Lesa Ellinger blasted out of a metal gate, riding a sleek cross between a thoroughbred and a quarter horse. Her white embroidered button-up flapped in the wind as she rode in formation with her fellow drill team members, guiding her horse in perfect sync around the arena. The crowd admired with awe.
“I’ve always wanted to ride horses. I think I came out wanting to ride horses,” she said.
This summer marks Ellinger’s fifth time performing in the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo, which takes place at Fair Park in South Dallas each year. She’s been riding for Circle L5 Riding Club, a Black horseback riding club, since 1991…