Rodeo Life

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  • Prescott Frontier Days – World’s Oldest Rodeo

    Prescott Frontier Days – World’s Oldest Rodeo

    Prescott Frontier Days, famously known as the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” celebrates more than a century of honest cowboy competition this Fourth of July in the historic town of Prescott, Arizona. What began in 1888 as a modest cowboy gathering in the center of the Arizona Territory has evolved from its informal ranch competition into a nationally televised and highly anticipated professional event featuring the modern-day cowboy and cowgirl. This event features elite rodeo athletes from the professional ranks, thousands of spectators and a historical appeal unlike any other, all while maintaining the rugged spirit of the Arizona rancher and the Western heritage that originally brought cowboys to compete in the arena. The Prescott Frontier Days is a living tribute to the grit, tradition and heart of the American West in a modernized version of spirited competition. June 30 – July 6, 2025, will celebrate 137 years of rodeo in Prescott, Arizona, and mark its continued showcase of rodeo excellence and heritage at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds.

    Many rodeos across the nation claim to be the oldest, most continuous or most historical event to establish the sport of rodeo. However, the Prescott Rodeo has a more unique attribute to its historical relevance. July 4, 1888 was the day a group of professional businessmen organized the first formal “cowboy tournament” and offered a cash prize, which birthed rodeo as we know it today in terms of value, earnings and prestige. The Prescott Rodeo is widely recognized as the first organized and advertised event with paid admission, judges and prizes. These “cowboy contests” would continue throughout the years and be promoted, planned, and carried out by local committees and chairmen of the area. Early rodeo was a way for the American cowboy to test their skills and earn bragging rights amongst their community. Often held at ranches, roundups or community celebrations, primary events included bronc riding, steer roping and bull riding. All events that were staples in the life of daily ranching and prelude to the sanctioned events seen in today’s modern rodeo competitions. As time went on, these events would grow in spectators and draw larger crowds, setting the stage for rodeos such as the Prescott Frontier Days, and their showcase of a cowboy’s rough and ready display of grit and talent.

    In the early years of the Prescott Frontier Days rodeo, the appeal and draw of competition stemmed from the local cowboys and ranchers’ ability to demonstrate their ranch-bred skills for the local townspeople to see. The Prescott rodeo viewed in the late 1800s and early 1900s was enacted on a simple strip of land in what was called Forbing Park, with roped-off areas to contain the broncs after unseating their riders. The name Prescott Frontier Days would come to fruition beginning in 1913, the year the Fourth of July celebration began at its present location – formally the Yavapai County Fairgrounds, today the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. It would not be until the mid-1930s that the grandstands seen in today’s modern arena would be constructed, often viewed as the primary structures that make up the rodeo facility and contribute to the grandeur of rodeo in Prescott.

    Photos by Summer Lane Photography

    Rodeo would continue to be revolutionized and grow throughout the years as the event went on. Thanks to die-hard lovers of the sport, such as Gordon Koch, Danny Freeman, Fred Schemer and Andy Jauregui, the 40s and 50s of rodeo in Prescott would see a much-needed increase in support from local and county members for years. It was during this time that purses would grow astronomically, often exceeding $20,000, and the expectations of quality rodeo stock would begin to evolve into what is more recognized in today’s competition. The 60s and 70s marked a pivotal moment for the rodeo, as the event held to its historical roots while embracing the modern rodeo circuit and its correlating expectations. During this era, the rodeo saw an increase in participation from women in the barrel racing event with a greater push for recognition of their role in the sport. Despite the social changes, the rodeo would preserve the historical, symbolic continuity that has defined it since its formation in 1888.

    Today’s version of the Prescott Frontier Days rodeo has not deviated from its roots or founding ethics. Rather, it has built upon the legacy of over 100 years of rodeo and continued the standards and tradition the committee of 1888 established. The current General Manager of the Prescott Frontier Days, Jim Dewey Brown, has worked to ensure its continued legacy and future through both his experience in rodeo and resolve to see a successful production. When asked what the position requires, Brown stated, “Anything and everything.” Brown continued with the knowledge that it takes a tribe to produce a production of this magnitude and that the committee is instrumental in its prosperity. Brown has competed and worked amongst professional cowboys his entire career and has implemented improvements that aid in the growth of both the sport of rodeo and Prescott Frontier Days as an organization. However, the committee and Brown still pay tribute to the historical side of the rodeo, and this year’s rodeo is no different. Brown elaborated, “This year, we are honoring women in rodeo” by inviting legendary ladies of the industry and celebrating their contributions to both the Prescott rodeo and the sport.

    Former 2023 Miss Rodeo Arizona and current committee member Katie Ramos has borne witness to both Prescott’s historical contributions and current rodeo undertakings. When asked about what makes the Prescott Frontier Days unique, Ramos stated, “the leadership and community of those involved. We are so blessed to have an amazing GM who not only wants to preserve and honor the history of [the rodeo] but also educate the future contributors.”

    Ramos continued, “You don’t have to look far to find history within the rodeo. One of my personal favorites is listening to generations of rodeo fans return to watch generations of rodeo athletes.”

    The involvement of Prescott’s community and their commitment to the rodeo is evident in every aspect of their lives. According to Ramos, “Prescott is a town known as ‘everyone’s hometown,’ and with that mentality, the community takes personal pride in being the World’s Oldest Rodeo’s hometown and welcoming them with open arms.”

    One hundred thirty-seven years after the event’s first production, the Prescott Frontier Days remains a powerful symbol of tradition, endurance and community spirit. The event honors the cowboy gathering of 1888 and the contest of a cowboy’s skill, and above all, retains its roots and knowledge of the American frontier with the spirit to survive. It has grown into a nationally covered event and prime stopping point for NFR-driven cowboys and cowgirls while simultaneously honoring its rich legacy echoing of the American West. Each July, the stomp of hooves and cheers of the crowd reminds us that while the times may have changed, the values of courage, competition and camaraderie endure. The World’s Oldest Rodeo is more than just a Fourth of July celebration; it’s a living tradition carried forward by every contestant, spectator, committee man and resident who passes through their gates. 137 years of rodeo down, many, many more yet to come!

    Photo by Summer Lane Photography
  • Living Fit the Rodeo Way

    Living Fit the Rodeo Way

    In a sport defined by toughness and tradition, Natasha McCann is carving out a new path for rodeo athletes — especially women — where strength, longevity and intention are front and center.

    McCann, a coach for Champion Living, works with Western and rodeo competitors to bridge the long-standing gap between performance and health. “I’m more on the ranching side of the world regarding the Western industry,” she said. “I worked on ranches and cowboyed for most of my adult life.”

    McCann said her fitness journey began after years of physical wear and tear from riding colts and a serious accident that ended her professional basketball aspirations.

    “I got injured in a motorcycle accident in high school, then later broke my back and neck in a wreck on a colt,” she said. “That sparked my interest in sports medicine for rodeo.”

