February: Letter from the President
DEAR LADIES OF LADY SADDLERS CLUB,
February is a month dedicated to celebrating love and Black history, two celebrations that complement each other beautifully. Both remind us of the power of love and how it inspires us to chart new paths forward.
So this month, I wanted to share a few things I love, along with a bit of history that reminds us how deeply connected Black heritage is to the equestrian world.
Things I Love:
Women practicing self-love
Women dominating their careers and the business arena
The way a horse ranch smells when you first step onto the property
Watching a new rider get on a horse for the first time and witnessing their confidence grow
Dirty riding boots. Something about them makes me feel accomplished and experienced
Shopping for new equestrian fits
These simple moments remind me why I fell in love with this world in the first place.
That love is also rooted in a powerful history.
In the late 1800s, Black jockeys were some of the most successful athletes in American horse racing. Their skill, courage, and mastery of the sport helped shape the foundation of modern racing.
Some notable pioneers include:
Isaac Murphy, who won the Kentucky Derby three times and is considered one of the greatest jockeys in racing.
The history of Black women in horseback riding also spans centuries, from African horse cultures to early American horsewomen, trail riders, jockeys, and modern equestrian athletes. A few trailblazers worth highlighting include:
Cheryl White, the first Black female professional jockey in the United States.
Margo Wade-LaDew, an influential trainer and mentor in the hunter and jumper world who has helped shape generations of riders.
As we celebrate both love and Black history, I am reminded that the equestrian world we enjoy today was built by many hands. Some stories were widely told, while many others are only now being rediscovered.
It is a privilege to continue riding forward and honoring that legacy together.
Raven Rankine,
Founder and President
