As one of 2023’s Power Volunteers, Yoko Black is a familiar and friendly face at Galway Downs’ eventing competitions.
She is an amateur rider with Kim Scheid’s Spring Creek Equestrian Centre in Hemet, where everyone who slides into the saddle is urged to also slide into regular volunteering throughout their life.
Yoko guesses it’s been 10 years of volunteering at Galway. She used to compete in eventing and started saying yes to jump judging openings whenever her schedule allowed.
In recent years, she’s enjoyed stewarding in the dressage warm-up ring. Yoko no longer competes in eventing but is passionate about dressage. Working the warm-up ring is a great place to advance her knowledge.
“I’m always listening to the trainers talking and learning new things,” Yoko reports. Whenever she’s helping out, Yoko has met and worked with very nice people. “I’ve made good friends. Even the riders and trainers and their families are very nice and easy to talk to.”
She often volunteers Saturday and Sundays, and Friday afternoons on occasion.
Yoko grew up in Japan, where she took riding lessons for a few years during high school. She wanted to get more involved, but opportunities were scarce. After moving to America with her husband, “my dream came true,” she shares.
Yoko rides regularly and loves spending time with her mare, Libby. They are working on First Level dressage, taking trail rides and enjoying long mornings together.
Look for Yoko at upcoming eventing competitions!