Culture | the porch | Keyona Smith
On a cool afternoon in New Bern, North Carolina, the Outlaws Saddle Club is preparing for a “vesting” of two new members before a community ride. Dressed in black, almost from head-to-toe in black long-sleeved shirts, jeans, boots, and black vests with the words “Wanted Outlaws” etched onto them, they inspected the six horses they planned to ride in the Black History Month parade and then called attention to the new Outlaws.
They’d chosen this ride to initiate their new members into their saddle club fold so before the parade began they huddled everyone up in front of the president, vice president, and secretary to present the members their club vests. New members, “Sugah Shack” and “Boss Lady,” met their requirements to join the club by being members of the Outlaws Social Club, volunteering at parades and events, and most importantly learning how to ride.
When the club Secretary “Lady T,” begins to share words about their dedication and immediately gets choked up, I start to understand their jovial family bond. First, because of the bright smile through the tears and again when the Vice President “Cowboy,” who is standing next to her realizes she’s crying and points it out to everyone and they all burst out laughing.
The New Bern Black History Month parade ended with the crowd looking in amazement through smiles and cheers as six horseback riders of the Outlaws Saddle Club brought up the rear. Established in 1999, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the Outlaws Saddle Club personifies legacy, history, and representation.
Deeply revered father, husband, and founder, Jody Lindsey, also known as “Outlaw,” created the Outlaws Saddle Club to serve as a space for friends and family to socialize and share their passion for riding horses. The founder is not with the club for this ride but his purpose for the club and affinity for horses is resounding. His wife, Mrs. Tasha, also known as “Lady T,” speaks on his behalf.
“Initially it was a bunch of family and friends getting together, buying horses to ride out together on the weekends,” she said. “With the trail rides becoming more popular now the younger crew wants to join in and get into the horses and riding.”
Outlaw’s love for riding began when he was 22 years old. Winfred “Gix” McNeil, owner of County Line Barbershop introduced him to riding horses and the hard work and dedication it takes to own a farm. In May of ‘99, the young Outlaw purchased his first horse Buster, a black Spanish Mustang stud. Gix’s farm on Hoke Loop Road was affectionately the home to Outlaw’s first horse and first ideas for his saddle club.
Almost 25 years later, the club is comprised of mostly family members and friends devoted to representing the culture in local parades, supporting their community through small businesses, church events, and more, and providing social experiences through trail rides. Ripples of laughter and constant smiles on the Outlaws’ faces are significant markers of their love for one another and riding. “Our saddle club means family,” said ‘Cowboy,’ club vice president.
“It’s all friends and family here so we take care of each other and make sure that everybody is good,” Lady T added. “These are my people, we’ve become brothers and sisters, all who are not related.”
The Outlaws are rooted in the legacy of being a family-run club. Outlaw’s wife leads the club as secretary, and their four sons help lead executively, manage, and train horses. This ain’t Texas, but they are also a part of history and represent a prevalent group of black cowboys.
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