Chris Brown works hard to ensure horse ranches aren’t a dying breed in his hometown of Gary, Indiana. His family’s business, Brown Family Ranch, is one of the few Black-owned working horse farms in Indiana. Through an array of programs and events, the Browns have taken the reins to keep equestrianism and agriculture alive in Gary and the surrounding areas.
Brown follows in the footsteps (and hoofprints) of his stepfather, Charles Hall Jr., and his beloved gaited horses. Black farm ownership has steadily declined nationwide, from 41.4 million acres in 1920 to 5.3 million acres across 32,700 farms in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thus, Brown Family Ranch intentionally strives to preserve the proud history of Black cowboys and farmers whose contributions are often overlooked.
Following 40 years of private equestrianism, Brown Family Ranch opened to the public a decade ago, diving into community-centered farming. They hope to deepen appreciation for local agriculture, strengthen the economy and improve residents’ well-being.
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Alongside his wife, Nakisha; their four daughters, Krislyn, Krystal, Jazaira and Brooklin; and 10 dedicated staffers, Brown leads hands-on engagement and education through equestrian activities, such as riding lessons, trail rides, ranch tours and various agricultural programs.
Program offerings include a summer camp, rodeo and immersive workshops emphasizing animal care, equine benefits and agronomical science. These experiences spark curiosity and confidence while cultivating respect for agriculture and rural traditions.
“Horses have a way of teaching patience, responsibility and trust; trust that is earned, not granted,” Brown says. “When a child realizes they can connect with and care for a 1,000-pound gentle giant, they see their own, yet-to-be-discovered potential in a whole new light.”
Beyond building character and citizenship among youth, Brown Family Ranch motivates adults to reconnect with nature, animals and themselves within the tranquil 3.5-acre setting. Some have even turned to the ranch for equestrian therapy, a method proven to offer both mental and physical benefits.
Furthermore, Brown explains that agriculture careers can be lucrative, granting numerous income streams from recreational activities to venue rentals to sales of meat and wool. Brown has experienced this firsthand as he welcomes visitors to his farm, sells locally raised meat to the community and sells sheep wool to an Arizona-based wool retailer.
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Nourishing Its Neighbors
Indiana is the ninth-largest farming state in the country, thanks to large-scale production of soybeans, corn, feed grains, pork and other commodities, according to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. However, Gary is known for its industrial history and steel mill and is further removed from food production than other parts of the state. Over time, it has become something of a food desert with barriers to residents accessing fresh, nutritious foods.
“Part of serving our community means helping families put fresh food on the table,” Brown says.
So, Brown Family Ranch also raises chickens, ducks, goats, sheep and calves with direct-to-consumer sales, serving 2,000 customers per year. This includes sales of 500 dozen eggs annually, 60 gallons of goat’s milk seasonally and modest amounts of Angus beef and fresh garden produce.
“This effort directly combats health disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color, because access to fresh food should be a right rather than a luxury,” Brown says.
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Rodeo at the Ranch
Most people flock to Brown Family Ranch for its Annual Gaming Show Rodeo, a celebration blending culture, entertainment and community pride. Integrating the ranch’s six horses and diverse livestock, the rodeo highlights traditional events such as saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing and, for the kids, mutton busting.
For many locals, this annual rodeo is a special chance to gather, witness and praise the skills of riders who appreciate the past, present and future of community agriculture. Proceeds from the rodeo and other ranch events help fund the Brown Family Ranch’s scholarship program for students pursuing higher education, especially in agriculture, animal science or community leadership.
“Working with horses instills discipline, confidence and fortitude, among so many other essential skills,” Brown says. “I am passionate about helping future generations embrace and embody these qualities through agriculture opportunities.”
To learn more about Brown Family Ranch and its offerings, visit brownfamilyranch.org.
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