Catalina Langlitz, one of five professional bull riders featured in Freeform’s Not Her First Rodeo, is a standout in a male-dominated sport.
Born around 2003, she began riding bulls competitively at the age of 10, encouraged by her father, former bull rider Joseph Langlitz.
Born to Ride: A Legacy Written in Spurs and Grit
Raised in Galveston before settling near Salado, Texas, at just 10 years old, she didn’t waste any time chasing her destiny. Within a year of moving, she was already riding bulls competitively and winning, snagging her first championship at age 11.
The drive clearly runs in the family, as the daughter of former bull rider Joseph Langlitz, whose mentorship she credits for helping shape her fearless path in the arena.
The Injury That Nearly Ended Catalina Langlitz’s Career
In June 2022, during a competition in Mexia, Texas. Catalina was bucked and stomped by her bull after a disrupted pre-ride routine. She suffered severe injuries: lacerated liver, four broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a coma-induced trauma.
She described feeling “really, really tough” when she hit the ground. After waking from the coma, she underwent a long recovery, relearning to walk, regaining strength, and eventually stepping back into the arena.
Her comeback earned her the nickname “The Comeback Kid”.
Riding High: How She Took the Rodeo World by Storm Before 25
By the time most people are just getting their footing, she was already making waves in the rodeo world.
In 2021, she clinched the prestigious Women’s Bull Riding Organization (WBRO) World Championship title, and she didn’t slow down, grabbing Women’s Champion titles in 2022 at Bulls on the Beach in Port Bolivar and the Eastland UPRA.
Then in 2023, she kept the momentum going by taking home the Women’s Champion buckle at the Henrietta UPRA Clay County Pioneer Reunion, proving she’s not just a rising star, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Catalina Langlitz’s Role in Not Her First Rodeo
Launched May 22 on Freeform (streaming June 6 on Hulu), the six‑part docuseries profiles the Elite Lady Bull Riders’ five elite women navigating professional bull riding. Catalina is grouped with Jorden Halvorsen (founder), Renata Nunes, Athena Rivera, and Alexia Huffman.
The series highlights their shared risks, grit, and pursuit of a championship buckle.
How Catalina Juggles School, Surgery, and the Saddle
Catalina isn’t just dominating the rodeo scene; she’s balancing books and barn life with serious skill.
After earning her associate’s degree from Blinn College, she’s now pursuing a bachelor’s in animal science, all while working as an equine veterinary technician at Dr. T’s Equine Clinic and Elgin Veterinary Hospital, where she even assists with anesthesia during surgeries.
When she’s not in class or caring for animals, you’ll likely find her roping, hiking, or riding her favorite horse, Chey, with her loyal dog Cano trotting by her side.
Catalina Falling, Forgiving, and Finding Her Fire Again
Catalina emphasizes perseverance and mental preparation. She noted the superstition around her pre-ride routine and how even her dad’s presence before the Mexia competition altered it, leading to her fall and injury.
Remarkably, after blaming her dad during recovery, they reconciled, strengthening their bond.
What’s Next For Catalina?
On Not Her First Rodeo, viewers see her resilience firsthand as she competes again, chasing championship dreams. The docuseries highlights the mission of the Elite Lady Bull Riders: carving out a space, inspiring women, and tackling a tough, male-dominated sport.
Catalina Langlitz’s journey is one of bold determination rising from early triumphs, enduring grave injury, and emerging stronger. As both an athlete and an animal science advocate, she proves her arena extends far beyond the bull pen.