Sloan Starr grew up in the Lonely State dreaming of wild horses, faraway deserts, and impossible adventures. Raised on dog-eared copies of The Black Stallion, she spent most of her childhood convincing everyone she was destined for a life in the saddle, despite living much closer to Rodeo Drive than any actual rodeo. Her constant companion is Pony, a spoiled Shih Tzu with championship hair and the patience of a saint.

Though she projects effortless glamour, Sloan is secretly terrified everyone sees her as just another horse girl. Beneath the rhinestones, designer boots, and oversized hats is a hopeless romantic searching for something real. This may be her first rodeo, but she’d rather you didn’t mention it.