Celebrating African Americans in the Equestrian World

EHI Equestrian and Therapeutic Center, Hartford, CT. Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. seeks to celebrate African Americans in the horse industry with the inaugural 2023 Black Boots Awards!

This year the Black Boots Awards is in collaboration with StreamHorse and The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum. The Black Boots Awards amplifies and celebrates Black equestrian history and accomplishments in the horse industry. This event aims to take the impact and work of Black equestrians out of peripheral view and into the mainstream. The list of nominees is an impressive group that includes influencers, equine organizations, farriers, and rodeo competitors. The event also boasts an expert panel of equestrian judges.

The Black Boots Awards is the brainchild of Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. CEO and President Patricia E. Kelly. Kelly was frustrated with the lack of recognition that Black equestrians, tradespeople, influencers, and organizations get in the horse industry. She was also disappointed the history of Black equestrianism is still relatively unknown.

“It’s time that Black equestrians, farriers, saddle makers, organizations, and associations come out of the shadows of the horse industry and into the mainstream so that their work is recognized,” Kelly said.

The inaugural 2023 Black Boots Awards is on Sunday, January 8th at 7 PM ET at CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts at 359 Washington Street in Hartford, preceded by a VIP reception starting at 5:30 PM and sponsored by Red Hazel Whiskey and Mother's Moss. The VIP reception is $85 and general admission is $65.The event will also be live streamed on StreamHorse’s Facebook and YouTube platforms.

For more information, visit www.ebonyhorsewomen.org, email blackbootsawards@gmail.com, or call (860) 293-2914.

About the 2023 Black Boots Awards
The Black Boots Awards was conceived in 2020, during the pandemic. Prompted by the fact that Black equestrians continue to be marginalized within the horse industry, the Black Boots Awards became a desire to honor them. The Black Boots Awards celebrate and amplify Black equestrian accomplishments and visibility.

About Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. Equestrian and Therapeutic Center
Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. Equestrian and Therapeutic Center is a nationally recognized 501(c) (3) nonprofit equine therapy organization and urban riding center. EHI encourages and empowers people through healing, riding, and learning and is a leader in culturally competent equine-assisted psychotherapy. We believe in the power of horses to heal!

About StreamHorse Corporation
StreamHorse is a 22-time award-winning digital media network that emphatically impacts horses and humans around the world with the brands StreamHorseTV, Equine AMerica Magazine, and HorseTV Global. StreamHorse fosters the premier digital community where horse enthusiasts come together to expand their horizons in sports and culture. StreamHorse is elevating equestrian entertainment, advancing accessibility, and boldly uniting the global horse world – celebrating the horse as our beloved common thread.