2024 Ethos Awards
The Ethos Award recognizes individuals who advance the engagement of Black and Brown people in the world of equestrian sports. It is a bi-annual event that partners with different equine organizations throughout the country that share our mission to change the narrative of equestrian sports. This year’s Ethos Award Gala will be held at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on Saturday Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under and may be purchased here: 2024 Ethos Awards tickets
Your ticket includes admission to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, a buffet style brunch with mimosas, tea and coffee, the Ethos Awards ceremony, and admission to the Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 31.
Guests of The Ethos Award Gala are invited to reserve a room at our host hotel at a discounted rate. Click here to reserve a room at The Holiday Inn, Saratoga Springs: Saratoga Springs Hotel | Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs (ihg.com)
For more information, visit: ethosawardequestrian.com
2024 Ethos Award winner biographies
Mayisha Akbar founded the Compton Jr. Posse (CJP) in 1988 in Compton, Calif. CJP offers inner‑city youth hope, connection, and success by teaming them with horses. In 2009, Mayisha established the first inner-city high school team to compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian League in California. When Mayisha retired in 2019, her students took over the program.
Dr. George Blair and Ann Blair started the NY Riding Academy in 1970 in Manhattan’s Randall Island Park, making horseback riding more inclusive for everyone. Thousands of students have been provided instruction. In 1984, Dr. Blair launched the Black World Championship Rodeo inviting African-Americans from throughout the United States to compete and showcase the diversity of the country’s best cowboys.
Anastasia “Stacy” Curwood was eventing and participating in Pony Club at age 14. She is the co‑founder of Strides for Equality, an organization working in numerous ways to create equitable opportunities for BIPOC Equestrians. Founded in July 2020, Strides for Equality offers educational content, professional pathways, financial support, and access programs to increase the diversity of the equestrian community.
Caitlin Gooch is the founder of Saddle Up and Read. Started in 2017, this program connects horses, kids, and libraries to increase literacy rates in North Carolina. Also known as “The Black Cowgirl,” Caitlin’s life work is representation — showing up as an example of what’s possible for future generations of equestrians.
Lezlie Hiner is the founder of Work to Ride (WTR). Established in 1994, WTR is a non‑profit community-based prevention program in Philadelphia that engages and empowers under‑resourced urban youth through interactions with horses. Lezlie, a former polo player, coached the first all-black polo team to win the Interscholastic Championship in 2011 and 2012.
Patricia Kelly is the President and CEO of Ebony Horsewomen, Inc., created in 1984 as a way to introduce the joys of riding to women in the Hartford, Conn., area. EHI hosts comprehensive equine therapeutic training workshops and psychotherapeutic work for mental health professionals, veterans, adults, families, and children, as well as numerous equine youth programs to inspire underserved children to blaze their own trail.
