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Exploring the Campaign behind the Crown with Mathena Washington
Mathena Washington grew up on horseback. From pony rides at three years old to volunteering at ranches in Georgia as a teenager, horses have been a constant thread through a life that's taken her from Boulder to Amarillo to Denver and back again. Now she's channeling everything she's built, an athletic background, a broadcast journalism degree from West Texas A&M, and years of community work, into one of the most intentional campaigns we've seen come through this community.
Mathena is currently running for Miss Black Rodeo USA 2027, and what she's building around that campaign goes far beyond the title. She's also founding the High Plains Legacy Riders Foundation and its youth program, Lead the Legacy, which is bringing inner-city kids in Denver face-to-face with horses, agricultural education, and the confidence that comes with it.
This episode is about what it looks like to build a campaign with mission and a program supported with strategy, faith, patience, and a very good calendar.
Resources & References:
- High Plains Legacy Riders Foundation (in development)
- Lead the Legacy youth program
- Mile High Equestrian and Rescue — Centennial, CO
- Miss Black Rodeo USA 2027 — pageant in Little Rock, AR, August 20–21
- Justin Great — hat designer and campaign sponsor
- Kime's Jeans — riding apparel
- Jordan Peele's High Horse documentary (2025)
If you enjoyed this episode, take a quick second and leave us a 5 star review! It helps get the podcast out to new listeners. I mean, while you're at it you should share it with a friend! I'm sure they'll enjoy this episode as much as you did.
Support Our Next Level on Patreon
Your support means we get to build connections with fellow horsefolk, pathways in our industry, and events that will change how we connect to our horses. Join us on Patreon to support Black in the Saddle and get access to bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and more ways to connect with the community. → patreon.com/blackinthesaddle
Join Us at Kinship Conference
Mark your calendar: November 6–7, 2026 in Greensboro, NC.
Kinship is a two-day gathering for Black horse folks across every discipline. The FIRST event of its kind, Kinship is built on connection, mentorship, skill-sharing, and honoring the stories that shaped us. If you're looking for real community and real pathways forward in the horse industry, this is where you belong.
✨ Join the waitlist + learn more: www.blkinthesaddle.com/kinship
Let's Keep in Touch:
Join the newsletter to be the first to know EVERYTHING BITS
Follow Black In the Saddle on Instagram
Follow Abriana on Instagram
Subscribe to BITS on Youtube
Advertising Disclosure
Some links or mentions in this episode may be promotional or include affiliate partnerships. We only share what aligns with the values of Black in the Saddle and serves our community.
View all episodes
By Abriana Johnson
4.9
5151 ratings
Mathena Washington grew up on horseback. From pony rides at three years old to volunteering at ranches in Georgia as a teenager, horses have been a constant thread through a life that's taken her from Boulder to Amarillo to Denver and back again. Now she's channeling everything she's built, an athletic background, a broadcast journalism degree from West Texas A&M, and years of community work, into one of the most intentional campaigns we've seen come through this community.
Mathena is currently running for Miss Black Rodeo USA 2027, and what she's building around that campaign goes far beyond the title. She's also founding the High Plains Legacy Riders Foundation and its youth program, Lead the Legacy, which is bringing inner-city kids in Denver face-to-face with horses, agricultural education, and the confidence that comes with it.
This episode is about what it looks like to build a campaign with mission and a program supported with strategy, faith, patience, and a very good calendar.
Resources & References:
- High Plains Legacy Riders Foundation (in development)
- Lead the Legacy youth program
- Mile High Equestrian and Rescue — Centennial, CO
- Miss Black Rodeo USA 2027 — pageant in Little Rock, AR, August 20–21
- Justin Great — hat designer and campaign sponsor
- Kime's Jeans — riding apparel
- Jordan Peele's High Horse documentary (2025)
If you enjoyed this episode, take a quick second and leave us a 5 star review! It helps get the podcast out to new listeners. I mean, while you're at it you should share it with a friend! I'm sure they'll enjoy this episode as much as you did.
Support Our Next Level on Patreon
Your support means we get to build connections with fellow horsefolk, pathways in our industry, and events that will change how we connect to our horses. Join us on Patreon to support Black in the Saddle and get access to bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and more ways to connect with the community. → patreon.com/blackinthesaddle
Join Us at Kinship Conference
Mark your calendar: November 6–7, 2026 in Greensboro, NC.
Kinship is a two-day gathering for Black horse folks across every discipline. The FIRST event of its kind, Kinship is built on connection, mentorship, skill-sharing, and honoring the stories that shaped us. If you're looking for real community and real pathways forward in the horse industry, this is where you belong.
✨ Join the waitlist + learn more: www.blkinthesaddle.com/kinship
Let's Keep in Touch:
Join the newsletter to be the first to know EVERYTHING BITS
Follow Black In the Saddle on Instagram
Follow Abriana on Instagram
Subscribe to BITS on Youtube
Advertising Disclosure
Some links or mentions in this episode may be promotional or include affiliate partnerships. We only share what aligns with the values of Black in the Saddle and serves our community.