story by Riata Cummings
Brooklyn Thomas is a 13-year-old 8th grader at Excelsior Academy. Her favorite classes are green thumbs and art because of their hands on, involved approach to learning. Brooklyn lives in Erda, Utah, a small secluded town. Her parents are Todd and Lacey Thomas, and she has a sister named Bailey. They spend a lot of time together on the rodeo road and in the practice pen. Brooklyn is especially close to her dad and considers him her best friend. Some of her hobbies include chariot racing, playing basketball, and riding in the mountains.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Brooklyn started barrel racing and pole bending when she was only 7-years-old. She started competing in the Utah 5th and Under rodeos when her sister started competing in the Jr. High division. Shortly thereafter, they bought some goats and started goat tying, too. They started going to their uncle’s arena to rope, and eventually picked up breakaway roping. Today, Brooklyn competes in barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, and goat tying. She especially loves the goat tying because of its laid back, fun environment.
Brooklyn competes on three horses, Brody, Dot and Doozy. Brody is her main mount and she has used the goofy mannered horse for barrel and poles. Dot is her breakaway horse, and although it took them a long time to bond the two are working as a team now. Doozy is an ex-race horse with a sweet temperament, and Brooklyn uses Doozy for goat tying, barrel racing, and pole bending. Brooklyn tries to rope every other day, and practice barrels and poles a couple times a week when possible.
So far, Brooklyn’s favorite rodeo was the St. George Jr High show. She caught her first rodeo calf, made lots of new friends, and went out to dinner with her dad. This year her rodeo goals include qualifying for the state finals in a few of her events and winning a buckle for goat tying. Rodeo has taught Brooklyn to have patience with her horses and herself. She recognizes that the rodeo experience is more important than winning, and rodeo contestants should love what they are doing. Her favorite part of the rodeo atmosphere is being able to spend time with her family.
Brooklyn strives to have a positive attitude in and out of the arena, avoiding drama and spreading happiness. One day, Brooklyn hopes to have a career helping people or animals.
Her father is her hero, and she is grateful for his constant love and support. She looks up to his hard work ethic and ability to cheer her up after hard runs. Brooklyn would like to thank her Grandpa Frank for always being an example of positivity, understanding and love. Despite his sometimes-troubling health, he loves to come to her rodeos to support her.
Brooklyn has learned the value of persistence and lives by the saying, “Building a new loop is better than never throwing one”.
