by Cheryl Williams
African-American equestrians are the minority within a minority as equestrianism remains an interest among a few people, primarily white. Few women make it to the top of equine sports.
Shayla Wilson is determined to be one of those few. An honors graduate (2008) of Virginia Intermont College, the nation’s top equine university, Shayla was the first African-American on the school’s equestrian team.
“At Florida University I was already an anomaly because I was the only black person on the team. I only started being outcast by certain members once I made it to Nationals, as if they’d realized ‘She’s serious’ or felt entitled, like ‘I was supposed to get that spot!’ I ignored it and mostly dealt with my friends. People like that ruin themselves. The biased coach was eventually fired. I like it here at Intermont and have a great world-class trainer.”
[To read this full article, go to our free electronic edition, UVW Digital]
13 comments
What is Shayla Wilson doing now. Is she on Facebook? Does she teach?
Hello all,
This is Shayla Wilson, and I wanted to say that I appreciate the time and attention Cheryl Williams put into making this article. However, I wanted to clarify that although I did experience racial bias, the coach of the University of Florida Equestrian Team was not biased in any way which is why I was chosen to go to Nationals my freshman year. The coach who recently passed is dear to my heart, because that person always supported my dream of becoming an equine professional.
To Valerie: Actually yes, I am an instructor and horse trainer now. I am the head coach of the Compton Jr. Posse, a not-for-profit group aimed at keeping kids off the streets and on horses. My dream of making it to the Olympics is still very much alive, as I have a great team supporting me here in LA. Thank you for your interest. :)
Merry Christmas!
Shayla, Merry Christmas… I’m glad you were pleased with the article and thank you for clarifying. I’m sorry for your loss and regret any miscommunication that may have occurred during our initial interview. Urban Views Weekly strives to maintain integrity within its publication, respect for its affiliates and uphold the community for which it relates. So, I take full responsibility for my work and regret any miscommunication that may have occurred. commonknowledge@live.com
my name is Logan Mitchell ,Having been riding competitively for 6 years, the higher levels you rise to – the more it becomes based on funding and less it becomes based on talent. Wall after wall is placed in front of the equestrian sport keep in the elite and wealthy in , and keep out the rest of American’s middle class. being not only middle class , but African American, i have been told i could never make it in the equestrian industry time after time. but as of now i am searching for a sponsor that would be willing help me make my dreams possible and the dreams of other African American equestrians possible. if you know of anyone who would be willing – please email me at lmitchell@riverfield.org
thank you so very much
Shayla,
Please call me! We have moved back to Florida, back into our home in Stoneybrook and I have been trying to find you. I am so glad that you have found your way to another place surrounded by horses. You are so deserving. Would love to catch up. Have missed you so much.
Dianne Nelson
(Sade’s mom)
Hello Shayla,
I am writing on behalf of my daughter (11 years old). She has choosen you as a topic in school to research for African-American history month. Actually,she started horse back ride lessons this fall. We live in the middle of Illinios- thus ,she is not riding right now . Oh, how she misses the activity. Thanks for not giving up on your dreams. She wants and is very hopefull that you will be on the the USA team this summer.Good LUCK!
Elaine Walter-Shamdin
Hi Shayla
My daughter has been riding for a year and I decided to research African American riders. She loves the sport and we have decided to support her efforts. I am so proud that she won her first competion. Please continue to post your career accomplishments you are paving the way for other young girls. Wishing you success and happiness .
Janice Beal -Geyen
Kudos to all the Black female equestrian riders. My daughter Sumayyah has been riding for about a year and a half. She won first place and champion in her first competition after only riding for about four months. The judge said she was a natural. She wants to be a vet or horse trainer. She has aspirations of being in the Olympics like Donna Cheek, the first Black female Olympian. It is a wonderful thing to see our young ladies competing and doing things outside the normal dancing and singing and showcasing other talents. We are now looking for land to start a equestrian center for young Black riders male and female to further introduce the sport to our youth.
GOD Bless all of you and your young equestrians.
Eric Muhammad
This article makes me so happy! I grew up with horses, but never really got to ride. I am currently looking for a place to get riding lessons, and am wondering if anyone has any advice? One trainer that I’ve seen won a bronze medal, but I don’t know if I can afford her yet.
I love horses I have been riding for more than forty years. I am now coming in contact with young girls and women in need of educational finanical assistance; my question is this: Does your organization give grants to college students and what criteria must they meet?
Awesome, keep-up the good work, I and we all love you.
Fayetteville, North Carolina USA
Excellent article.
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