Bill Pickett Rodeo: Bringing the Ages Together

Wooooah Nelly, or not. Riding a horse at full gallop is about the most exhilarating thing a person of any age can do. Five generations of Black cowboys and cowgirls represented that feeling over the weekend as the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) made its first of two tour stops at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA.

Now in its 42nd year, the event and association continue to evolve and keep the show fresh. Attendees this year were treated to a competition that bridged the age gap. Competitors from nearly every possible age group, from the Pee Wee division (4 years and under) saddled up to ride in the same ring as adult competitors over 55 years of age.

You read that right, cowboys and cowgirls over 50 competing in the arena. One competitor, who appeared older than 60, competed in the 55+ division tie down event. They represented for the over-50 crew in the audience.

Event organizers and Pfizer teamed up this year for Shield Across America, a campaign to address colorectal cancer. According to BPIR spokeswoman Margo Wade-Ladrew, Pfizer will be joining BPIR through the California swing. “Fifty percent of our age demographic is 55 and older,” said Wade-Ladrew. “Colon cancer runs rampant in the Black community.” Across all demographics, it is the third most common cancer, but it is disproportionately higher in the Black community.

According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of getting colorectal cancer is 20% higher in the Black community. The fatality rate is also 40% higher. Actor and philanthropist Chadwick Boseman and two of my friends succumbed to the disease before the age of 45.

The new screening test is less invasive than previous methods. All you have to do now is provide a sample of blood instead of capturing, scraping, and mailing bits of your poop. Sounds like a win.

The same sound the competition was giving in the arena. Ladies Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Ladies Steer Undecorating, and Pee Wee Barrel Racing were decided by hundredths or thousandths of a second. Arthur Taylor (Weleetka, OK) and Terrence Jackson (Covington, GA) split the top spot in the Ranch Bronc with matching scores -76.0.

Former college hoop star Tony Aska took both rounds of the Steer Wrestling competition with blazing times of 5.09 s and 5.04 s. Kimberly Whayne edged Kortnee Solomon by one hundredth of a second to win the ladies’ steer undecorating.

A roar rose from the crowd when the Pee Wee raced into the arena with close to a thousand pounds of horse underneath them. There were smiles all around as the littlest ones raced at breakneck speed around the three barrels and back out the ramp.

It’s a competition, but between family. Many of the young people on the BPIR circuit today are following in the footsteps of family members. It’s truly a family affair.

The BPIR will return to Atlanta on August 1 and 2 in the same location. August also marks the return of the Soul Country Music Star competition. Last year, Nathaniel “Mr. Bowleggs” Dansby won the Atlanta competition and went on to win it the finals and $10,000 in Washington, D.C. You could be the next winner. Register at https://www.soulcountrymusic.com/entry

Photos below the stats

Final Stats

BPIR April 2026