When the first Kentucky Derby ran in May of 1875, 13 of the 15 jockeys were Black Americans. Oliver Lewis, a 19-year-old Black man rode the winning horse. The horse’s trainer Ansel Williamson had been born into slavery in the mid-19th century. In 1864, Williamson had been purchased by Robert Alexander, owner of Woodburn Stud in Kentucky, where he worked as a trainer for the Woodburn horses. After emancipation, Williamson continued training horses. After his win at the first Kentucky Derby Williamson trained many more stakes winners.
You can read more about these two remarkable horsemen here.
Prior to the Civil War, thoroughbred horse racing was the largest and most popular spectator event in America. Black Americans (both free and enslaved) were the leading trainers, jockeys and grooms for the sport. These men (women weren’t allowed to do this work) were skilled and cunning experts, spending their entire lives working with horses.
After emancipation, racism quickly pushed Black Americans out of thoroughbred horse racing. In 1902, James Winkfield was the last Black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby (he also won it in 1901). After 1921, there were no black jockeys in the Derby at all until 2000.
Geraldine Brooks’ newest book, “Horse,” is ostensibly a book about the famous thoroughbred racehorse, Lexington. But it’s really a meticulously researched story about the integral role both free and enslaved Black Americans played in the pre-Civil War racing industry and the complicated legacy of slavery that still resonates through our country. Geraldine Brooks answered questions about “Horse” for the DBRL Online Author Talks last year. You can view a recording of the discussion here.
When you hear the word equestrian, you may not envision a Black person, but Black Americans have been vital members of the equestrian community throughout our country’s history. As trainers, riders, drivers, grooms, breeders, cowboys and Calvarymen, Black Americans shaped our developing country and the horse industry today. Racism may have kept many of their names out of recorded history, relegated them to roles out of view, or misplaced the recognition altogether, but there is still ample evidence that Black equestrians were leaders and essential workers in horse breeding, training and competition.
The contributions of Black Americans weren’t limited to the thoroughbred racing industry. Born into slavery in Boone County, Missouri in 1859, Tom Bass became one of the most sought-after saddlebred trainers of his time. He eventually set up a barn in Kansas City and helped start the American Royal Horse Show. You can read more about Tom Bass in “Whisper on the Wind: The Story of Tom Bass: Celebrated Black Horseman.”
To read more about other prominent Black equestrians, such as the Buffalo Soldiers, cowboys and today’s Compton Cowboys in books on this list.
While racism has limited Black participation in modern times, there are notable Black equestrians today:
- The Chronicle of the Horse, has an online article this month featuring notable Black equestrians past and present, and remarkable facts about Black equestrians in the sport horse industry.
- The US Hunter Jumper Association has a recorded presentation and discussion about diversity and the history of Black Americans in the sport.
- The Netflix movie “Concrete Cowboy,” features the urban-based “Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy.”
Image credit: Charles “Sonny” Brooks, photo from the United States Hunter Jumper Association
