Mathena Washington is bringing Colorado to the Miss Black Rodeo USA stage. She is the first woman from the state to compete for the title.
However, Washington sees the opportunity as more than a pageant competition. She wants more Black children to discover horses, rodeo, and the skills that come with them.
The Colorado native is also using her experience to challenge old ideas about who belongs in the Western world. Her work connects rodeo representation with education, youth programs, and Black cowboy history.
Mathena Washington’s Love for Horses Started at Age 3
Washington was only three years old when she first climbed onto a horse. She remembers riding a large white horse during a visit to her grandmother’s ranch in Michigan.
That first experience stayed with her. She recalled how exciting it felt and said she always wanted to keep riding. Her passion eventually grew into a deeper interest in rodeo and equestrian life.
Washington was born in Boulder and raised in Aurora. Her early experiences with horses helped shape the work she does today.
Colorado’s First Woman in the Miss Black Rodeo USA Competition
Washington is the first woman from Colorado to compete for the Miss Black Rodeo USA title. The national competition was founded in 2025 by Lanette Cambelle.
The pageant aims to support and expand Black rodeo. Washington’s participation adds a Colorado voice to that effort. It also gives her a platform to discuss access and representation.
If accepted, the 2027 competition will also mark Washington’s first pageant competition. She is approaching the opportunity with a clear purpose beyond winning a crown.
“Winning is just opening new doors for those behind me.”
Washington wants young people to see that their dreams are possible. She also wants people of color to feel comfortable entering spaces where they may feel overlooked.
Why Black Representation Matters in Rodeo
Washington believes representation matters because Black people have deep roots in cowboy and rodeo culture. She points to a history that is often missing from popular images of the American West.
At least a quarter of cowboys were Black, according to the history discussed by Yellow Scene. Yet their contributions have often received limited attention. Washington believes that history deserves greater recognition.
“Representation in rodeo matters because if you do your history, you’ll find out that the real term for cowboy is actually a derogatory term.”
Black ranch workers faced discrimination during the 1800s. The word “cowboy” was reportedly used as a derogatory label for Black ranch hands. White ranch workers were more often called cowhands.
Bill Pickett Helped Shape Modern Rodeo
Washington’s story also connects to the legacy of Black cowboy Bill Pickett. Pickett was a famous African American rodeo performer during the early 1900s.
He is credited with developing steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging. His technique became an important part of rodeo competition. Pickett was later inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1989.
His legacy shows that Black people have long contributed to rodeo’s development. Washington’s work continues that tradition through youth education and community involvement.
Washington Wants Black Youth to Discover Horsemanship
Washington founded the High Plains Legacy Riding Foundation. The nonprofit focuses on giving children greater access to equestrian activities.
The organization also provides exposure to agriculture and land ownership education. Washington describes the work as a hands-on experience for young people.
“It’s a hands-on experience for our kiddos, mostly our multi-ethnic and bicultural youth, to be hands-on with horses.”
Her goal is to make equestrian spaces more accessible. She wants children to gain skills while learning about horses, agriculture, and land.
Mathena Washington Sees Rodeo as More Than a Crown
Washington’s rodeo experience has already attracted attention. She said people sometimes give her “very interesting looks” when they see her in cowgirl clothing.
She recently read to children and noticed their surprise at seeing a Black woman in Western gear. Still, Washington said she does not take those reactions personally.
Instead, she uses those moments as opportunities to show children another side of rodeo. Her presence challenges the narrow image many people have of a cowgirl.
Her Work Goes Beyond Being a Rodeo Queen
Washington also rejects the idea that a rodeo queen simply smiles and waves. She sees the role as an opportunity to advocate for people and animals connected to the sport.
Her advocacy includes animal welfare and the welfare of cowboys and cowgirls. She also highlights the skills of people who work on farms or volunteer with animal rescues.
That broader view fits with her nonprofit work. Washington wants young people to understand that equestrian life includes education, responsibility, teamwork, and community.
A Miss Black Rodeo USA Journey With a Bigger Purpose
Washington says she loves rodeo because of its fast pace and teamwork. Those qualities have helped keep her connected to the sport.
Now, her Miss Black Rodeo USA journey gives her another platform. She can highlight Black cowgirls while encouraging young people to explore opportunities around horses.
Her ultimate goal is not simply to win a crown. She wants someone watching her journey to feel brave enough to pursue their own dream.
“I think that it’s okay for people to see people of color, any ethnicity, going for their dreams.”
Washington’s journey puts Colorado’s Black equestrian community in a wider spotlight. It also reminds audiences that the story of the American West includes many voices.
