When we picture the first North American Cowboys, most of us think of Spanish vaqueros on Andalusians or maybe John Wayne. But that's only part of the story. As European cattle wilted in the Caribbean heat, Spanish colonists needed hardier stock. 

They found what they needed in West Africa, along with the expertise to care for them. The Fulani people had spent centuries perfecting cattle-raising techniques in harsh climates. Colonists wanted the cattle and the people who knew them. Because of this, these West African people were among the first enslaved Africans brought to the Americas. 

As these tougher, hybrid herds grew, so did the demand for African cowboys. By the time Spanish rule ended in Louisiana, over 13,000 enslaved people worked in agriculture. These Black horsemen developed game-changing innovations like lassoing from the horse and the "bottomless bucket" irrigation method, helping cattle thrive even in brutal droughts. 

At Emancipation, these cowboys and their families formed self-sustaining communities that relied on the skill and talent of the horsemen. At its peak in the early 20th century, Black farmers and ranchers owned about 20 million acres across the south and southeast. Now, that number is down to about 5 million. There’s been a similar drop in the number of acres leased for agriculture. 

In spite of those odds, in parishes across Louisiana, Black families are keeping their heritage alive through partnerships with places like Southern University Ag Center and through the joy and camaraderie of trail rides.

These rides can be as small as a few families getting together to ride for a few hours in the evening or as large as hundreds of people gathering for a full day of riding and music and feasting. These rides are more than just casual outings. While you might spot folks on small horses in town, real trail rides showcase quarter horses - powerful animals that pull double duty as work partners during the week. As riders gather, the usual worries of life slip away. The air fills with the sounds of friendly chatter and zydeco music. Today isn't about work - it's about connection, heritage, and the simple pleasure of the ride. 

“Riding is about freedom,” says Lance Selders, “You get on the horse and just ride, and all of your worries just fade away.” 

The popularity of these trail rides has sparked renewed interest in Black cowboy heritage. “Everyone wants to be a cowboy now,” laughs Meguna Johnson, director of the Livestock Show. For the people like her who grew up on a farm out in Clinton, though, it’s more than just a good time - it’s life. “There were times when I had to say 'Do I eat, or does my horse eat?'" At times like that the friends and family made at the trail ride can be a life line. "We watch out for each other. We take care of each other. I’ve got angels in every aspect of my life.”