Ethos
Patricia Kelly is the President and CEO of Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. created in 1984 as a way to introduce the joys of riding to women in the Hartford, CT area. EHI hosts comprehensive equine therapeutic training workshops and psychotherapeutic work for mental health professionals, veterans, adults, ...
Lezlie Hiner is the founder of Work to Ride (WTR). Established in 1994, WTR is a non profit community-based prevention program in Philadelphia that engages and empowers under resourced urban youth through interactions with horses. Lezlie, a former polo player herself, coached the first all-black ...
Caitlin Gooch is the founder of Saddle Up and Read. Started in 2017, this program connects horses, kids, and libraries to increase literacy rates in North Carolina. Also known as The Black Cowgirl, Caitlin’s life work is representation—showing up as an example of what’s possible for future ...
Anastasia (Stacy) Curwood was eventing and participating in Pony Club at age 14. She is the co founder of Strides for Equality, an organization working in numerous ways to create equitable opportunities for BIPOC Equestrians. Founded in July 2020, Strides for Equality offers educational content, ...
Dr. George Blair and Ann Blair started the NY Riding Academy in 1970 in Manhattan’s Randall Island Park, making horseback riding more inclusive for everyone. Thousands of students have been provided instruction. In 1984 Dr. Blair launched the Black World Championship Rodeo inviting African-Americans ...
Mayisha Akbar founded the Compton Jr Posse (CJP) in 1988 in Compton, CA. CJP offers inner city youth hope, connection, and success by teaming them with horses. In 2009, Mayisha established the first inner-city high school team to compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian League in California. When ...