    McCann became an EMT and then earned multiple personal training and clinical rehabilitation certifications, including a dual board certification in orthopedic manual therapy. Her current work focuses on injury prevention, recovery and performance optimization for rodeo athletes.

    “There’s such a hole in the Western world for long-term care,” she said. “Justin Sports Medicine is great for acute injuries, but rodeo athletes need more. Their demands aren’t the same as traditional athletes.”

    From barrel racers to rough stock riders, McCann believes fitness is not just about aesthetics—it is about functionality. 

    “Fitness is an ever-changing thing. You reach a pinnacle, then realize there’s another peak behind it,” she said. “You have to want it. There has to be intrinsic motivation, or you’re doomed to fail.”

    McCann said her training methods emphasize realism. 

    “You’re not going to eat clean 100 percent of the time when grabbing Chick-fil-A at 2 a.m. on the road,” she said. “But if you can be perfect 80 percent of the time, that’s a win.”

    She encourages clients to prepare ahead—packing coolers, stocking high-protein snacks and avoiding processed food traps. 

    “Protein is the most satiating nutrient and essential for building muscle,” she said. “Even just planning a little will help keep your goals on track.”

    Rodeo athletes, especially women, face the added pressure of societal beauty standards. McCann, who is 5’10” and strong-built, rejects that narrative. 

    “I’m built like a two-by-four,” she laughed. “But I want muscle. I want big shoulders. I work out to look the way I do. 

    If you feel good and confident in your skin, who cares what anyone else thinks?”

    For women in rodeo, the gym does not always have barbells. McCann said resistance bands, bodyweight exercises and simple movement routines offer flexibility on the road. 

    “Movement can be anything,” she said. “Even a 20-minute walk after a 16-hour drive helps.”

    McCann also warns against the “all or nothing” mindset that plagues many in rodeo. “It’s not one catastrophic event—a thousand small ones build up. Address the little issues before they become career-ending,” she said.

    Ultimately, McCann’s message is about sustainability and support.

     “Put the pride aside,” she said. “Talk to someone. Take care of yourself—because your body is your only tool outside your horse.”

    Her work bridges the chasm between traditional sports medicine and rodeo reality, empowering women to ride longer, stronger and smarter. What is next? “Just helping more folks stay in the game,” she said. “That’s the goal.”

  • American Hats: Cooper James

    American Hats: Cooper James

    For Erda, Utah, cowboy Cooper James, rodeo has been more than just a sport — it has been a way of life. From an early age, James said he was captivated by bull riding, an obsession that grew stronger as he developed into a skilled competitor in the rodeo world. 

    James’ journey in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is one of challenges and triumphs. However, one partnership has truly stood out: his collaboration with American Hat Company, a relationship he said feels more like family than a sponsorship. 

    “I’ve been wearing American hats since I could walk,” James said.

    “I have pictures in their hats from when I was a little kid, but I’m still just getting on sheep.” 

    His connection to rodeo started in his early childhood when he dreamed of becoming a bull rider. Over the years, that childhood dream evolved into a successful rodeo career, and he said his relationship with American Hat Company became an integral part of his journey.

    “I met with the team at the Hondo Rodeo in Phoenix,” James said. “My buddy, Lefty Holman, is sponsored by them too, so he introduced me to the team.

    “It’s been great to have them on board and be a part of their team,” James said. “It’s like a family over there.” 

    James added that the relationship with American Hat Company goes beyond sponsorship. 

    “Anything I need, I know I can call them,” he said, underscoring how much the company feels like a support system. 

    While James’ partnership with American Hat Company has been a cornerstone of his career, his rise in the rodeo world has not come without its challenges. 

    Early on, James said he faced difficulties navigating the rodeo circuit. 

    “It was tough at the start,” he said. “You don’t know where to enter and have no real qualifications.” 

    But through persistence and hard work, James found his footing. After competing in smaller rodeos, he qualified for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, where he said his career started growing. 

    “I qualified to go to San Antonio, and that’s where it took off,” he said. From there, he made his way into the top 25 and, later, the top 15 in the PRCA world standings.

    Photo Courtesy of American Hats

    James said a key part of his success has been his mental approach to rodeo. He credited much of his calm demeanor to the guidance from seasoned mentors, including Josh Frost, Sage Kimsey and Clayton Sellars.

    “Clayton Sellars knows he’s showing up to win no matter what,” James said, highlighting Sellers’ strong mental game, which he admires and works to emulate in his career.

    That mental toughness helped James during his first trip to the National Finals Rodeo, where he placed third in the world, second in the average, and was crowned the 2024 Resistol Rookie of the Year in the bull riding. 

    “Everyone going to the finals wants to win the world title,” James said. “It was such a good feeling, and you feel like you can carry that momentum for the next year.” 

    James said he is determined to continue building on his success. While focusing on bull riding, he is also interested in expanding his repertoire. 

    “Shoot, I haven’t been on a saddle bronc horse in a little over a year now, but that’s a dream I want to come true,” he said of his dream of making the NFR in multiple events. 

    However, he added that his love for bull riding stays at the forefront of his career. “Whenever people think rodeo, the fan favorite is the bull riding,” he said. “It’s the most action-packed, the adrenaline rush.”

  • Leading a Legacy: Aubrie Christensen’s Unprecedented Journey to National High School Rodeo Queen

    Leading a Legacy: Aubrie Christensen’s Unprecedented Journey to National High School Rodeo Queen

    When Aubrie Christensen began her queening journey just a few years ago, she never imagined it would end with a national crown atop her cowboy hat. A relative late-comer to rodeo queening, Aubrie didn’t start competing until her sophomore year of high school. But what began as a fun way to make friends and ride horses quickly turned into a deeper calling, a mission rooted in family, legacy, and a powerful sense of heritage.

    Aubrie started out queening at a city level, at just her local rodeo. She says, “I started queening just because I saw it as a great opportunity to make friends and ride horses.” But as she dove deeper into the world of rodeo royalty, she discovered that being a rodeo queen, for her, was about purpose more than anything else. “At one of my first clinics, a clinician asked, ‘What’s your why?’, and I said, ‘To represent the Western heritage.’ She replied, ‘Every queen does that. What’s your why?’ And that question stuck with me.” The answer would come over time, revealed through conversations with family, shared memories, and a small but powerful keepsake: a $2 bill.

    Photo by Art of Aperture

    Aubrie’s aunt, Dawn Christensen, was a fellow rodeo competitor who tragically passed away in 1996 at the age of 17 following a breakaway clinic in Delta, Utah. Though Aubrie never met her aunt, their shared love for rodeo and even holding the same queen title created an unbreakable connection across generations.

    Aubrie’s grandparents always used to carry around $2 bills for rodeo entries, and Dawn used to put them in her hat for good luck. “It was something my grandma told me in passing, and I decided to try it myself.” The first time she tucked one into her own hat was at Delta, Utah, the same town where Dawn had passed. There, Aubrie won her first-ever high school rodeo queen competition. Aubrie recalls, “That was a pretty neat experience for my grandparents to come backto Delta because they hadn’t been back since her passing.”

