{"id":14017,"date":"2024-10-24T17:09:29","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T17:09:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=14017"},"modified":"2024-10-24T17:10:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T17:10:26","slug":"diversifying-the-saddle-the-importance-of-representation-in-equestrian-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/24\/diversifying-the-saddle-the-importance-of-representation-in-equestrian-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Diversifying the Saddle: The Importance of Representation in Equestrian Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"By Asia Nail<\/em><\/strong>
\nThe Truth Reporter<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

When you think of cowboys, what comes to mind? Wide-open spaces, lassos flying, and perhaps a certain type of person riding a horse. But have you ever considered the faces behind the saddles? Alan Durden, <\/strong>CEO and founder<\/em> of Just Doing God’s Work<\/em><\/strong>, is a Black cowboy changing the landscape of the equestrian world, and his story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to giving back.<\/p>\n

A Unique Perspective<\/strong><\/p>\n

Durden\u2019s journey began in a loving family that emphasized community values. \u201cMy LLC is called Just Doing God\u2019s Work,\u201d he shares, underscoring the belief that his work is a form of service. Raised in a church environment with parents Mr. & Mrs. Roye and Yolanda Durden, Alan learned early on that helping others was important. \u201cBeing an entrepreneur and training horses while interacting with the community came from my strong upbringing,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

Growing up, Durden was surrounded by examples of generosity. \u201cMy dad is a therapist, and my mom has a communications degree. Through their example, I\u2019ve always seen the importance of giving back.\u201d Can you think of someone in your life who inspires you to help others?<\/p>\n

From a young age, Durden\u2019s entrepreneurial spirit was clear. \u201cI technically started my first business at nine years old,\u201d he recalls, showing that even as a child, he was thinking about ways to make a positive impact. \u201cFrom a very young age, I wondered how I could make billions of dollars\u2014enough to change the trajectory for future generations, not just for my family.\u201d This ambition sets Durden apart in an industry where diverse representation is scarce.<\/p>\n

\"\"Black History in the horse industry<\/strong><\/p>\n

Throughout history, the contributions of Black individuals in the equestrian world have often been overlooked. From Fort Malden, a British stronghold during the War of 1812, to the Underground Railroad that helped approximately 100,000 enslaved people find freedom, the journey of Black Americans is rich with stories of resilience and courage.<\/p>\n

In the late 1800s, as cattle ranching expanded across the West, thousands of freed Black individuals found new opportunities as ranch hands, with historians estimating that one in four cowboys of the past were Black. These trailblazers helped shape the cowboy culture we recognize today, paving the way for future generations.<\/p>\n

Education & Training<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alan Durden stands as a modern embodiment of this legacy. He pursued his passion for horses at the University of Findlay<\/em><\/strong>, where he studied Equestrian Studies with an emphasis on Western Riding and Training. His dedication paid off when he became a two-time national champion, representing the university at the IHSA Nationals<\/em><\/strong> in Kentucky. Graduating as the top individual in his equine program, Alan\u2019s accomplishments reflect not only his talent but also the rich tradition of Black cowboys who came before him.<\/p>\n

With years of training under his belt, Durden worked as an assistant trainer from 2017 to 2022, honing his skills under multiple professionals across the East Coast. Now, as the head trainer and event coordinator at OH Stables<\/em><\/strong> in Oregon, he continues to elevate the horse industry.<\/p>\n

The Road to Innovation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many people dream of inventions, but Alan took action. When he realized that the horse business could be profitable, he combined his passion for horses with his business acumen. \u201cThe horse industry is where God blessed me with my greatest talents,\u201d he says. With his patent for a revolutionary horse toy, he is poised to make a mark in an industry that has traditionally lacked diversity.<\/p>\n

Durden\u2019s journey wasn\u2019t easy. \u201cWhen I did research on what it costs to get a utility patent, I found out it was roughly $15,000. I didn\u2019t have that kind of money at 22,\u201d he explains. Determined, he took a job with Norfolk Southern laying railroads. \u201cI worked there for just over a year, saved the money, and bought my patent.\u201d<\/p>\n

