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 manifest
• What a recommitment plan looks like with the goal of building my relationship with my horse
• What I’m doing to start small and build up to the goals I’ve created.

Mentioned in this episode:

→ Free 90-Day Recommitment Worksheet (Download)

→ Loveland Foundation (Therapy vouchers for Black women and girls)

→ Chincoteague Pony Swim

If this resonated, share the episode with a friend or tag me on social @blackinthesaddle. I’d love to hear what you’re recommitting to.

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's

In this episode, I get into:

• The overlooked legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls
• Why genre is more about safety and perception than truth
• The history behind denim, indigo, and what it means to reclaim that style today
• The protest embedded in Beyoncé’s use of Jimi Hendrix and national symbols
• How institutions shift the rules when Black excellence shows up
• Spaghetti Westerns, Lola Falana, and seeing ourselves in stories

Things I mention or reference:

• Jimi Hendrix’s 1969 rendition of the national anthem
• Lola Colt / Black Tigress (Spaghetti Western featuring Lola Falana)
• Denim’s roots in Negro cloth and indigo from West Africa
• 7 Western Films Starring Black Women

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.

• The evolution from Young Black Equestrians to Black In The Saddle
• Burnout, balance, and why I had to step away
• What I’m craving more of: depth, research, real conversations
• How the podcast will be more strategic (think: panels, Patreon, meet-ups)
• Why your voice and ideas are part of what’s next

• Pitch a topic or guest: I want your questions, your curiosities, your dream convos. Send me a DM on Instagram @blkinthesaddle
• Join 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 listening. This next chapter is already shaping up to be something special.

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 Believe, find them:

On Instagram www.instagram.com/justbelieveyouth

On Facebook www.facebook.com/justbelievetraining

Or on their website www.justbelievetraining.com

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