    But that was just the beginning.

    In a state known for producing top-tier rodeo queens, Aubrie’s path to the Utah High School Rodeo Queen title was anything but expected. Utah hosts seven high school rodeo queen competitions throughout the year, making the state title one of the most competitive in the country. Going into the state pageant, Aubrie was actually in third place behind her two friends, points-wise. And at the state pageant, it was almost a three-way tie for the crown between these three girls. “It was a huge shock for everyone that I won,” she says. “I cried when they put the Utah crown on my head because I would’ve never imagined myself being crowned the Utah queen,” she recalls.

    The National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming, brought together 41 contestants from across the United States and Canada in 2024. While Aubrie only won the interview category, she placed in the top ten in every other division, from horsemanship to modeling to speech, and in the end, brought home the crown to the Beehive State. “Consistency is key,” she says, a motto she carries proudly alongside her other two mottos she lives by, “Win from within” and “If you’re not winning, you’re learning.” The national pageant was extra special for Aubrie because she got to bring along her Christensen family. They had never been able to qualify for nationals during Dawn’s time competing in high school rodeo.

    Winning the national crown opened doors Aubrie had never dreamed of. She has traveled to countless events across the country and has met many rodeo legends, student officers and lifelong friends. But even with the spotlight on her, Aubrie has used her platform to elevate others, especially her fellow high school queens. “I’ve been doing little spotlights for all the state queens who competed at nationals,” she says. “They’re doing amazing things too.”

    Though Aubrie gives up her title this July, her journey is far from over. She graduated high school in May and plans to attend Snow College in Utah, studying agricultural business and competing on the rodeo team. Looking ahead, she hopes to run for titles like Miss Rodeo Ogden, Miss Wilderness Circuit and, eventually, Miss Rodeo Utah.

    Photo by Art of Aperture

    But no matter where she goes, Aubrie is determined to continue the legacy her Aunt Dawn left behind. From holding local titles, like the Strawberry Days Rodeo Queen – a title Dawn once held herself – to her unprecedented national victory, every step in her journey has felt like a full-circle moment.

    Whether she’s reading to schoolchildren in suburban classrooms, making rodeo appearances, or encouraging younger queens to dream big, Aubrie embodies the spirit of rodeo: Grit, grace, and a deep love of Western heritage and, most importantly, family.

    “Rodeo is about family!” Aubrie says. “And it’s brought my family a lot of joy that I’ve been able to carry on my aunt’s legacy.”

    Follow Aubrie Christensen’s journey this year on her socials. Instagram @nationalhsrodeoqueen or Facebook at @OfficialNHSRAQueen

  • Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association

    Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association

    Yesterday: Callahan Crossley – Tryan

    College You Rodeoed For:

    Blue Mountain Community College [Pendleton, Oregon]

    Years at CNFR and Event(s):

    2013, 2014 and 2015 in the barrel racing and breakaway roping.

    Years You Won the CNFR:

    2015 National Barrel Racing Champion; 2014 Reserve Champion

    Hometown/Where You Live Now:

    Hometown – Hermiston, Oregon. Now, I live in Huntley, Montana.

    Graduation Year/Major/Current Career or Involvement in Rodeo:

    I graduated in 2015 with an Associate degree of general studies.

    What was your most memorable college rodeo moment?

    Probably having a great chance to win the college finals in 2014 and Taylor Engesser beating us in the last round on their amazing horse, which had also been going to the high school finals or state with her sister, if I remember right – similar stories with sharing horses like my sisters and I had shared. That will always stick with me and made losing a little easier when it was to such a cool story.

    How did college rodeo shape your career—in or out of the arena?

    It shaped a lot of my life, for sure, in and out of the arena, gave me the courage to go out and continue to pursue rodeo after college, which ultimately led me to finding my husband and my little family I have now.

    What do you miss most about college rodeo?

    Living with friends, then going to rodeos and competing together.

    Who had the biggest impact on your rodeo career?

    Oh, definitely my family because I got to grow up watching both my mom and dad compete at the professional level. Then, when I was older, I got to watch my sisters do so well in the high school, college, and pro rodeos. So, when it was finally my turn, I had all the support and horsepower from literally all of them to go rodeo – with them at first then eventually I went a little different route.

    What’s your proudest accomplishment since CNFR?

    Rodeo related – it’s probably winning the Canadian finals in 2018.

    How do you stay involved in rodeo today?

    I’m very involved in rodeo to this day, but not so much being entered. My kids and I travel around supporting my husband, seeing the sights, and taking in the moments that you take for granted when you have a great horse and are competing yourself! One day we will get back to being entered (hopefully sooner), but for now I’m enjoying the passenger seat and raising babies.

    What advice would you give your younger self before that first CNFR run?

    Don’t be dumb! Try harder to be prepared, mentally.

     

     

    Photo by Jackie Jensen

    Today: Taycie Matthews

    College You Rodeoed For:

    I rodeoed for East Mississippi Community College for 2 years and then transferred to The University Of West Alabama.

    Years at CNFR and Event(s):

    I made the CNFR in the barrel racing in the years of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

    Years You Won the CNFR:

    2023 and 2024 National Champion Barrel Racer, and 2023 National Women’s Team Champions: University of West Alabama

    Hometown/Where You Live Now:

    Wynne, Arkansas

    Graduation Year/Major/Current Career or Involvement in Rodeo:

    I graduated in spring of 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in business administrations. I currently work on our family sweet potato farm and go to rodeos and barrel races on the weekends.

    How did college rodeo propel you in your professional career?

    Rit taught me responsibly and accountably.

    What advice did someone give you during college rodeo that has stuck with you?

    Enjoy it because you can’t college rodeo forever.

    What has been your favorite rodeo memory so far?

    Winning the Women’s Team title at the CNFR.

    Who’s your biggest rodeo role model or mentor?

    My biggest rodeo mentor would have to be Lisa Lockhart.

    How did competing in Casper, Wyoming, affect the way you competed at the NFR?

    It didn’t really affect me in any way. Maybe it just helped me in preparing for a smaller pen.

    What advice would you give to CNFR contestants as they compete for a national championship this year?

    Try your best to stay consistent and take one run at a time!

     

     

    Photo by Jackie Jensen

    Tomorrow: Jordan Driver

    College You Rodeo For:

    Tarleton State University.

    Years at CNFR and Event(s):

    4 years; barrel racing and breakaway roping

    Hometown/Where You Live Now:

    Garden City, Texas

    Graduation Year & Major:

    May 2025. Bachelors of Science with a Kinesiology Major

    What has your journey to the CNFR been like this year?

    Being my last year, I wanted to go out with a bang. I set a pretty high goal of winning the Southwest Region in the barrels and all-around at the beginning of the year. I had to remind myself many times that it was a marathon not a sprint, but when the opportunity arises take advantage of it and capitalize on it.

    How do you balance college life with rodeo?

