service affiliate that uses horses to inspire inner-city youth, when she was nine years old. A quick study, Brogdon and her horse, Ninja, won the USHJA Zone 10 Horse of the Year Champion title in 2021, as well as the USHJA Zone 10 Jumper Team Championships – Individual Gold and the USHJA National Championships – Reserve Champion. She also competed on the UCLA Equitation team during the 2023-2024 season.
Amanda Elongo Staalsø
Staalsø is one of the most well-known individual vaulters in the sport. Hailing from Denmark, where she competed on the National Vaulting Team, her training videos have garnered millions of views across social media. She and her horse, Charlie, are also two-time Guinness World Record holders for “Most Scissor Transitions on Horseback in 30 Seconds” and “Most Standing Jumps on Horseback in 30 Seconds.”
Go riding.
Amanda Uechi Ronan is an equestrian, author, and wannabe race car driver. Follow her on Instagram @amanda_uechi_ronan.
