For Steely Steiner, rodeo isn’t something she discovered—it’s something she inherited. A fifth-generation member of the Steiner rodeo family, she grew up surrounded by a tradition that has shaped generations before her. But carrying on a legacy doesn’t mean simply following a familiar path. Steiner is carving out her own place in the sport, with an ambition that extends beyond competing to raising and training horses capable of reaching rodeo’s highest stages.
That connection to horses is central to the way Steiner sees her future. Her proudest accomplishment so far has come not only from competing, but from developing Drip, a horse she raised and trained herself. His early success on some of rodeo’s biggest stages has given her a glimpse of what she hopes to accomplish in the years ahead. For Steiner, the pursuit is about more than a fast run or a championship—it is about building something of her own while honoring the foundation that brought her here. Grounded in faith, patience, and trust, she shares her perspective on the sport, the horses she loves, and what it means to live a life that feels full.
Palomino County: What first drew you to rodeo, and when did you realize you wanted to compete seriously?
Steely Steiner: I come from a five-generation rodeo family. The Steiners have been in this world for decades. To me, there was never anything but rodeo; it’s in the blood.
PC: What is one pre-competition ritual you never skip?
SS: I pray. I thank God for my blessings. I ask Him to protect me and my horse, to give us strength and confidence, and to keep my eyes focused on Him and His plan.
PC: What is the best advice you have ever received from another cowgirl?
SS: The best advice I’ve received from another cowgirl was just before leaving Texas for the summer rodeos up north. She told me, “Just let it happen, don’t force it, it is going to happen, just on its own time.” It really helped me take a step back and focus on the steps I need to take to get where I want to be, and to have faith in myself and my horses.
PC: What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
SS: My proudest moment so far has been running Drip, the horse that I raised and trained, at the professional rodeos. This is his first year rodeoing, and only second year competing in barrel racing, and he has shown up for me on some of the biggest stages of rodeo like San Antonio and Houston. Both are very intimidating arenas and atmospheres, and he did his job every time. As someone who dreams of training horses that can go to the NFR, it’s been very rewarding having my first horse be able to handle extreme situations so well.
PC: What song gets you fired up before a big run?
SS: My current hype song is “Till I Collapse” by Eminem.
PC: What do you wish more people understood about the relationship between a cowgirl and her horse?
SS: The relationship between me and my horses is something that isn’t built in a day. It takes years of learning them, gaining their trust, and growing the bond. They end up feeling like family.
PC: What does “living well” mean to you?
SS: To me, “living well” means everything feels full. My family and horses are happy and healthy, I am achieving the goals I have set for that time, and I’m soaking in everything this world and lifestyle has to offer.
Photo credit to Music City Rodeo.