    Thankfully, I have been very fortunate that my classes and studies are online. It has been very helpful to have that, especially with pro rodeoing as well. I have definitely had to learn how to time manage, and keep myself accountable to stay ahead of my studies.

    What’s one piece of advice that you’re taking into your final CNFR?

    Have fun and let it all hang out. In the end, it is all in God’s plan what will happen, but I know I have spent the long hours and days preparing for that week, so just go do what I do every day.

    What has been your favorite college rodeo memory so far?

    There is honestly so many that it is hard to pick one. My most recent favorite college rodeo memory is winning two of the biggest college rodeos of the semesters with my roommate. As well, attending my second CNFR with my two best friends as teammates and competing together for a national title.

    What are your goals after the CNFR?

    My main goal after the CNFR is to make the NFR. That has always been the end goal, and we are going to give it a run this year.

    What role has your team and coach played in your success?

    Being apart the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team has been nothing but a blessing to me. My coaches, Mark Eakin and Brittney Stewart, have been a huge part of my success here at TSU; and I will never be able to thank them enough for pushing me past my comfort zones and always being there when I need support. I have met some of my lifelong best friends from being on this team; and I truly believe it is all from being a part of such a well-driven community that is our team. My friends and coaches want to see me succeed beyond just the college stage and would give me the shirt on their back at any time. Knowing that I have that type of support system is what keeps me driven every day.

    What’s a piece of knowledge you would give to high schoolers joining the college rodeo ranks this fall?

    Be open to change, but always stay true to yourself. You are going to experience so many highs and lows throughout your college career, but that is all what happens when you start to grow and figure out your true self. Also, always believe you belong; if you put in the time and effort everyday no matter the outcome, your success will come.

  • Raising Rodeo Stars: The Impact of NHSRA and NJHRA

    Raising Rodeo Stars: The Impact of NHSRA and NJHRA

    In the heart of America’s rodeo culture, where grit, determination and horsemanship collide, two organizations quietly cultivate the next generation of professional rodeo talent: the National Junior High Rodeo Association and the National High School Rodeo Association. These organizations are more than youth rodeo associations — they are the training grounds for many of today’s and tomorrow’s rodeo champions.

    The NHSRA, founded in 1949, and its junior counterpart, the NJHRA (established in 2004), were created to provide structured competition for young rodeo athletes. With divisions starting as early as sixth grade, these organizations offer a pathway for youth to develop skills in traditional rodeo events like barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling and team roping.

    What began with a handful of competitors has grown into a global movement, with over 12,000 members across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia. These athletes compete throughout the school year in district, state or provincial rodeos, hoping to earn a coveted spot at the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo or the National High School Finals Rodeo.

    Photo Courtesy of Katie DeLong

    The reigning 2024 NJHRA Ribbon Roping Champions, Henry Buchanan and Louise DeLong, hail from the Silver State of Nevada. As a multi-event cowgirl, DeLong said she used every year of eligibility in the NJHSRA. After just completing the eighth grade, she has one more shot at another world title, while Buchannan is running for his first shot at an NHSRA champion buckle.

    Buchanan says, “High school rodeo has taught me to focus on my job, not winning. I’ve learned that I need to focus on techniques and getting the job done instead of the results on paper.”

    The competitive structure and support systems built into NJHRA and NHSRA closely mirror the professional circuits run by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. This familiar framework gives aspiring athletes early exposure to the expectations, travel demands and mental preparation needed at the pro level.

    Kash Loyd, a sophomore from Texas who won the bareback riding at the 2024 NHSFR, said he feels the NHSRA is setting him up for a future in pro rodeo.

    “High school rodeo puts you in front of the guys that go down the road now — whether that’s judges, stock contractors, other bareback riders — people are going to see your name,” Loyd said.

    Photo by 807Sports Photography

    “It publicizes my name. That makes people, other bareback riders, want to go down the road with me. If they see that I can do that, they know I can ride bareback horses well. They see that I have a good attitude. They see my relationship with God, and that’s what I want. That’s what’s been the best part of the NHSRA.”

    2024 All-Around and Goat Tying Champion Drew Ellen Stewart said the NHSRA prepares students for the high-pressure situations faced by professional rodeo contestants.

    “National High School Rodeo sets a kid’s goal — like, ‘Oh, I want to go to nationals. I want to be a national champion.’ That’s the ultimate goal over any other high school event,” Stewart said. “That national title is one of the highest titles as a high school rodeo athlete. And with it being so high, it puts you in high-pressure situations that prep you for what it will be like when you go into pro rodeo.”

    Participation in junior high and high school rodeo builds more than just rodeo champions — it builds character. Competitors must manage their livestock, maintain equipment, balance travel with academics, and often help finance their careers through sponsorships or part-time work. Responsibility, discipline and resilience are ingrained in every aspect of a young rodeo athlete’s life.

    Photo by Jennings Photography

    Stewart said she knows the challenge of balancing elite-level rodeo with life as a full-time student.

    “It’s difficult because I still go to public school, and I’m one of the few rodeo athletes who still don’t homeschool,” Stewart said. “My family helps a lot, though, because it takes a whole village to allow me to be a four-event all-around cowgirl and a cross country and state track athlete.”

    Many NJHRA and NHSRA alums have gone on to dominate professional rodeo stages. Trevor Brazile, an NHSRA alumnus, is widely regarded as the “King of the Cowboys” and holds the title of the winningest cowboy in PRCA history, with an astounding 26 world championships, including 14 all-around titles.

    Sage Kimzey, who also competed in the NHSRA, has become one of the most successful bull riders in recent history, with an incredible seven PRCA World Champion titles. His journey from youth rodeo to professional rodeo stardom exemplifies how the skills and mindset developed in high school rodeo can propel an athlete to greatness.

    Jackie Crawford, an NHSRA alumna and one of the most decorated cowgirls in the WPRA, has amassed more than 20 world titles in the all-around, breakaway, tie-down and team roping. Crawford has spoken often about how the high school rodeo experience helped her develop the competitive edge and mental toughness needed to thrive in a male-dominated sport.

    These athletes prove that the path to the Thomas & Mack Center often starts in the arenas of state fairgrounds and high school rodeo events. Their stories testify to how the NHSRA and NJHRA are launchpads to greatness.

    These youth associations are now key recruiting grounds for sponsors, scouts and coaches. Rodeo camps and development programs are often held alongside NJHRA and NHSRA events to identify and nurture top-tier talent.

    The National Junior High and High School Rodeo Associations are doing more than hosting rodeos — they are building the future of the sport. Through structured competition, life-skill development and real-world experience, these organizations play a vital role in curating the next generation of pro rodeo stars.

    As long as there are young rodeo athletes with big dreams, NJHRA and NHSRA will be there, helping them prepare for success.

  • Team Cavender’s: Mallory Moore

    Team Cavender’s: Mallory Moore

    For Lufkin, Texas, cowgirl Mallory Moore, the rodeo was not something passed down—she discovered, nurtured and turned it into a way of life. From her first horseback ride at age 4 to her senior year on Team Cavender’s, Moore has grown into one of Region V’s standout high school rodeo competitors, fueled by grit, family support and a deep love for the sport.

