Arts and Culture
Celebrating 40 Years, Bill Pickett Rodeo Partners with BeyGOOD Foundation
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) announced July 26 that it has teamed up with the BeyGOOD Foundation to support Black equestrian programs.
BIPR says the collaboration honors the rich legacy of Black cowboys, cowgirls and ranchers, whose contributions have shaped American history. “We are excited to partner with Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation to support Black equestrian culture through our BeyGOOD grants program. We have committed $400K and will be providing grants to nonprofit equestrian organizations from Los Angeles, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas,” said BeyGood Foundation Executive Director Ivy McGregor in a statement.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) announced July 26 that it has teamed up with the BeyGOOD Foundation to support Black equestrian programs.
BIPR says the collaboration honors the rich legacy of Black cowboys, cowgirls and ranchers, whose contributions have shaped American history.
“We are excited to partner with Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation to support Black equestrian culture through our BeyGOOD grants program. We have committed $400K and will be providing grants to nonprofit equestrian organizations from Los Angeles, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas,” said BeyGood Foundation Executive Director Ivy McGregor in a statement.
“Saturday night (July 20) was our first stop,” McGregor continued. “Next up, Georgia and then Texas. We are excited about the impact and honored to get to share their impact stories.”
Margo Wade LaDrew, the National Development and Partnership director at BIPR, said she is “proud of this historic partnership.”
“No one has ever invested in Black ranchers and equestrians to this magnitude,” LaDrew continued. “These partnerships signify more than just financial support. They represent a long-overdue recognition and validation of the contributions of Black ranchers and equestrians to the rich tapestry of American culture and history.”
During the BIPR event at the Industry Hills Expo in The City of Industry on Saturday, July 20, BeyGOOD awarded two grants: one to Love This Horse Equine Rescue, and another to Urban Saddles.
Board member Allie Harvey from Love This Horse, Equine Rescue in the Mojave Desert accepted a $25,000 grant on behalf of Erna Valdivia, 17, who made history as the first African American woman to compete in the Tevis Cup, widely regarded as the most prestigious and challenging endurance ride in the world.
At the event, the Tevis Cup witnessed a historic moment as Valdivia crossed the finish line of the grueling one-day, 100-mile race in the California Sierras. Riding her Arabian rescue horse named “Love Story,” Valdivia captivated hearts and inspired generations.
The grant to Urban Saddles was accepted by Ron Recasner. Urban Saddles provides a safe environment for young people to engage with the equestrian lifestyle, offering training in horse skills and life-skills.
Other Black equestrian organizations recipients will be surprised with grant awards at the BIPR in Atlanta on Aug. 3.
For more information, visit www.billpickettrodeo.com.
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