Coach Kamerra Brown didn't set out to be a coach. She set out to be a veterinarian mostly, she admits, because she couldn't figure out another way to afford her horse habit. What she found instead was a calling she'd been living out since she was nine years old, cleaning stalls just to stay close to the thing she loved most. In this episode, Kamerra walks us through a journey that spans a childhood barn family in the Midwest, a Division I scholarship to Delaware State University (the only HBCU with a Division I NCAA equestrian team), a career-defining pivot away from vet school, and a season of professional hardship that tested everything she thought she knew about herself. Through all of it, the wins, the firsts, and the messy middle, horses and community kept showing up for her. Now she's building something new: the Nokomis Farm Foundation in Orange, Virginia, a place designed to make horses and equine education accessible to people who've always been told this world wasn't for them. Coach Kamerra is also joining us at the Kinship Conference this November, and after this conversation, you'll understand exactly why. Resources mentioned: Delaware State University Equestrian Program (only HBCU with a Division I NCAA equestrian team)Nokomis Farm Foundation — Orange, Virginia (near Montpelier/James Madison Museum)The Difference Maker by John MaxwellCrossing the Line — polo memoir (title confirmed in episode; author not fully named)Kinship Conference — November 6–7, 2026 | Greensboro, NC | blkinthesaddle.com/kinship If you enjoyed this episode, take a quick second and leave us a 5 star review! It helps get the podcast out to new listeners. I mean, while you're at it you should share it with a friend! I'm sure they'll enjoy this episode as much as you did. Support Our Next Level on Patreon Your support means we get to build connections with fellow horsefolk, pathways in our industry, and events that will change how we connect to our horses. Join us on Patreon to support Black in the Saddle and get access to bonus content, behind-the-scenes updates, and more ways to connect with the community. → patreon.com/blackinthesaddle Join Us at Kinship Conference Mark your calendar: November 6–7, 2026 in Greensboro, NC. Kinship is a two-day gathering for Black horse folks across every discipline. The FIRST event of its kind, Kinship is built on connection, mentorship, skill-sharing, and honoring the stories that shaped us. If you're looking for real community and real pathways forward in the horse industry, this is where you belong. ✨ Join the waitlist + learn more: www.blkinthesaddle.com/kinship Let's Keep in Touch: Join the newsletter to be the first to know EVERYTHING BITS Follow Black In the Saddle on Instagram Follow Abriana on Instagram Subscribe to BITS on Youtube Advertising Disclosure Some links or mentions in this episode may be promotional or include affiliate partnerships. We only share what aligns with the values of Black in the Saddle and serves our community.
