Buckle Bunny started as a clothing brand in 2023 and grew into a line dancing school in 2024.  But more than that, it’s become a movement—one rooted in confidence, inclusivity, and shaking off outdated judgments.

 

The idea for Buckle Bunny came from something I saw way too often: people tearing others down over what they wore, the concerts they attended, or simply enjoying country culture without “qualifying” for it. Social media was full of videos mocking folks for not looking or acting “country enough,” as if there were some rulebook that determined who belonged and who didn’t.

 

If you haven’t heard the term Buckle Bunny, it originally referred to rodeo groupies. But over time, it became an insult—used to label people as “fake country” for things as small as wearing clean boots or loving the western aesthetic without growing up in it. And honestly? That mindset is exhausting.

 

I’d probably be considered a Buckle Bunny myself. I live on 7 acres, but before that, I lived in town. I own a horse but barely ride it. I’m part of western communities but still learning the ropes. My partner is a horse trainer, and I watch from the sidelines. I love country fashion, but I didn’t buy my first pair of cowboy boots until I was 28. And when I go to a concert, you better believe I’m wearing SHEIN boots that have never touched a paddock. But here’s the thing—I don’t care. I love what I love, just like everyone else. If someone from the country can wear a suit in the city, why can’t someone from the city wear cowboy boots in the country?

 

I know lifelong cowgirls who wear trendy outfits to country music festivals because they love dressing up, and I know people with zero ties to the industry who go all-out in western gear because they want to feel part of the community. The only difference? The labels on their clothes. And that doesn’t make either of them less worthy of being there.

 

As a parent, I want to raise my kids to lift others up, to see people for who they are, not judge them for what they wear. My daughter is one fierce little cowgirl, and I can tell you now she will rock her hot pink sparkly cowgirl boots wherever she wants—whether it’s in the bush or at a rap concert. And I’ll be right there, cheering her on. But right now, with the way things are, she could just as easily be someone who gets bullied online for wearing the “wrong thing.”

 

So, I’m flipping the script. Buckle Bunny isn’t an insult—it’s a mindset. It’s about confidence, boldness, and staying true to yourself. It’s a big, bright, unapologetic statement: I belong here, and I don’t need your approval.

 

At the end of the day, these so-called “fake country” folks are helping keep the industry alive. They’re supporting country brands, filling concert venues, and showing up for rodeos. Without them, a lot of what we love wouldn’t exist.

 

So let’s choose kindness. Let’s empower and welcome people into this space, not push them out. Have your opinions, sure—but let’s cut the judgment and bullying that comes with them. 

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The Buckle Bunny mindset is kind, empowering and gutsy. You should totally be a Buckle Bunny....​

 

Why Line Dancing?... My line dancing journey started in the best way possible—celebrating with friends! For my engagement party, we put together a flash mob, and the prep was just as fun as the performance. We’d spend nights in my shed, dancing, laughing, and sipping wine.

 

After the party, we kept the tradition alive with “Line Dancing & Wine” nights once a month. I’d learn dances from YouTube and TikTok, then teach everyone. It became a highlight for us, and as my fiancé and I dream of traveling America (especially hitting the dance floors in Nashville), my love for line dancing just kept growing.

 

Before long, people were asking where they could learn, so I decided to start a relaxed, fun class at the local hall. The response was amazing! What started as casual shed sessions turned into something much bigger—a space for people to build confidence, make new friends, escape reality, and just have a damn good time.

 

That’s when it all clicked. Everything I wanted for my classes aligned with my brand, and Buckle Bunny Co. naturally evolved into Buckle Bunny Line Dancing—a place where we dance, laugh, and embrace the fun of it all.

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Haylie xx