The Power of Man and Mare: Brandon Cullins and 'Seger' Storm into American Rodeo Spotlight

The dynamic duo of Brandon Cullins and MJ Segers Fast Lane are poised to make history at the 2024 American Rodeo with their impressive track record and undeniable talent in the barrel racing pen.

Click Thompson, courtesy of Teton Ridge

There's no denying the skill, horsepower, and try that is needed to qualify to compete at the famed American Rodeo. In barrel racing, the women have dominated the sport, but Brandon Cullins is here to represent the male competitors. Cullins is a well-known futurity derby trainer in the barrel industry, having won over a million dollars. He has qualified for the American Rodeo for the fifth time, and his horse, MJ Segers Fast Lane "Seger," is a force to be reckoned with this year. 

Seger, a wicked fast mare, is sired by The Goodbye Lane, a $7,674,337 stallion, and out of SKS Running Faucet. The mare and Cullins have an impressive resume, full of arena records. The team has already won $315,454, having only competed since 2022. Their incredible accomplishments include the 2023 Pink Buckle Derby Champion, the Pink Buckle Arena Record, and the 2023 Barrel Futurities of America Derby Champion. 

Cullins qualified for the 2024 American Rodeo via the Central Region Finals, where he and Seger ran the fastest time of the weekend at Oklahoma City, winning $10,000 and securing their spot at the Abilene Contender Tournament Finals. In Abilene, Texas, Cullins had to compete against the top five fastest from the western, eastern, and central contender finals, but that did not faze him. 

Seger laid down the fastest time again, securing another $15,000 and qualifying to run at Globe Life Field, with a chance at a million dollars. Cullins has qualified for the American multiple times on some great horses, including VQ Sucker Punch, KN Fabs Mist Of Fame, A Cornerstone, RR Mistakelly, and MCM Ima Sharp Guy. However, this is MJ Segers Fast Lane's first appearance at the American Rodeo. 

Seger is owned by barrel racing breeding royalty Grant and Rayel Little. The Littles are known for their influence in the Busbys' purchase of the great stallion Blazin Jetolena, along with the blue-hen broodmares Blazin Black Beauty and GL Famous First Lady. The mare they are most known for is the three-time Ponoka Stampede champion that Rayel jockeyed, Lady Perks. The Littles know a thing or two about mare power.

With the combination of Cullins' raw talent, incredible jockeying skills, and mare power like no other, this team is sure to lay it down and set the bar for barrel racing in Globe Life. Even tempted to say if those barrels stay standing, Cullins and Seger are looking for a piece of that million-dollar paycheck.