Jayy Hardin is not just a rodeo athlete; she’s a testament to the growing diversity and inclusivity within a traditionally white-dominated sport. Hardin, a seasoned competitor in barrel racing, steer decorating, and other rodeo events, embodies a legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls often overlooked by mainstream media. Her journey—from a childhood steeped in rodeo tradition to a rising presence in stunt work—highlights the resilience and determination required to thrive in a space where proving oneself is a constant battle.
The Roots of Rodeo and the Fight for Representation
Rodeo’s origins trace back to Mexican vaqueros, whose skills and fashions laid the foundation for Western cowboy culture. Despite this diverse history, the sport has long been dominated by white representation in popular media. This has led to systemic underrepresentation of Black athletes like Bill Pickett, the first Black rodeo star inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s Rodeo Hall of Fame, who pioneered steer wrestling techniques.
Hardin’s presence in rodeo is a deliberate push against this historical imbalance. She’s not just competing; she’s challenging perceptions. “Coming into it, of course, they’re looking at you differently. Like, ‘Okay, can she really ride?’” she says, acknowledging the skepticism she faces as a Black woman in the sport.
8 Seconds Rodeo: A Platform for Change
The emergence of organizations like 8 Seconds Rodeo is critical in amplifying the voices and achievements of Black rodeo athletes. Founded in 2023, 8 Seconds Rodeo aims to showcase the talent within Black rodeo communities, creating a space where competitors like Hardin can shine. The organization’s expansion to the East Coast, with its first event in Philadelphia, underscored this impact. Hardin recalls, “To experience what I experienced in Philly…the last 30 years of my life, I’ve never felt that.”
This kind of visibility is crucial not just for recognition but for inspiring the next generation. Hardin embodies this sentiment, telling a young fan at a recent event that “the word ‘can’t’ should never be in your vocabulary, because we are capable of anything.”
Training and Discipline: The Grind Behind the Glory
Hardin’s dedication extends beyond the arena. Her training regimen focuses on full-body workouts, prioritizing core and leg strength to support her barrel racing and steer decorating events. She emphasizes technique over brute force, noting that “you shouldn’t need to muscle a horse in a particular direction.” Instead, she focuses on finesse, using what’s known as the “pinky method” to maintain soft hands and communicate with her horse intuitively.
Recovery is just as important. Hardin follows an intense routine of foam rolling, stretching, protein shakes, and light cardio to manage soreness and maintain peak performance. She also stresses the importance of connecting with the horse, emphasizing that riders should work with the animal rather than trying to force it into submission.
From Rodeo to Stunt Work: Expanding Horizons
Hardin’s talent extends beyond rodeo. Her experience led to a career in stunt work, beginning with a role in the film Harriet in 2018. She quickly proved her versatility, taking on horse riding, kicks, and even mastering the art of convincingly playing dead. This transition showcases her adaptability and underscores the transferable skills between rodeo and action-driven performance.
Despite her success in stunt work, Hardin remains committed to rodeo. She plans to continue competing, including at future 8 Seconds Rodeo events, driven by a desire to educate others about the diversity within the sport and the incredible women who push its boundaries.
Hardin’s story is a powerful reminder that rodeo, like many sports, has a hidden history of underrepresented talent. Her dedication to both competition and representation serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes, proving that breaking barriers requires not just skill but an unwavering belief in one’s own capability.
