Black cowgirls have been active in the rodeo but they’ve gone unnoticed due to racism. Their contributions have been ignored but some people have kept this part of history alive. These women of the Wild West persevered in tough circumstances to get to where they were. In this article, we list the black cowgirls in history who broke the color and gender barrier in rodeo.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
People Also Read: 5 Famous Black Jockeys Who Were in Dominant Horse Races
If you enjoy horse racing, you can get a board game and play with your friends. Find them on Amazon.
Cheryl White
Cheryl White is at the center of one of the most significant events in black cowgirls’ history. At the age of 17, she was the first African American to receive a jockey license. White rode for her father, which is how her career began.
Her first career win came in 1971 at Waterford Park. White had 226 wins in thoroughbred racing and 750 in all career races. In 2011, White was Appaloosa Hall of Fame in 2011.
People Also Read: Black Cowboys of Texas: Exploring the Untold Story Behind Bold African American Men
You can express your love for horseracing by buying these shirts on Amazon.
Elizabeth Carpenter
Elizabeth Carpenter was born in Virginia into slavery. After the Civil War, Carpenter moved to Kentucky, where she developed an interest in horses. She learned how to care for them and the business of the sport. During her time, having women in the sport was unheard of.
Nonetheless, she worked to become a stable owner and was tough, demanding money from bettors. Carpenter went on to become the only black stable owner in Oklahoma.
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Henrietta Williams
Known as Auntie Rittie, she was born in Mississippi but later moved to Texas after she was bought to work on a ranch. She cleaned and washed in the ranch before she built her reputation as a cowgirl. Henrietta Williams was so good with the cattle and was praised for being ‘tough as any man.’
People Also Read: Kendrick Carmouche: First Black Jockey Since 2013 to Compete at the Kentucky Derby
Buy horse-related items and gifts on Amazon.
Mary Fields
Better known as stagecoach Mary, she’s one of the black cowgirls in history who left an indelible mark. She was born in Tennessee and enslaved but got her freedom after the Civil War.
She started working with the groundskeeper at Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart in Toledo, Ohio. Due to her prowess in handling horses, she worked as a mail carrier for the United States mail services.
However, she lost the job after an argument but got another to protect mail carriers from thieves.
People Also Read: Facts About Althea Gibson: 8 Incredible Things You Probably Didn’t Know
Sylvia Bishop
Sylvia is one of the most significant black cowgirls in history. She was the first black woman to receive a license to train horses. She began this in 1938 and the African American Heritage Society for Black Equestrians recognized her work.
The history of black cowgirls has been documented albeit briefly. These are some of the women we were able to find. They might not have received widespread acknowledgement but their legacy lives on.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
