Nationwide — Meet Kortnee Solomon, a fourth-generation Texas cowgirl who was solely 11 years outdated when she competed within the first nationally televised Black rodeo again in 2021.
Kortnee, who was born and raised in Texas, comes from a household deeply rooted in rodeo historical past, in keeping with Andscape. Her mom, Kanesha Jackson, is an 11-time invitational champion, and her father, Cory Solomon, is a Skilled Rodeo Cowboys Affiliation tie-down roper. Kortnee’s grandmother, Stephanie Haynes, boasts 18 invitational championships and served on the Invoice Pickett Invitational Rodeo board, whereas her grandfather, Sedgwick Haynes, was the Rodeo’s normal supervisor earlier than his passing.
At simply 5 years outdated, Kortnee made her debut on the Invoice Pickett Rodeo. She has since secured quite a few championships in women’ barrel and junior breakaway occasions.
The Invoice Pickett Invitational, one of many oldest Black-owned rodeo circuits, joined forces with Skilled Bull Riders for the Showdown in Vegas in 2021, showcasing seven professional occasions like bareback using and calf roping. Kortnee, together with different cowboys and cowgirls who participated, made their mark within the historic occasion that marked the primary nationally televised Black Rodeo.
The younger cowgirl’s world entails extra than simply mastering rodeo methods. She and her mother, based mostly in Hempstead, Texas, care for his or her horses, dealing with every part from feeding and grooming to coaching and using. Jackson, Kortnee’s mother, emphasised their distinctive reference to the horses, every with its distinct persona.
The rodeo season normally spans from Could to September, with no less than one occasion each weekend. Regardless of the dedication to the game, her mom mentioned it’s important for Kortnee to have a daily childhood, collaborating in dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, and basketball.
Kortnee, usually the one lady in competitions, stays centered on her efficiency, setting apart time earlier than every run for solitary contemplation.
“Earlier than I run, I prefer to be on my own and to consider what I’m going to do in that run,” she mentioned.
