Fourth-generational Texas cowgirl Kortnee Solomon made history when she participated in the first-ever nationally broadcast Black Rodeo back in 2021.
Kortnee, who was raised in Texas, hails from a family steeped in rodeo history. Her father, Cory Solomon, is a tie-down roper for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and her mother, Kanesha Jackson, is an 11-time invitational champion.
Kortnee’s grandfather, Sedgwick Haynes, was the general manager of the Rodeo until his death, and her grandmother, Stephanie Haynes, has been on the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo board and won eighteen invitational championships.
Kortnee Solomon debuted at the Bill Pickett Rodeo at the age of five. Since then, she has won many titles in junior breakaway and ladies’ barrel competitions.
One of the first rodeo circuits run by black people, the Bill Pickett Invitational, teamed up with professional bull riders to present the Showdown in Vegas in 2021, which featured seven professional events, including calf roping and bareback riding.
Related stories
Kortnee left her mark in history as the first black rodeo to be televised nationwide, along with other participating cowboys and cowgirls.
Based in Hempstead, Texas, she and her mother take care of their horses – from riding and training to feeding and grooming.
Kortnee’s mother, Jackson, highlighted their special bond with the horses, each of which had a different personality.
There is typically at least one rodeo event every weekend from May through to September. Kortnee’s mother stated that even with her dedication to the sport, she must have a typical upbringing where she plays basketball, cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics.
Kortnee Solomon, who is frequently the sole female competitor, stays concentrated on her performance, dedicating time for solo reflection before every run.
