Walk through Cedar Lane Stables in Howard Beach, and the first thing you’ll notice isn't the smell of hay. It’s the sound. You’ll hear the rhythmic thud of hooves against the dirt, a sharp contrast to the dull roar of planes taking off from nearby JFK Airport. This is the home of the Federation of Black Cowboys, a group that’s been fighting—literally and figuratively—to keep a specific slice of American history alive in the middle of a concrete jungle.
Most people think of cowboys and immediately picture John Wayne or some dusty trail in Texas. They don't think of Brooklyn. They certainly don't think of Black men and women on horseback navigating the traffic of the Belt Parkway.
But here’s the reality: the "Wild West" was never as white as Hollywood made it out to be. Historians like William Loren Katz have pointed out for years that roughly one in four cowboys was Black. The Federation isn't just a hobbyist club; it’s a living correction to a massive historical oversight.
What the Federation of Black Cowboys Actually Does
Basically, the organization was founded back in 1994. A handful of guys who loved horses decided they needed to formalize what they were doing. It wasn't just about riding. They wanted to reach the kids in neighborhoods where "nature" usually meant a tree growing through a sidewalk crack.
They teach horsemanship. They teach discipline. Honestly, it’s about heritage.
The members come from all walks of life. You’ve got retired cops, construction workers, and teachers. They swap the uniform for Stetson hats and chaps. When they ride through the streets of New York, people stop. They stare. It’s a jarring sight, seeing a man on a 1,200-pound animal passing a bodega. But that’s the point. It starts a conversation. It makes a kid ask, "Can I do that too?"
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The Federation operates out of the Cedar Lane Stables, which is city-owned land. It hasn't always been easy. In fact, they’ve faced constant battles over leases, city funding, and the general logistics of keeping horses in a place where real estate is gold. A few years back, they actually lost the concession to manage the stables for a bit, which was a huge blow. But the spirit of the group? That didn't go anywhere. They stayed visible. They stayed active.
The Misconception of the "Black Cowboy"
We need to talk about why this exists in the first place. Following the Civil War, many formerly enslaved people headed west. They had the skills—ranching, breaking horses, herding cattle—because they’d been doing that labor for generations. In the West, your ability to handle a horse mattered more than the color of your skin, at least compared to the rigid social structures of the East and South.
Famous names like Bill Pickett, who invented "bulldogging," or Nat Love, known as "Deadwood Dick," weren't outliers. They were the standard.
The Federation of Black Cowboys sees themselves as the direct descendants of that legacy. They aren't "playing" cowboy. They are maintaining a tradition that was intentionally erased from the textbooks for over a century. It’s hard work. Mucking stalls at 5:00 AM in a New York winter isn't for the faint of heart. You've got to really love the animals. You've got to really believe in the mission.
Life at the Stables: It's Not a Movie
If you visit, don't expect a polished dude ranch. It’s gritty. It’s functional.
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The members spend hours training horses that are often rescues or "second-chance" animals. These horses have temperaments that require patience. It’s a metaphor for the kids they work with. Many of the youth programs focus on "at-risk" labels—a term most of the cowboys hate. They prefer to see it as providing a different perspective.
When a 14-year-old who’s used to being the toughest kid on his block meets a horse, everything changes. You can’t out-tough a horse. You have to communicate. You have to be calm. If you're angry, the horse knows. It’s a form of therapy that doesn't feel like therapy.
The Struggle for Space
New York City isn't exactly horse-friendly. Gentrification is a constant shadow. Developers look at the land around Howard Beach and see condos, not corrals. The Federation has had to navigate complex bureaucracy for decades.
- Lease disputes with the Parks Department.
- Insurance costs that would make your head spin.
- The literal cost of hay and veterinary care in an expensive zip code.
Despite this, they show up for the parades. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is a highlight of the year, where members get to showcase their skills on a larger stage. It’s one of the few times they aren't the "anomaly" but the main event.
Why This Matters in 2026
We live in a world that is increasingly digital and disconnected. The Federation offers something tactile. There is no "app" for riding a horse. You have to be present. You have to be physical.
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For the Black community in New York, the Federation is a landmark of pride. It’s a reminder that their history isn't just one of struggle, but of mastery over the land and independence. It’s about the "cowboy code"—integrity, hard work, and looking out for your neighbor.
Sorta makes you think about what we've lost in modern city life.
The organization has faced internal leadership shifts and external pressures, but the core remains. They aren't just a relic of the 90s. They are a necessary part of the city's cultural fabric. Without them, a massive chunk of American history would just be words in a niche textbook instead of something you can see, hear, and smell on a Saturday morning in Queens.
Real Talk: How to Support Them
If you're looking to actually get involved or help out, don't just show up expecting a pony ride. It's a working organization.
- Check their schedule: They often hold public events or educational days. Follow their official social media channels because their website isn't always the fastest to update.
- Donations go a long way: Feeding a horse is expensive. Vet bills are worse. Small donations keep the youth programs free or low-cost.
- Advocate for the land: When the city talks about "repurposing" parkland near the stables, show up to the community board meetings.
- Educate yourself: Read books like The Black West by William Loren Katz. Understanding the context makes seeing the cowboys in person much more impactful.
Actionable Steps for the Curious
If you're intrigued by the Federation of Black Cowboys and want to experience this firsthand or support the mission, here is how you actually move forward:
- Visit Cedar Lane Stables: Don't just drive by. Park the car. Talk to the members. Most are happy to share stories if they aren't in the middle of a lesson. Be respectful of the fact that this is a place of work and animal care.
- Volunteer Your Skills: They don't just need riders. They need help with marketing, grant writing, and event planning. If you have professional skills, offer them.
- Book an Educational Session: If you’re a teacher or run a youth group, get the Federation to come to you or bring the kids to them. Nothing beats a live demonstration for teaching history.
- Support the Bill Pickett Rodeo: When it comes to town, buy a ticket. It’s the primary way these athletes and historians get national visibility.
The legacy of the Black cowboy isn't a myth, and it isn't dead. It's alive and well, wearing boots and spurs, right there in the outer boroughs. It’s up to the community to make sure it stays that way.