🖤 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛 

 

African Americans have a long, rich history in the horse industry, from their early dominance as jockeys in Thoroughbred racing to today’s top competitors in Western performance sports. Despite historical barriers, these talented horsemen continue to make a lasting impact in rodeo, reining, and beyond.  

 

💠 Mary Fields – “Stagecoach Mary”  

 

Stagecoach Mary was a fearless and formidable figure of the Wild West. Born into slavery in 1832, she later became the first Black woman to work for the U.S. Postal Service as a stagecoach driver. Armed with a shotgun and an iron will, she braved harsh weather, bandits, and treacherous terrain to deliver mail in Montana. Known for her tough demeanor and quick temper, Stagecoach Mary was respected by cowboys and outlaws alike, cementing her legacy as one of the toughest women of the frontier.

 

💠 Nat Love – A Cowboy Legend  

 

Nat Love earned the nickname “Deadwood Dick” after winning a series of cowboy competitions in Deadwood, South Dakota, in 1876. During the town’s annual Fourth of July rodeo, he impressed the crowd by excelling in roping, riding, and shooting contests, reportedly outperforming all other cowboys. His remarkable skills and daring nature reminded people of the fictional dime-novel hero Deadwood Dick, and the name stuck. From then on, Love was known as “Deadwood Dick,” a title that further solidified his legendary status in the Wild West. A legendary Black cowboy whose adventurous life embodied the spirit of the American West. Born into slavery in 1854, he became a skilled cattle driver, driving herds across eight states and proving himself as a top horseman, roper, and marksman. Love rode with famous figures like Billy the Kid and Buffalo Bill Cody, encountering lawmen and outlaws. His travels took him deep into the frontier, where he fought off Native American raids and survived countless dangers on the cattle trails. His autobiography provides a firsthand account of the challenges and excitement of cowboy life, cementing his place as one of the most remarkable figures of the Old West.

 

💠 Bill Pickett – Inventor of “Bulldogging” 

 

Bill Pickett was a pioneering African American cowboy and rodeo star and Hall of Famer. He is best known for inventing “bulldogging,” a steer-wrestling technique still used today. Born in 1870, he overcame racial barriers to become a celebrated performer, showcasing his daring skills in Wild West shows and rodeos across the country. Pickett’s impact on rodeo history paved the way for future Black cowboys, securing his legacy as a trailblazer in the sport.

 

💠 Charles Sampson – 1982 PRCA World Champion Bull Rider

 

Charles Sampson made history in 1982 as the first Black cowboy to win a PRCA World Championship in bull riding. Overcoming racial barriers in rodeo, Sampson became one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, known for his resilience and determination. He competed at the NFR seven times, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and paving the way for more diversity in professional rodeo.  He is a Hall of Fame inductee. 

 

💠 Fred Whitfield – 8x World Champion Tie-Down Roper

 

One of the most legendary names in professional rodeo, Fred Whitfield is an eight-time world champion tie-down roper, earning seven PRCA World Championships and one All-Around title and Hall of Fame member. As one of the most successful American rodeo athletes of all time, Whitfield amassed over $3 million in career earnings, proving his dominance in the arena. His grit, talent, and determination have paved the way for future generations of rodeo athletes.  

 

💠 Mel Blount – From football to horses 

 

Mel Blount is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history. A key player in the Steelers’ dominant defenses of the 1970s, Blount was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time Super Bowl champion, known for his physical style of play that led to rule changes in the NFL. After retiring from football, Blount turned his passion toward the Western performance horse industry, where he has become a respected breeder and competitor. His involvement in cutting horses has further solidified his influence, blending the same dedication and competitive spirit that defined his football career into his work with horses

 

💠 Matt Mills – NRHA Million Dollar Rider

 

Matt Mills is an NRHA Million Dollar Rider and one of the most recognizable faces in reining. Known for his success in top-level competition, Mills has represented Team USA at the FEI World Equestrian Games and consistently ranks among the best in the sport. Beyond his accomplishments in the show pen, he has gained a massive following through his coaching, mentoring, and training programs, helping riders of all backgrounds excel in reining. His passion for the sport and dedication to his horses make him a standout in the Western performance horse world.  

 

💠 Shad Mayfield – 2020 PRCA World Champion Tie-Down Roper

  

Shad “Money” Mayfield is a rising star in professional rodeo, winning the 2020 PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Championship, and the 2024 All Around Cowboy Title. Known for his lightning-fast roping skills, Mayfield has remained a top competitor, regularly qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and setting records along the way. His success and innovative marketing approach continue to inspire young rodeo athletes.

 

This Black History Month, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of these trailblazers in Western sports. Their talent, hard work, and perseverance continue to inspire the next generation of riders and rodeo athletes.