As of 2023, Alan Durden is a U.S. registered patent holder for a revolutionary horse toy, set to hit the market in 2025. Through his journey, Durden honors the legacy of Black cowboys, ensuring that their contributions are recognized while inspiring the next generation to embrace their own equestrian dreams.<\/p>\n

\"\"Teaching and Healing Through Horses<\/strong><\/p>\n

Durden is not just an entrepreneur; he is also an educator. He teaches lessons to people of all ages, from young children to those in retirement. \u201cI teach lesson programs where I am blessed to reach and touch the lives of many,\u201d he shares. Imagine the joy of being the first person to give someone their first ride on a horse!<\/p>\n

Working with horses also offers therapeutic benefits. Durden shares, \u201cWorking with horses is both healing and therapeutic.\u201d Did you know that many people find horseback riding helps with issues like anxiety and depression? The vibrations from a horse’s heartbeat can even promote healing. Durden notes, \u201cThe human heartbeat vibrates less than a foot away, but a horse\u2019s heartbeat vibrates approximately 7 to 8 feet in distance.\u201d This connection to horses can create a sense of peace and healing for many.<\/p>\n

A Journey of Representation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Representation matters. In the United States, Black riders make up only about 0.5 percent of the members of the United States Equestrian Federation<\/em>. This statistic highlights a significant gap in representation. Imagine if the world of horses was more diverse\u2014how would that change the stories being told?<\/p>\n

Durden is working to change this narrative. His goal is not just to succeed personally but to uplift others in the process. \u201cDoing God\u2019s work is really what I live by,\u201d he states. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he is paving the way for future generations of black equestrians.<\/p>\n

His sister, Alaina Durden, is also making strides in her field. A medical student at Yale and celebrated graduate of the University of Toledo, she has received multiple awards for her dedication. Alan beams with pride when he talks about her accomplishments, saying, \u201cMy sister is the only person from my childhood who followed through with the things she said she wanted to do. I am so proud of her. She\u2019s an amazing role model and big sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s clear that this family values hard work and education, setting a blazing trail for others to follow.<\/p>\n

The Impact of Mentorship<\/strong><\/p>\n

Durden\u2019s influence also extends to actively working with the disabled community, demonstrating that horses offer more than just recreation; they serve as powerful tools for healing and empowerment. \u201cBeing able to reach people through horses is amazing. Every experience is a journey,\u201d he expresses, showing the joy he finds in helping others.<\/p>\n

As you think about your own experiences, who has been a mentor for you? Durden\u2019s work reminds us of the importance of mentorship and representation in every field, especially one as historic and impactful as equestrian culture.<\/p>\n

Looking to the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alan Durden is not just a Black cowboy; he is a trailblazer. With his horse toy set to hit the market soon, his journey is just beginning. He is transforming the equestrian industry, proving that one person can leave a lasting impact on many.<\/p>\n

As Durden continues to break barriers and inspire others, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation in all fields. How can we each contribute to making our communities more inclusive? Whether it\u2019s through mentorship, education, or simply sharing stories, we all have a role to play.<\/p>\n

May Ashi journey encourage us to dream big and act boldly, ensuring that everyone can have a place in the saddle.<\/p>\n

Follow <\/em><\/strong>OH Stables<\/em><\/strong><\/a> for investment opportunities and more information <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Asia Nail The Truth Reporter When you think of cowboys, what comes to mind? Wide-open spaces, lassos flying, and perhaps a certain type of person riding a horse. But have you ever considered the faces behind the saddles? Alan Durden, CEO and founder of Just Doing God’s Work, is a Black cowboy changing the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14019,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,17],"tags":[],"wf_post_folders":[259,23],"class_list":["post-14017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cover_story","category-local"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14017","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14017"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14017\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14021,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14017\/revisions\/14021"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14019"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14017"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=14017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}