Man and mount warm up, each pair
Tension cracks like lightning in the still air

Each contestant trots down the wall
Bravado and boasting left back in the stall

Ears pricked forward as the bugle call
Summons them forth to give their all

Ten men on their show-ring steeds
Trot through the gate with ease

Around the ring gaining speed
Responding to the crowd's thrill needs

Competing against their counterparts
Lightbulbs flashing in the dark

Only one will win tonight
The railbirds shout their delight

Astride his horse he hears not one
Soon the canter will be done

Standing in the line-up now
The judge comes and he takes a bow

The crowd goes wild and gives a cheer
He mounts his horse amid the tears

He pats his horse, the judging now done
He deserves to be called out number one

The announcer speaks - the loudspeaker cracks
They have never before tied anyone black

For decades black trained for white
Watching as they showed each night

Taking the credit and none of the blame
For generations white men had no shame

But tonight it happens, surprising all
He receives the trophy, tears silently fall.