Brooklyn earned second place in junior barrels at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. A competition known for highlighting the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls.
SAN ANTONIO — At just 13 years old, Brooklyn Burrell is proving that talent has no age limit — and no lane.
The San Antonio teen is a barrel racer making her mark in an arena where few competitors look like her. According to her mother, Bria Burrell, Brooklyn is the only African American youth barrel racer competing in San Antonio and across Bexar County, Wilson County and Guadalupe County.
Over the weekend, Brooklyn earned second place in junior barrels at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in Fort Worth — a competition known for highlighting the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls.
Now she’s back home preparing to compete in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, where she will race in the youth rodeo.
But Brooklyn says her journey is about more than speed.
“I’m grateful people look up to me,” she said. “I do love Velvet. She got me a lot of stuff. She got me in a lot of places that I’m grateful for.”
Velvet, her horse and trusted partner, is by her side through early morning practices and high-stakes competitions alike. Before each ride, Brooklyn takes a moment to pray.
“Follow your dreams and keep God in your life,” she said. “Follow the path that God gives you.”
Her mother says the sport has shaped her daughter’s discipline and character.
“It’s way more than a sport,” Bria Burrell said. “It builds a lot of character.”
As Brooklyn prepares for her next race, she carries more than determination into the arena. She carries representation — showing young riders that there is room for them in every lane.