Introducing listeners to her fierce devotion to community and care for the animal world, Keiara Wade, the Compton Cowgirl, considers the ways care work includes the human and more-than-human. Though the connection between humans and animals is often unspoken, it is a vital tie, and Keiara emphasizes the way the specific tie between human and horse can be incredibly therapeutic, healing, and nourishing. 

Keiara shares her journey with the Compton Cowboys and her experiences as a Black cowgirl. The Compton Cowboys were founded in 2017 by a group of Compton locals who had grown up riding together. Now they “work with horses to provide a positive influence on inner-city youth, combat negative and historically inaccurate narratives surrounding the city of Compton, and pay homage to African-Americans in western and equine heritage.”

Recognizing the importance of intergenerational community and influence, Keiara hopes that this program and connection to the horses can continue for generations to come. Compton Cowboys is about so much more than just riding, and Keiara shares the significance of making spaces for young people to feel heard and valued. The respect and accountability necessary for a good relationship with a horse is also necessary for a good relationship with each other. How might animals be our guides and companions in making the world more equitable? 

Keiara Wade is The Compton Cowgirl of the Compton Cowboys. She is in the process of pursuing her barrel racing career and becoming the first black woman to make it to the NFR. Horses have always been her positive outlet to the traumatic world in which she grew up. She believes in giving back to our younger generations by allowing them the experience of the equine world and possibly leading them away from the streets and gang violence. She recently moved to Houston to accomplish her dream, supported by the Compton Cowboys and the Compton Junior Equestrians program. She is a mother of two children, Taylor and Michael. 

♫ The music featured in this episode is “Smoke Instrumental” by Jess Williamson, “Sweet Song” by Sarah Maricha White, and “She Carried You” by Kaivalya.

Episode References

The Compton Cowgirl of The Compton Cowboys 

Compton Cowboys

“Evoking History, Black Cowboys Take to the Streets” - The New York Times

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Support the Compton Cowboys and Compton Jr. Equestrians

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