    Moore said she began working at the Cavender’s store in Lufkin in August 2023, unaware that the opportunity would lead her to become part of the Cavender’s legacy in a much larger way.

    “I was interested in Cavender’s being one of my sponsors,” Moore said. “I didn’t even know about Team Cavender’s until I started looking into how to get sponsored, and my store manager told me about it. I applied in time for my senior year and was thrilled when I got the email saying I made the team.”

    Though she only spent one year with Team Cavender’s, Moore said she loved every minute of it. She highlighted her favorite memory as their yearly summit meeting.

    “It was a good mixture of rodeo, friendships and business,” she said. “It wasn’t just about being in the arena—it was a life perspective. I made some great friendships, and it gave me a broader view of what it means to represent something bigger than myself.”

    Moore competes in barrel racing and pole bending. While she once entered nearly every event—team roping, breakaway, goat tying, even cutting—she is now focusing her energy on the two events closest to her heart.

    “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized training barrel horses is where my main passion lies,” she said.

    Photo Courtesy of Mallory Moore

    That passion did not come from family tradition. “None of my family rodeoed,” Moore said. “My dad did some cutting, and my uncle runs cattle, but I was the first to get into rodeo.”

    Her journey started with riding lessons from a local woman who did not run barrels but taught her the fundamentals. “I kind of took it from there and trained my horses over the years,” Moore said.

    Moore added her most influential horse was a gelding named Hershey. “I got him in eighth grade, and he took me farther than I ever imagined,” she said. “He won me my first saddles and broke the arena record in Lufkin. He taught me everything I know.”

    Today, Hershey carries a new rider—Moore’s nine-year-old sister Remy.

    “Watching them together makes my heart so happy,” she said. “He knows when to go fast and when to take care of her. Remy has seen what I accomplished with him and wants to do the same.”

    With three younger siblings—two who dance and one who rides—Moore said her parents spend most of their time supporting their children’s passions on the road.

    “They’ve always pushed me to be my best and be the best sportsman I can be,” Moore said. “Their support, along with my grandparents and that first riding coach, has made all the difference.”

    Now preparing for life after high school, Moore said she plans to attend a community college this fall and plans on buying her permit.

    “Eventually, I want to go pro and PRCA rodeo. I’ve always dreamed of getting on the road and seeing how far I can go in barrel racing,” she said.

    One of Moore’s proudest moments was receiving the Legend Williamson Award from the Piney Woods Rodeo Association. The award is named for 10-year-old Legend Williamson, who died in a horseback riding accident in 2021.

    “Legend was a friend of mine who passed away. He never met a stranger and always shared God’s light,” she said. “Receiving that award meant the world to me. I want to carry that light and support others like he did.”

    Whether in the arena or in life, Moore rides with heart, faith and a fierce determination to make her mark on the rodeo world.

  • Taylor Broussard – Stronger than the Struggle

    Taylor Broussard – Stronger than the Struggle

    Addiction is a powerful force – one that must be confronted. It is a disease that can take root in one’s life and wreak havoc on more than just themselves. Gradually, if left unchecked, it can consume every aspect of a person’s well-being and turn into a relentless cycle of struggle, denial and, occasionally, overwhelming times of despair – an era of dependence that temps you to stray from the path intended for you. It often begins as a moment of escape or pain that transforms into something far more dangerous and destructive. However, with the right support, courage and understanding, the road to healing and recovery can be transformative and awe-inspiring. This is a telling of one such story that is about more than the grip of addiction, but about the strength it takes to overcome and prevail despite your demons.

    Photo by Sam-Sin Photography

    Taylor Broussard, age 31, of Estherwood, Louisiana, is well known for his prowess on a bareback horse within the professional ranks of rodeo. The cowboy has three qualifications for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) starting in 2019, 2021, and 2024; he has achieved numerous career highlights from NFR round wins, circuit championships, and other various rodeo titles. Broussard is a loving family man with his wife, Alishea, and has a deep passion for the sport of rodeo. His family owns a crawfish business, and outside of bareback horses, Broussard enjoys roping and breaking colts. However, within this mirage of happiness lives a secret that was slowly eating the talented cowboy alive. That secret was alcohol addiction and abuse.

    It all began with large family gatherings and events during his youth. Social drinking was a normal function and simply part of Louisiana culture. The accessibility of alcohol and the ease with which it could be attained laid the foundation for what would turn into a lifelong struggle with addiction. Broussard stated, “The way it started, I would open a beer for my cousins and sneak a sip here and there.” He continued with the knowledge that “I grew up in a good family; there was just a lot of partying.” The exposure to alcohol and its eventual abuse would not only disrupt Broussard’s life but would affect his well-being and career. “I started drinking beer when I was 12 years old like a man and got help when I was 29…” By the age of 19, Broussard began to recognize that he might have a problem but, at the time, could not see a way past it.

    In his early rodeo career, Broussard expressed there was a great deal of alcohol abuse. The temptation to party, drink and care poorly for oneself is intense when on the road. While riding full-time, he believed his friends and fellow competitors primarily saw his drinking as casual, with no one recognizing the underlying problem. Broussard thought he could run under the radar while competing and disassociated himself from the issue at hand. However, during his second NFR in 2021, Broussard suffered an injury that removed him from competition for a period.

    “I went on a downward slope from there because I was a little depressed about not being able to rodeo. I started drinking by myself, using it as a pain reliever.” According to Broussard, it was an excuse that would evolve into drinking in the morning by himself and would lead to his self-isolation due to his behavior. His drinking would lead to car accidents and mistakes that would ultimately feed his addiction. A tipping point came soon after he was cleared to start working out and getting prepared to rodeo again. One day, on his drive home, “I couldn’t help myself… I stopped at five stores that didn’t sell beer and finally caught one that did.” He explained that he did not know the reason for stopping or buying the alcohol in the first place.

    “I asked God for help. I don’t want to keep doing this.” The next day, his brother, who is 11 years sober, contacted him and asked if he was ready to receive support. To Broussard, it was a message from God saying, “It’s time… so I listened.”

    Forty-five days in rehab and going on three years sober and in active recovery, Broussard is a changed man and a better competitor for it.

    In reflection on how his addiction affected family and friends, Broussard stated, “It was affecting my relationships because I was putting drinking first instead of my marriage.” Today, his outlook is healthier and mirrors the changes he made in his life. The first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem and then to seek help. Broussard expressed that the aid is available; you must only seek the help and be prepared to accept it. A strong community to stand behind you is vital to maintaining sobriety and being aware of your surroundings is key to finding success. Broussard stated, “Surround yourself with champions and the people you want to be like.” Alcohol and temptation are everywhere; being conscious of the people, influences and beliefs can make the difference between being in active recovery or finding yourself reverting to addiction.

