Black History Month – A Famous Horse Trainer – by Jan Scarbrough

In honor of Black History Month, I want to tell you about the famous African American horse trainer Tom Bass.

The African American Heritage Trail of Kansas City, MO, gives basic details:

Tom Bass was a former slave who became a world-famous rider and trainer of fine show horses. At a young age Bass became known for his skill with and knowledge of horses. Bass rode before presidents and royalty and represented Missouri at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. He invented the “Bass bit,” a horse bit that prevented the abuse of horses during training.

The blurb for the book Whisper on the Wind: The Story of Tom Bass - Celebrated Black Horseman gives perspective on Bass’ fame:

Before Jackie Robinson ever donned a Dodger uniform - there was Tom Bass. Before Rosa Parks ever demanded a seat in the front of the bus - there was Tom Bass. Before Martin Luther King ever had a dream - there was Tom Bass. Before Barack Obama ever ran for President - there was the legend of Tom Bass - the black horse whisperer.

Bass' forte was the American Saddlebred horse.

The American Saddlebred has a long and proud history. The American Saddlebred became a recognized breed evolving from the Kentucky Saddler to the Saddle Horse in the 1800s. This breed was created through the refinement of prominent Thoroughbred and Trotting Horse foundation sires that crossed with Canadian Pacers, Hackneys, Morgan Horses and more to develop the breed officially organized by the American Saddle Horse Breeders Association in 1891.

From the battlefields of the American colonies to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, the American Saddlebred has trotted to a tremendous legacy as the “Horse America Made.” (American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association)

When Bass became known as the best horse trainer in the 19th century, he trained horses for notable people including Anheuser-Busch executives Adolphus and August Busch, Will Rogers, and President Theodore Roosevelt. He also started the Tom Bass Riding Club. Celebrity guests to his farm included William Jennings Bryan, President William McKinley, and circus magnate P.T. Barnum. (Wikipedia)

What does this have to do with Cowboy Kisses? Have you heard of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show? A 2021 article says: The "Wild West" that America fell in love with didn't exist. It was invented by Buffalo Bill — who himself was a character invented by the eccentric William F. Cody.

Tom Bass sold Buffalo Bill Cody his famous gray gelding Columbus. The horse could stand on his hind legs then drop to his knees in a bow. He could trot sideways, then bow. Columbus was a “high school” horse able to do a Spanish Trot (changing leads every other step). Amazingly, the Saddlebred could canter backwards for a full turn of the arena!

The American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association has produced a short film honoring the black trainers. Tom Bass is featured about a minute and a half into the film.

Out of The Shadows: Bringing to Light Black Horsemen in Saddlebred History

Along with writing contemporary westerns, I write romances with American Saddlebreds in them. Sign up for my newsletter at https://janscarbrough.com/contact and download a free book!