African American families got to see melanated cowboys and cowgirls who looked like them saddled on horses, bulls and steers competing in the Arizona Black Rodeo on May 15 at the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Contestants showcased their skills of riding fast with precision and vigor as soon as the livestock was released from the chute in the arena filled with families wearing contemporary and urban Western attire witnessing the competitive sports of steer wrestling, tie-down roping, ladies barrel racing, ladies steer undecorating and bull riding.
“I didn’t know what to expect for the Black rodeo,” said Phoenix resident Dr. Delana Gardner, who grew up riding horses in Pennsylvania where she hails from.