    Photo by Sam-Sin Photography

     “Don’t be afraid to ask for help because there are a lot of people out there willing to provide aid and went through the same struggles as you.” He continued with, “Just talking to someone might help just a little bit…”

    Today, Broussard’s rodeo career is flourishing thanks to the positive influences, life changes and support received after his plea for aid. His outlook on riding bareback horses and his physical health have improved immensely, along with his desire to win. “I’ve been on a lot of bucking horses since I’ve been sober… now I feel like I should win on them all.” In a comparison of his health during active addiction versus active recovery, Broussard can feel a physical and spiritual strength that was not always present before. A 31-year-old bareback rider is seasoned in more ways than one. Going into this year’s rodeos, the bareback rider can confidently say he has never felt better or more fit to compete. Broussard is nothing if not humble regarding his past decisions or thankful to the people who stepped up to be the supporters he needed. Longtime friend, traveling partner, and fellow NFR qualifier Trenton Montero – who sadly passed away after a rodeo accident in August of 2023 – was a “good buddy” and a positive example of both character and faith. Montero’s life reflected moral conviction and was grounded in integrity and devotion. His relationship with Broussard was critical to his recovery as he was his “wingman.”

    Photo by Wild Red Rodeo Photography

    When reflecting on his relationship with Montero, Broussard stated, “I think that is what kept me sober, how proud he was of me.”

    Recovery is possible for anyone. It is often deeply personal and a journey taken over one’s lifetime. There is no cure for addiction, but it is treatable, and long-term healing is more than possible. The path to active recovery is marked by courage, vulnerability and resilience, and it begins by recognizing that a change is needed. Broussard’s lasting remarks on addiction were, “Set reachable goals in both life and recovery.” The path is rarely straight or without bumps; setbacks may come, but every step forward is a victory. To take the time to rediscover one’s identity and learn to live with purpose and peace will only open the doors back into the community we all seek to be part of. Through community, accountability and inner strength, those in recovery can find the hope that was never lost but simply waiting to be held.

  • Little Lightning: The Four-Year-Old Trick Rider Dazzling Crowds Across the Country

    Little Lightning: The Four-Year-Old Trick Rider Dazzling Crowds Across the Country

    Coulee May Proctor is only 4 years old, but she’s already making a name for herself in rodeo. The budding trick rider has been appearing in performances alongside her mom, Haley, capturing the hearts of rodeo fans across the country. Rodeo is in Coulee’s blood — Haley started performing at rodeos when she was six, and Coulee’s dad, Shane Proctor, is a world champion bull rider. The dedicated rodeo couple wasn’t surprised when their daughter wanted to become involved, having grown up on the road, on the back of a horse and in the grandstands. With Haley’s guidance, Coulee is continually learning new trick riding skills and also competing in other youth rodeo events aboard her horses Phantom and Cricket.

    Photo Courtesy of the Proctors | Coulee asks for a trick riding lesson from Haley as a Mother’s Day gift.

    Like her daughter, Haley Proctor grew up in rodeo. Her father rode bulls in the PRCA, and her uncle, Shawn Brackett, is a well-known specialty act performer, which inspired her to try trick riding. When she was only five years old, she started imitating her uncle by hanging off the side of her horse. Her parents decided she should learn how to do things safely and correctly, so she spent her youth learning to do all of the classic trick-riding maneuvers. Haley performed for the first time when she was 6 years old, competed in barrels, and roped throughout her youth. She knew she wanted to pursue performing professionally after high school, and bought her PRCA card when she turned 18. Since then, Haley has performed at PRCA rodeos across the country, including the National Finals Rodeo. Haley has been nominated for the Top Five Specialty Act of the Year for the PRCA six times. She continues to train horses and run barrels.

    Shane is a world champion bull rider and has made many appearances at the NFR. He also qualified for the PBR World Finals nine times. Recently, he has been coaching for Western Oklahoma State College. After spending many years focused on timed events, the college wanted to put more time into their roughstock events, bringing Shane in to help move the program forward. This last year, Jesse Hopper went into the College National Finals Rodeo in first place and ended in third, which was a huge success for the Pioneers. Shane also works part-time for the Cowboy Channel, joining people like Justin McKee and Joe Beaver to provide commentary for rodeos.

    Photo Courtesy of the Proctors | Coulee and her dad, Shane.

    Coulee grew up on the rodeo road and naturally became interested in all things horses early on. She was riding as soon as she was able, and Haley quickly noticed that Coulee was also interested in trick-riding. Shane and Haley bought her a black and white pony named Phantom, who has been a great learning partner. “He’s still a pony sometimes,” Haley laughed, “but he’s a good one.”

    Coulee made her first public appearance when she was two. 

    “Her first performance coming in with me was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Shane led her in, and she stood up with him holding her hands. She’s been a little showman ever since,” Haley recalled.

    After having fun at that first performance, Shane has led Coulee into the arena to perform at many rodeos. Coulee will stand up, hang off the side of Phantom, wave at the crowd and show off her riding skills. Rodeo fans love seeing young people getting their start in the arena, and are especially fond of having Haley, Coulee and Shane appear together.

    As Coulee has grown and found her seat in the saddle, she has also started competing in other youth rodeo events, such as barrels. She started riding one of Haley’s horses named Cricket, who has been one of her main Roman riding horses for years. Cricket is the definition of broke, racing around the arena for Haley during Roman riding performances, and quietly trotting around the barrels for Coulee, never going any faster than she wants.

    While Coulee’s interest in rodeo and trick riding is apparent, Shane and Haley are still careful to make sure she wants to do it. Coulee frequently asks to participate in rodeos that Haley performs at, but it is always her choice. Haley learned the value of this from her parents. “I still played sports, and I was involved in everything. It was always my choice to make this [trick riding] my career because my parents gave me every opportunity to do it. That’s what we want to do for Coulee as well,” Haley said.

    Shane and Haley shared that Coulee takes a lot of initiative, asking to ride her horses and practice every day. “When we’re home, she wants to go ride her horse, or she wants to get her mom so she can practice Roman riding,” Shane shared.

    Photo Courtesy of the Proctors

    Coulee enjoys the spotlight but is also learning valuable lessons about taking care of her animals day in and day out. Haley shared that before a recent Oklahoma storm, Coulee made sure Phantom was in the barn for the night. Shane also shared about his daughter learning the basics of equine care, like using a hoof pick to clean out Phantom’s feet. “She’s been able to learn about taking care of animals,” Shane shared.

    Haley learned about the business of performing when she was young and shared that Coulee is also starting to pick up these skills. At a recent rodeo, Coulee negotiated fair tickets in exchange for performing alongside her mom.

    Trick riding can be extremely fast-paced and dangerous. Haley is well-known for riding Roman, standing on top of two horses with one foot on each. She jumps through rings of fire and hangs off the side of her horse while it gallops around the arena. Things happen fast, but Haley trusts the horses she has trained and has put in the time at home to make sure they are ready for the noise, lights and occasional fireworks that are a part of rodeo performances. Haley and Shane ensure that Coulee always has a safe horse to ride, both for trick riding and rodeo events, in order to build her confidence and set her up for success.

