Jumping Barriers and Breaking Boundaries with Young Black Equestrians
Ja’Dayia Kursh, Zoie Brogdon, and Morissa Hall all serve as the much needed representation for other young riders. Their stories of success along with overcoming the challenges and struggles as Black women in the equestrian community are an inspiration to everyone of all ages and experience levels.
Ja’Dayia Kursh
Ja’Dayia Kursh, a Fort Smith native, breaks barriers in and out of the equestrian community. She first rode a horse when she was only six years old as a form of therapy. Kursh is Arksanas’ first Black rodeo queen, obtaining the title at age 18, but also a first-generation college student graduating from the University of Arkansas’ Fulbright College. The world of rodeo exposed Kursh to racism for the first time, but she was determined to be the change and difference that she wanted to see in the Western industry. Ja’Dayia Kursh also runs her own nonprofit, the Foundation of Agriculture for Kids, which is devoted to providing agriculture knowledge and education to today’s youth. She plays a pivotal role within the equestrian and Western community.
Zoie Brogdon
Zoie Brogdon unintentionally started riding horses at 9 years old. Her mom needed to find a summer camp to keep her busy before school started, and that just so happened to be at an equestrian center. Riding horses immediately became her thing! Brogdon has taken the world of jumping by storm. She won a gold medal at the Markel/USHJA Zone Team Jumper Championship, after four perfect rounds spanning three days. Although Brogdon loves this sport, she also recognizes the challenges and adversity. Zoie shares that she has been marked down by judges because her braids do not fit in her helmet.
Morissa Hall
Morissa Hall, also known as Maryland’s first 2x High School Rodeo Queen, hopes her story in the equestrian community inspires other young girls. Together, she and her father learned everything there was to know about the equestrian community. At just 17 years old, she has competed in the largest high school competition, the National High School Rodeo Finals, with over 1700 contestants. Hall has also placed first at the Washington International Horse Show and became Maryland High School’s 2x All Around Cowgirl. Hall’s accomplishments resulted in October 24th being declared “Morissa Hall Day” in Prince George’s County. Her dedication at such a young age is an inspiration to young female equestrians all over the world.
These young riders showcase not only their exceptional horsemanship skills but also their resilience, determination, and passion for a sport historically lacking diverse voices.
At CORRAL Riding Academy, we want to uplift these unheard voices and provide a stable foundation that leads our girls to accomplish their dreams and discover a better future.
