In Alabama, the importance of horses is both deeply rooted and in somewhat rocky territory. Interest in and accessibility to all thing’s equine is on the decline both there and abroad. Alabama does have a prominent rodeo culture.

They have also dabbled with racing—something people of the Yellowhammer State might take particular interest in as they review Preakness winners and prepare their betting strategy.

But like so many other parts of the country, Alabama has witnessed a diminished interest in all things horse. The Birmingham Racetrack closed in 1995. And while rodeos are still an important part of Alabama culture, they also peaked in the 1990s. Are horses still an important part of Alabama culture? Let’s get into it.

Alabama Rodeo Overview:

Interestingly, when one thinks “rodeo,” several states come to mind before Alabama. Texas and Wyoming, where cowboys once legitimately lived and breathed. These states have a natural affinity for rodeo culture because it shaped their existence.

Ranching remains a major industry in both areas. What is the rodeo if not an appreciation for the culture behind ranch life?

Alabama has a ranching industry—particularly cattle—but it’s better known for other exports.

Actually, you might be surprised to know that the number one local industry is the manufacturing of car parts. Despite this, Alabama does have a prominent rodeo culture. There are around 90 rodeos in the state, many of which generate considerable interest from people outside the state.

Today, there are rodeos celebrating many types of activities. Traditional events full of horses and the cow folk who ride them to “fishing rodeos” that focus on—well, fishing.

You can find rodeos all over the state. Some are small operations located in muddy fields with sketchy bleachers contained by a hastily thrown-up temporary fence. Others are quite a bit bigger. Small-town rodeos often feature local talent, drawing hundreds of spectators from surrounding communities. These grassroots events maintain the tradition with limited resources but abundant enthusiasm.

The largest rodeo event in the state is the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. Held annually in Montgomery, this major event draws top competitors from across the country. With professional production values, substantial prize money, and attendance numbers in the tens of thousands, it represents the pinnacle of Alabama’s rodeo culture. The SLE Rodeo, as it’s commonly known, has become a significant cultural and economic event for the capital city.

While all rodeos are filled with excitement and pageantry many take things a step further by introducing royalty to the equation. Alabama Rodeo Queens represent the sport with beauty and poise, at once celebrating the elegance of the tradition and making it more interesting for a younger generation.

Alabama Rodeo Queens

In Alabama, rodeo queens serve as ambassadors to the sport. There may be many queens across the state, each one spotlighting their local rodeo. For example, the Southeastern Live Exposition Rodeo named a young lady by the name of Mary Palmer the 2025 Rodeo Queen for her region.

The announcement spotlights the fact that Ms. Palmer has been working with horses for years, a passion that began with her local 4-H program.

“I was so excited to be able to combine my love for horses and rodeo,” Palmer said. “It felt wonderful being crowned, and I am excited and ready to represent SLE and rodeo.

“I am so excited that I get to talk to young girls who love horses and rodeo as much as I do and encourage them to work hard and follow their dreams.”

Not only do rodeo queen designations add an extra degree of pageantry to the sport, but they also spotlight equestrian studies and broader agricultural considerations to a wider, younger audience. In what other context would efforts that began in a high school girl’s 4-H program get this kind of attention? Both horses and farming are underappreciated in modern society. Competitions of this kind help spread interest to a generation that could easily otherwise be taken in by modern distractions.

Rodeo in the 21^st Century

It’s easy to think of the rodeo as being in decline. People certainly attend them less than they did in the 20th century and to an extent that makes sense. We’re increasingly further removed from an age when the settling of the American West—a time when cowboys were at their heyday—is a concept of excitement and adventure that children could fantasize about as they lay their heads to sleep. Kids today rest with Minecraft or Roblox on the mind.

Yet despite the distractions of modern conveniences, horse culture in Alabama has made it so that kids from the Yellowhammer state can dream a little differently about riding horses in front of a cheering crowd. Maybe they dream even of being crowned rodeo royalty.