    At 4 years old, Coulee has already had the opportunity to perform at some of the nation’s biggest rodeos. She has also traveled extensively, watching her parents compete and perform. “She’s been to 38 states, from Florida to Washington,” Shane shared.

    Coulee is quickly becoming a favorite in the rodeo world, and her confidence in front of crowds is only growing. Coulee shared that her favorite trick riding moves are the hippodrome and cosac. Dressing up for performances is another bonus, and her favorite trick riding outfit is pink and black. Coulee also adorns Phantom with sparkles.

    Two weeks before the NFR, Shane and Haley found out their family would be growing again. In August, they will welcome another daughter, Charlcee Kate, into the world.

    Photo by Hailey Rae Photography | Shane leading Coulee on the grass at the Pendleton Round-Up.

    “It’s nothing but pink and bows around here,” Shane laughed.

    The couple is also looking ahead with no plans to slow down. Haley hopes to get back to performing as soon as she’s able and is also open to whatever their youngest daughter will want to do when she has the option to learn how to trick-ride. “We’ll support her in whatever she wants to do,” Haley said.

    Editor’s Note: You can follow Coulee’s travels on her parents’ Instagram pages @theshaneproctor and @haley_trickrides – because it’s Coulee’s world and we’re just living in it.

    Photo by Hailey Rae Photography

  • Where Rodeo Meets Rock: The 2025 Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo

    Where Rodeo Meets Rock: The 2025 Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo

    Legendary artist Kid Rock, known for his electrifying musical craft and unique rendition of rock, county, and hip hop, kicks off the PBR World Finals at AT&T Stadium with the 2nd annual Rock N Rodeo to be held on May 16, 2025. The event was dubbed “The Ultimate Rodeo Showdown” due to its electrifying mix of rodeo athletes, coaches, and event structure – not to mention the event’s name’s sake and concert front liner, Mr. Kid Rock himself. Six rodeo legends will lead six teams of professional athletes in a head-to-head match over three rounds, with the winning team walking away with the title. Each team was inspired by classic rock and hit R&B artist Kid Rock and his nameworthy tracts: Team Convoy, headed by the six-time world champion tie-down roper and 2001 All-Around Champion Cody Ohl. The Jokers, Co-Head-Coach Joe Beaver, a five-time world champion tie-down roper and twenty-two-time NFR qualifier, backed up by Co-Head Coach Sid Steiner, the 2002 World Champion Steer Wrestler and 4th generation member of the Steiner Rodeo Company. The Free Riders, Head Coach Bobby Mote, fifteen-time NFR qualifier, and four-time world champion bareback rider and all-around cowboy competing in both the rough stock and timed events. The Low Riders, Head Coach Trevor Brazil, also known as the “King of the Cowboys” and arguably the greatest all-around cowboy with 31 trips to the NFR and 26 world championship titles. Misty Mountain Hop, Head Coach Charmayne James, eleven-time WPRA world champion barrel racer and nineteen-time NFR qualifier, most notably known for her equine partner Scamper. Finally, the Sledge Hammers, coached by Fred Whitfield, is a seven-time world champion tie-down roper with an all-around title and numerous NFR average championships.

    These six teams, headed by historical rodeo legends, will face off in a bracket-tournament-style rodeo for a share of the purse. Each team will face off head-to-head to earn medals through three rounds of competition, with each bracket facing a starting-light competition style. Gone are the days of calling for your cattle or the start of the ride; rather, contestants will face a traffic light countdown and compete simultaneously for the medal. The winning team of each bracket will earn one gold medal, with the two teams who accumulated the most medals facing off in the championship match. This head-to-head competition across all seven rodeo disciplines determines the winner and which team will ultimately claim the 2025 Rock N Rodeo title. The defending 2024 champions, the Free Riders, do not plan to shy away from the task at hand. Head coach Bobby Mote is headed into the Rock N Rodeo with the mindset that his team is already “on a roll” after competing at the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) event in Corpus Christi under the same rodeo conditions and format. The head-to-head format and stop-light sequence addition to the rodeo will make the event’s competition both unique and exhilarating for the contestants and spectators. The winners of the WCRA Corpus Christi on team Free Riders will have the advantage of already competing under those conditions and the bonus of being seasoned to the rodeo format. According to Motes, his team will have already “won under similar conditions” and be more prepared for the event. When asked how the competitor’s competitive nature and drive for success plays into the team aspect of the Rock N Rodeo, Motes stated, “It doesn’t matter what the individual does, it matters what the team [accomplishes],” continuing with the ideology of how each athlete plays a role and the “unselfish way they carry themselves” in favor of the team they represent. As a former world champion and athlete of both the rough stock and timed events, Mote stated, “We feel like we’re competing” alongside our athletes. The energy at AT&T stadium is unparalleled and is an “amazing environment.” Given the event format, competitors simply must “hope they’re faster than the person [beside them],” and coaches must consider their lineup based on strengths, stock draw, and overall team decisiveness. Aspects of the competition add an element of suspense that is expected to be crowd favorites and exhilarating for spectators in attendance. All elements aid in the theme “unleash the beat with Kid Rock” and the revolutionary take on the sport of rodeo.

    Cowboys and cowgirls expected to compete at the Rock N Rodeo include many nameworthy NFR athletes such as professional breakaway roper Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, calf roper Riley Webb, and steer wrestler Dirk Tavenner, representing team Convoy. Crowd favorites such as bareback riders Rocker Steiner and Jess Pope, barrel racer Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, and calf roper Tuf Cooper are expected to compete alongside household rodeo names like Sherry Cervi, Tyler Waguespack, and Junior Nogueira, to name a few. According to the five-time steer wrestling world champion and ten-time NFR qualifier, Tyler Waguespack, this rodeo is beyond unique and exhilarating. When asked how this event differed from typical PRCA rodeos, Waguespack stated, “We normally go to the regular rodeo, and we’re just focusing on our event and our job.” However, this event had Waguespack helping teammates in the bucking horse events and pushing cattle for the other timed events. Fans of rodeo “won’t be pulling for one particular person; they need the entire team to do good to win.” He continued with the idea that the addition of the traffic light starting sequence would be “great for the fan base” by adding energy to each rodeo discipline and making the rodeo fast-paced and exciting. Waguespack concluded that he truly enjoyed the event’s inaugural year and that he felt as though “it was a great thing for the rodeo as far as building new fans and bringing new attention to the sport.”

    The 2nd annual Kid Rock Rock N Rodeo is scheduled for May 16, 2025, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and is expected to be a surreal and memorable event for both the fans of rodeo and the competitors that eat, sleep, and breath for the competition. Athletes, coaches, and spectators can all agree that the event will be a show-stopper and one for the books in terms of talent, grit, and above all teamwork. The unique take on the sport of rodeo in terms of its team structure and event bracket format can only pay tribute to the event’s living inspiration, Kid Rock, and his undeniable reputation as one of music’s most dynamic and enduring superstars. A legacy that each legendary coach carries into their teams and their unquenchable need to succeed. It will be a night worth taking stock of and one that the true fans of rodeo won’t want to miss.

