Southern Trail Rides: A Vibrant Celebration of Black Equestrian Culture

When people hear that 27-year-old Lafayette, Louisiana native Drake LeBlanc spends his weekends trail riding, they might picture a quiet horseback ride through the woods alongside a few fellow riders. Traditionally, 'trail ride' often refers to a peaceful, scenic horseback stroll.

However, LeBlanc, a documentary filmmaker, rides his Tennessee Walking Horse, Koupé, amid crowds sometimes reaching into the hundreds or thousands. Most riders are Creole or Black, sharing a common heritage. The rides pulse with Zydeco music blasting from sound systems mounted on flatbed trailers that travel alongside the horses. Participants enjoy pork steak sandwiches prepared by chefs tending smokers from the backs of pickup trucks moving with the procession.

Throughout the American South, this style of trail riding has evolved beyond a traditional community gathering into a powerful celebration of Black horsemanship. The events feel like spirited cookouts on horseback, complete with line dances, signature songs, and exclusive merchandise.

LeBlanc describes the trail ride as "one of the most beautiful reflections of Louisiana's cultural richness." He explains that the gatherings honor ancestors who were sharecroppers, cattle ranchers, and cowboys—people who labored hard and shaped the community. These often marginalized groups have creatively preserved their culture through these vibrant events.

Black trail ride clubs are widespread, with scores spanning from Texas to the Carolinas. What once were modest, family-focused reunions have blossomed into multi-day equestrian festivals attracting thousands, such as the Ebony Horsemen Trail Ride in Shelby, North Carolina, which can draw crowds up to 15,000.