By Andrea Arens

While many seventh graders are spending their summer sleeping in, scrolling social media, or hanging out with friends, Beecher Junior High School student Brynn Fiegle is spending her days training horses, practicing roping techniques, and preparing to compete against some of the best young rodeo athletes in the world.

The 13-year-old recently qualified for the 2026 National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where approximately 1,200 contestants from 43 states, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and Guatemala will compete for national titles, scholarships and prizes.

For Fiegle, however, rodeo isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of life.

“I’ve loved horses ever since I can remember,” she said.

That love began early. Fiegle has been riding since she was 2 years old and competing since age 5. She joined the Illinois Junior High School Rodeo Association as a fifth-grader and has now qualified for nationals all three years she has been eligible to compete.

This year, she earned national qualifications in four events:

Barrel Racing

Breakaway Roping

Goat Tying

Ribbon Roping

She narrowly missed qualifying in a fifth event, pole bending.

More Than Just a Cowgirl

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Fiegle was crowned 2026 Miss Illinois Junior High Rodeo Princess, a title that makes her an ambassador for rodeo, western heritage, leadership, and sportsmanship throughout the state.

Her season was packed with achievements, including:

2025-26 Illinois Junior High School Rodeo Association All-Around Cowgirl

Year-End Barrel Racing Champion

Year-End Goat Tying Champion

Reserve Champion Ribbon Roping

Fourth Place Breakaway Roping

Those accomplishments didn’t happen overnight. Many people see the competition but don’t realize the amount of work that happens behind the scenes.

“I think kids my age think you just saddle the horse and ride it at shows,” Fiegle said. “You have to ride them pretty much every day. You have to clean stalls, feed them, pay vet bills, get shoes put on them. It’s like having a job.”

A Bond That Can’t Be Explained

Ask Fiegle about her favorite horse and her face immediately lights up.

That horse is Trigger.

“I think my relationship with him is perfect,” she said. “We’re in sync every time we run.”

She struggles to put into words exactly what makes the bond so special.

“For an animal that can’t talk, it’s so weird because you can just feel how much they love you,” she said. “Actions speak louder than words.”

Trigger helped deliver one of her favorite rodeo memories when she won a saddle in 2022.

“That’s when I really thought, ‘This is what my life is going to be,'” she recalled.

Learning Through Setbacks

Like any athlete, Fiegle’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. One of her most memorable lessons came after a frightening barrel racing accident.

While approaching the first barrel, she lost proper position in the saddle and was thrown from her horse. Her leg became caught in the stirrup, dragging her approximately 200 feet before she was finally free.

The accident resulted in a knee injury and months away from competition. Instead of quitting, she learned from it.

“I learned I had to sit in my seat,” she said with a laugh. “There are consequences to not doing that.”

Today, she credits the experience with making her a better rider.

Keeping Faith Close

Competing in front of large crowds can be intimidating, especially on a national stage. While Fiegle says she’s become more comfortable with competition over the years, nationals brings an entirely different level of pressure.

When nerves begin to creep in, she turns to faith and family.

“I always think of my grandma,” she said. “I keep a cross in my pocket to remind me that Jesus is always with me.”

Then she says a prayer, takes a deep breath, and enters the arena.

Balance Takes Discipline

The balancing act between academics and rodeo requires discipline. Fiegle attends public school, maintains honor roll grades, and still finds time to train multiple horses nearly every evening.

After school, she often heads directly to the barn where three horses need exercise and care.

“You have to actually want it,” she said. “It can’t just be a side sport.”

She credits organization and time management for helping her succeed both in the classroom and in the arena.

“I have to be on it,” she said. “I can’t procrastinate.”

Inspired by a Rodeo Legend

One of Fiegle’s biggest inspirations is legendary barrel racer Martha Josey, whose clinics have helped shape her skills and confidence.

Josey overcame serious injuries during her career and went on to become one of the most successful barrel racers in rodeo history.

“She’s definitely my role model,” Fiegle said. “She’s still going strong.”

But if there’s one influence that stands above all others, it’s family. Her grandmother introduced generations of family members to horses and rodeo, creating a tradition that continues today.

Fiegle became emotional discussing her grandmother’s legacy, including the family’s annual “Chasing Cans for Cancer” fundraiser, which has helped cancer patients for years.

Although the event was paused following her grandmother’s passing, the family hopes to continue the tradition in the future.

Looking Toward the Future

When asked where she sees herself in five years, Fiegle doesn’t hesitate.

“College rodeo,” she said.

She hopes to continue competing while helping more people discover a sport she believes is often misunderstood in Illinois.

“It’s such a fun sport,” she said. “People think it’s just you and a horse, but it’s really teamwork. You support your friends. You have a bond with your horse. Everybody wants everyone else to do well.”

That perspective may explain why, when asked to describe winning in just one word, Fiegle didn’t choose “success,” “victory,” or “champion.”

Instead, she chose two words.

“Supported and loved.”

As she heads to Oklahoma to represent Beecher and the Illinois Junior High School Rodeo Association on the world stage, it’s clear those are two things she carries with her every time she enters the arena.

Andrea Arens is a freelance reporter.

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Fiegle was crowned 2026 Miss Illinois Junior High Rodeo Princess, a title that makes her an ambassador for rodeo, western heritage, leadership, and sportsmanship throughout the state. (Photos courtesy of Robyn Fiegle)

Brynn Fiegle said she has a special bond with her horse, Trigger. “We’re in sync every time we run.”