Local teen to show off horse-cutting skills at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There aren't many 13-year-olds with a collection of awards from belt buckles to saddles and trophies.

"You have to have determination and really work hard," Lexy Slaughter said.

She's been riding horses since she was three.

"I love horses and working with them and the bond you get with it," said Slaughter.

When it comes to cutting horses Lexy's parents knew she had talent.

"I could tell she had talent on a horse and with a cow. She could read a cow from then on. I knew right then we were in trouble," Bryant Slaughter, Lexy's father, said.

Her mother Jeanine Slaughter added, "She is very dedicated, hard-working child. Gets up in the summer before the crack of dawn, out to the barn, very passionate."

Cutting is a Western-style equestrian competition in which a horse and rider work as a team. They have two and a half minutes before the judges to demonstrate the ability to handle cattle.

Lexy is one tough cowgirl, using her horse to separate the cow, she makes it look easy.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of her biggest competitions of the year. She has her eyes set on the National Youth Cutting Horses Association World Finals in Fort Worth this summer. She's placed in the Top 15, five times.

Her parents will be cheering her on but they say she's already a champion in their eyes.

"We're hoping we're creating a well-rounded child but also allowing her to have fun with the responsibility and the skills," said Jeanine Slaughter.