A Jr High Rodeo Checklist

"Luck to me is lots of determination, hard work, faith in myself and in God"- Lane Frost 

Marj after winning the Winter Series Rodeo 1st place intermediate barrels

Rodeo Ready?

Growing up in a family where multiple people are headed to a rodeo of some sort can be kind of hectic. What's even more crazy is when your siblings all age out and you are left to your first rodeo season alone! This year, Marjorie found herself attending Jr High rodeos alone, since her older brother moved on. Marjorie has had a lot of changes happen this last year. In the early fall her trusted barrel and pole horse, "Dunit", pulled a muscle and needed to be layed off for a couple of months. Thankfully, Liza, allowed her to borrow her horse "Sophera", as she was focusing more on her up and coming horse "Jetta". Marjorie was hesitant at first but has since clicked well with "Sophera" and won the Diamond Fork Winter Series Rodeo, taking first place in intermediate barrels. 

Being the only one competing means it is up to you to make sure the trailer is packed with all your gear, food, extra clothes and any equipment you might need. Once at the rodeo there is a lot to be done to make sure you are rodeo ready. This weekend as Marjorie was getting everything ready to compete she  walked us through her event ready checklist at her Jr High Rodeo in Hurricane, Utah.

Brush Horses 

Waiting her turn for a brush

Before anything else it is important to make sure you have brushed off your horses. Brushing off your horses prevents sticker weeds, hay or dirt from rubbing on the saddle pad and creating annoyance. Imagine if you never brushed through your hair, the dirt would probably rub and cause you to itch. Grooming your horse is a curtesy. 

Pick out Your Horses Hooves

Learning to pick out Halley's hoof

Just like grooming/brushing your horse prevents itching and horses, so does checking their feet. A horses hooves are their lifeline, because they literally can't function without them. Especially when you're getting ready to compete you want to make sure your horses feet are clean of rocks and hard packed dirt so there isn't any discomfort. This is very important for rodeos as you want your horse to do their best and avoid discomfort. If you've never picked out a horses foot before, here is a great place to learn how. 

Saddle Up

Heber Saddling up Too Fame for a practice barrel run

After we have inspected the horse and gotten them groomed. It's time for the blanket and saddle. We use a separate blanket/pad when competing that is only for rodeos so it stays nice and clean. 

Briddle and Boot Up

Putting Sophera's boots on before the run

After we have the saddle on and ready to go, it's time to get the headstall and boots on. We ride "Sophera" in a Myler bit to stiffen her up just a little because she is super bendy, but we also like to use a Sherri Cervi bit. Due to the fact that the horse is going to be performing, proper protection for their legs is needed. We use the professional choice boots for all of our barrel and pole horses. 

Warm Up and Double Check 

Warming up for their barrel run

Our horses are athletes, you wouldn't go sprint 400 meters with no warm up and expect to not pull a muscle, so we don't ask that of our horses either. We take the time to warm them up, so that when it comes time to run, they are ready. During warm up is also a good time to check your tack and make sure it is tight. 

Team Meeting

Team meeting with Sophera

As we were talking with Marjorie, she reminded us of one of our favorite family and ranch traditions, team meetings. When you go in that arena to compete it isn't solely on you. You are a team with your horse, and God. It is important to take a minute before you run to say a quick prayer for your horse, your competitors and you. No rodeo is ever complete without some praise towards heaven. 

Time to Ride 

Liza riding Sophera in 2020 coming out of the 2nd barrel

After you've had your team meeting with God and your horse it is time to put your worries, fears and nerves behind you. Run your race, leave it all in the arena.  

Marjorie has placed in the top 3 in the 1D in every jackpot she and "Sophera" have entered in, since December. We look forward to seeing what all this team can accomplish. 

We are on a journey to bridge the gap between producer and consumer by sharing our dream, knowledge and experience with the world. Hold on tight the ride is only 8 seconds long. ​