The SERA Rodeo returned to Chaifetz Arena on Saturday afternoon, drawing a crowd ready for an afternoon of competition, culture and community. Riders from across the country arrived with the horses they’ve trained for years, all competing for cash prizes, belt buckles and bragging rights for the 7th Annual St. Louis Black Rodeo.
Fans from St. Louis and Illinois showed up in denim skirts, shorts and overalls, paired with boots and cattleman-crease hats. Those who came without western gear found vendors outside selling hats, buckles and other accessories.
Inside, Dr. BJ the DJ and DJ Stew.Net of 100.3 The Beat welcomed guests. Stew.Net, celebrating his birthday, moved the crowd from Nelly’s “Shake Ya Tailfeather” to country favorites like “Boots on the Ground” as people settled into their seats.
On the arena floor, horses, steers and calves shifted in place as the crowd waited for the show to begin. At the announcer’s request, attendees rose for the Black National Anthem. A cowgirl carrying the African American flag circled the arena, followed by the national anthem and a second rider carrying the American flag in honor of veterans. The opening ceremony closed with “America the Beautiful,” played with a country twang.
Moments later, cowboys and cowgirls filled the arena on horseback. Their expressions stayed focused as the crowd cheered. Just as quickly, they cleared the floor and the competition began.
Events included ranch bronc riding, bull riding and steer wrestling for the cowboys; steer undecorating for the cowgirls; breakaway roping for juniors; and the crowd-favorite barrel racing. Each event tested a different skill set — strength and balance in bronc and bull riding, speed and precision in steer undecorating and tie-down roping.
The rules were strict. In bronc riding, competitors start with 100 points and lose points for issues with balance or control. Horses are judged too; if one doesn’t buck enough, the ride can be stopped and repeated. In steer undecorating, breaking the rope before the steer enters the arena adds 10 seconds to a rider’s time. In tie-down roping, catching a calf by the leg instead of the head also brings a penalty.
Those penalties frustrated fans during the cowgirls’ steer undecorating. Michaela Mitchell’s 1.15-second run would have set a new record, but a penalty added 10 seconds. Erica Singleton posted a 1.04-second run, but penalties kept her from the record as well.
Barrel racing brought out riders of all ages, including juniors as young as thirteen. Horses and riders moved tightly around the barrels, each chasing the fastest time of the day. The event underscored the generational nature of rodeo — young competitors riding alongside seasoned veterans, all showing the same discipline and passion.
Throughout the afternoon, the SERA Rodeo offered a look into a cowboy culture that is both competitive and deeply family oriented. While riders pushed for titles and prizes, the atmosphere remained supportive and focused on community. For many in the crowd, the event was also a chance to see a part of Black history and heritage that often goes overlooked.
Through horsemanship, athleticism and tradition, the SERA Rodeo highlighted a legacy that continues to thrive.
