Hey Reader,
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I will start by sharing that I did not, in fact, sleep in. My dogs did not care that I was up late. Even so, this email is landing in your inbox a little later than planned, but I'm happy to be here.

Let me just say, pulling the vision together for this conference has been one of the biggest tests of vision, humility, collaboration and leadership. I know that you may have followed Black In The Saddle (fka Young Black Equestrians) in what I believe was "prime production" season.

Episodes every week. So many stories. So much reflection.

As much as that energized me, I knew deep down that I wanted something with more depth. I had to reevaluate what this platform meant to me and what it was meant to do in this world.

Even then, I knew someone else would create the "thing". The "thing" that prioritizes connection and commerce, that aspires to educate and entertaining, the "thing" that pushes Black horsefolk beyond simply accepting representation as the end all be all when I know we deserve much more.

Planning this event has required me to make big asks, to lean on the strength of relationships built and invested in over the last decade and if you know anything about me, you know I used to change my oil over a ditch in my driveway. Asking for help is not my first nature. But I did.

For this vision, for the people in my inbox who crave community and substance. For the people who are in and around horses because they know how much it has changed their lives. For the little girl with the afro puffs who jumped at every chance because she just wanted to ride.

I want to say a HUGE thank you to the Kinship Conference planning team, especially the leadership of Urban Culture Association of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls. This partnership has kicked the door open for creation, for people in the horse community to share their expertise on the stages they deserve, and for us to make history as the first horse industry conference centering the stories and experience of back people.

Here's to learning, connecting and growing in the ways that matter most. Here's to Kinship.

I will be going LIVE on Instagram at 10am ET (@blkinthesaddle) tomorrow to discuss this ticket launch and share more details.

1101B N Berkley Blvd #1041, Goldsboro, NC 27534
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