We the People: Toledo horseback riders bring a piece of the country to city streets

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Horseback riders have been sharing their love of horses with the city for decades as a part of the Toledo Horsemen’s Club.

The horsemen and horsewomen are bringing a piece of the country to the Glass City while building community and inspiring people along the way.

Festival season in Toledo means Brownstone Stable gets busy. Riders with the stable saddle up and trade their trail routes for parade routes.

People are always surprised to see horses in a city setting.

“They don’t see these kinds of things, so us coming out just shows everyone that there’s more than what you see,” said Carlton Brown, director of Brownstone Stable.

Continuing a legacy

The riders share their love of horses and share possibilities with the people of Toledo.

“They might be surprised and have never seen certain people on horses,” said Natasha Gordon, an equine specialist at Brownstone Stable.

The horsemen and horsewomen of Brownstone Stable are continuing the legacy of the Toledo Horsemen’s Club, which started more than four decades ago. The group highlights representation in horseback riding and builds community.

“To show them that they can. You can be creative, as loud as big as you want, show it off, show everybody what you have,” said Keelei Smith, an equine specialist Brownstone Stable.

While they inspire the youth, their reach extends across all ages. Bryan Spears is a testament of that.

“I was at home one day, laying down, and I heard some popping noise, and I go outside and there’s horses on the street,” Spears said.

It was the Toledo Horsemen’s Club.

Spears never thought he’d be on a horse, but that encounter changed everything. Saddling up to ride the streets is now second nature.

“Expressions on their face is ‘oh I’ve never seen a horse, I’ve always wanted to touch it,’” Spears, who is now an equine apprentice at Brownstone Stable, said.

Those reactions drive the group’s mission.

New generation steps up

Longtime Toledo Horsemen’s Club member Calvin Brown says the original riders have dwindled. The new generation, including his son Carlton Brown, is stepping up and furthering the mission.

“Riding a horse is something that everyone should try,” Carlton Brown said.

The Browns created Brownstone Stable in 2022. Experienced riders, including members of the Toledo Horsemen’s Club, give lessons to anyone who wants to try.

“For me it’s been a lifelong experience, but for some people, you never know how they might be affected and what it will spark up for them,” Gordon said.

And you never know, those who try it out could be the newest horsemen or horsewomen of Toledo.

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