Carlee Otero burst back into the barrel racing spotlight after a 10-year gap between NFR qualifications in 2024 aboard the 6-year-old gelding Blingolena and has already proven her ability and grit across seven nights.
Otero’s ProRodeo career began back in 2008. Even with her inexperience on the ProRodeo trail, her strategic prowess helped her learn the ropes quickly.
“My first ProRodeo was in Longview, Texas, in 2008 or 2009,” Mowry said. “I was at three or four rodeos that week and placed at two or three and filled my permit that week.”
It wasn’t dumb luck that got Otero settled into the pro scene. She grinded her way there with purpose.
“I felt prepared. My theory was that if you can’t win locally, you don’t venture out and win. So I laid the foundation and kept building and worked my way up to buying my permit. It’s the same thing I still do with my horses. I start local. When they show me they’re ready, and I feel ready with them, we step up. And I’m not scared to back one off, drop them back to the smaller stuff and start building again from there.”
Fast forward just a few years, and Otero found herself running down the alleyway at her first National Finals Rodeo in December 2011. She returned again in 2012 and ended up as the Reserve World Champion in the barrel racing.
“That was my favorite NFR so far,” Otero said. “It was such a whirlwind.”
Otero came into the 2024 NFR just a few thousand off of the milestone number, but blasted a 13.55-second run to earn second place and $26,623.74 on the 6-year-old gelding Blingolena, or “Sly.”
“This was the first year I went to the NFR and left all the barrels standing up in the first round,” Otero said. “I was so impressed with Sly. He went in there and acted like he was made for the Thomas & Mack.”
Since she crossed the mark during Round 1, Otero continued on with her winning ways, placing in five of the first seven rounds and moved herself into an outside shot at a World Championship. And she kicked things up a notch after Round 5, when she began competing with an injury that would sideline most equestrians.
“I got kicked last night before the round and fractured my pelvis,” Otero said. “I’m a bit sore, but there isn’t any internal bleeding. I’m going to tough it out and take medication, then get home to rest.”
She landed the season in the No. 6 position after 10 grueling rounds, a massive leap from the No. 14 spot she entered in. See NFR results and standings here. In total, Otero won or split second in five of the 10 rounds and won $148,552 on the young, powerful gelding Sly.
Early in her NFR competition, Otero reflected on her past 10 years in ProRodeo and her ability to grow as a competitor.
“I came back smarter and wiser,” Otero said. “From the hauling, to taking care of the horses in every way, to learning their ins and outs. I’ve just learned so much about all sides of it, but I’ve really learned my horses.”
- It’s Working: Carlee Otero and Blingolena Add Old Fort Days Title to Resume
- It’s All Coming Together: Carlee Otero Rides Blingolena to Eastern Ruby Buckle Derby Title
- Blingolena Banks Big Money Beneath Carlee Otero: Full The Patriot Vegas Results 2023
- Briggs is Back and Otero’s on a Heater: August 21—27 ProRodeo Barrel Racing