  • Threads of the West: Second Hand Sorrel

    Threads of the West: Second Hand Sorrel

    Today’s world of fashion has evolved into a one-use environment, where the majority of consumers are striving to hit the mark on the ever-moving target of trends. Second Hand Sorrel is the antithesis of that. The Western store, based out of North Texas, has become a thrift haven, giving a new life to pieces that were never meant to fit into fast fashion.

    Kara Dougherty, the founder of Second Hand Sorrel, grew up ranching around Parkfield, California. Dougherty recalled the way that her Western roots influenced her to start the store, “To know that a piece, whether it’s clothing or art, it’s had a previous life, it’s had a previous story, and now it’s going to go on to a new life. I think that’s really cool. It kind of parallels with ranching, in a sense. You reuse a lot of things. In my eyes, ranchers are the ultimate recyclers.“ She further expressed that ranchers just want to help make the world a better place for the coming generations. A similar notion can be made with clothing. In a working environment, there is a necessity for items that are durable, timeless, and classic. Whether branding calves, competing at a rodeo or attending a function, Western enthusiasts look for pieces that can be re-worn, re-styled, and loved on for years to come.

    Opening the online store has helped to scratch Dougherty’s shopaholic itch. Traveling around the country to rodeos with her NFR and PBR World Finalist husband Chase and son Calgary, Dougherty discovers collectible items that she sees a future for, even if it isn’t with her. She began scooping up those pieces to offer to other people online. “It’s such a killer when you find really neat pieces and it’s either not in your size or maybe you just don’t have a place in your home for it. It almost kind of killed me inside to leave it behind, but I’m like, ‘I know somebody would love this,’” declared Dougherty.

    Kate Harrison sporting a Second Hand Sorrel very post-interview with Lisa Lockhart at the Calgary Stampede.

    Over the years, Second Hand Sorrel has evolved into new opportunities for Dougherty. The thrift boutique has allowed her to play around with unique and forgotten Western styles. Her pieces have been sported by Katy Lucas from The Cowboy Channel and PBR sideline reporter Kate Harrison. Dougherty’s mind always returns to a certain decade when looking for inspiration. “If I could’ve been born in any other decade, I wish I would’ve been born in the 70s. Both my parents were actually in high school in the 70s and their wardrobes were so killer. I love looking at pictures from that era and that decade. I love plaid, and a high-waisted plaid pant I think is really cool and high-waisted, corduroy pants. I love the uniqueness of that era.”

     

    When looking for ways to incorporate thrifted items into one’s wardrobe, she recommended, “One really easy way is to just to find staple pieces, whether that’s a really good pair of jeans, a button-up shirt, something that can be worn in a bunch of different facets and can be washed or dry cleaned and used again. I just did a styling where I took a starch pair of trousers and a starch Cinch button-up, and I made three different outfits for completely different occasions. One occasion was with heels and a big necklace and you can cuff the pants, and you can go out to a fancy occasion. Another was with muck boo

    ts and a vest for loading bulls into a trailer. Then the other was if you throw a blazer over it with a nice pair of boots, you’re set for a business meeting or an interview. So, getting pieces that you can reuse for multiple occasions is always really good. Getting pieces that you just genuinely love.” She pressed on about the simple yet stunning effect a statement concho belt, a timeless Canadian tuxedo, or a classy pair of boots can have on an outfit.

    Thinking on the longevity of thrifting in this industry, Dougherty remarked, “I think secondhand clothing will always be a huge facet in Western fashion and in the Western industry just because of our appreciation of the past and of those who came before us.”

     

    Rodeo Life readers can shop Second Hand Sorrel online at thesecondhandsorrel.com or follow @secondhandsorrelthrift on Instagram.

  • Team Cavender’s: Dillon Grote

    Team Cavender’s: Dillon Grote

    In the fast-paced world of rodeo, where the stakes are high and the competition is fierce, young athletes like Dillon Grote, an 18-year-old from Bennington, Oklahoma, must balance dedication, ambition and family support.

    “Rodeo is a family affair,” said the young competitor. His mother, a former professional rodeo athlete, and his father, a cattle-showing winner, played a significant role in shaping his passion for the sport.

    Photo Courtesy of Dillon Grote

    “My mom got me into rodeo,” Grote said. “She made the college finals, won the CRRA, and really paved the way for me to take the next step.”

    As a child, Grote said he would accompany her to competitions, eventually taking up the sport, and gradually working his way up.

    “My dad won, my mom won,” he added. “I think winning was the only option. It just ran through the family.”

    Grote said his parents’ unwavering support—especially his mother’s decision to step away from the rodeo world to focus on his training—has been a cornerstone of his career.

    “She devoted all of her time to me,” he said. “I owe my parents all of my success.”

    Grote said he first learned about the opportunity to join Team Cavender’s through his good friends, Kyan Wilhite, Luke Coleman, Colee Cox, Riley Edens and Coralie Massey.

    “I just kind of saw the merch they were wearing, the jackets and stuff, and I thought it looked cool,” he recalled. After chatting with Kyan, Grote said he received the green light to apply. “Kyan texted Sydney, who told me about the application process. I filled it out, and then we talked at state finals.”

    The young rodeo athlete said that Team Cavender’s isn’t just about the competition; it’s about building relationships. He added that the team provides valuable exposure and networking, opening doors to bigger opportunities.

    “Not everyone gets to be on Cavender’s, so if you make it, it says something about you as a person and as a rodeo athlete,” he said.

    Grote added that team members attended a media training day and had access to bigger sponsors, which gave him an edge in the sport.

    Grote said he focuses on preparing for life after high school outside of rodeo. He is enrolled in a vocational technology program and added that learning a trade will set him up for success beyond rodeo.

    “I’m in the HVAC class,” he said. “HVAC technicians and plumbers are projected to be among the highest-paid jobs in the next five years. It’s a good business to get into.”

    The tech program allows students to complete roughly 1,050 hours of coursework over two years, giving them a head start in their careers after graduation.

    “I’m hoping to be a contractor and work in HVAC while still rodeoing on the side,” he said. It’s clear that while rodeo is his passion, he is pragmatic about his future.

    Grote said rodeo has taught him valuable lessons in perseverance, especially regarding the complexity of tie-down roping.

    “It’s one of the most complicated events. There are so many things that could go wrong,” he explained. “You have to do everything right, and it requires skill, timing, and a great horse to make a perfect run.”

    Grote said the challenge is part of what makes the sport so rewarding. He added that his victory at the 2024 Hooey Junior Patriot, where he won $25,000, stands out as one of his proudest achievements.

    “Being 17 and winning $25,000, I didn’t even know what to do with that kind of money,” he said.

    Grote said his goals don’t stop there. With his ProRodeo permit in hand, he added he wants to qualify for the permit finals and circuit finals, and eventually make a run for the NFR.

    “I’m just excited to see where this journey takes me,” he said.