Speed, adrenaline, and accomplishment. These are just some of the many reasons BHS students have taken up the thrilling sport of rodeo.

The Bridger Mountain High School Rodeo Club offers students from 6th to 12th grade the opportunity to learn about the standard rodeo events and try their luck at the sport. Events include barrels, breakaway roping, and bull riding; for middle school members, events such as steer riding and ribbon roping are offered as alternatives to the more intense events. These allow younger participants the opportunity to stay involved without putting themselves at as much of a risk. This club consists of members from every corner of the Gallatin Valley and meets regularly in an arena in Belgrade for practice.

Senior Shannon Slevin finds the practices with the club to be very beneficial. “When we are there, we get advice from college rodeo athletes and parents and coaches,” said Slevin.

Shelby Thiem, a junior at BHS, has been participating in high school rodeo since she was a freshman. “I like how independent it is,” said Thiem. “You take responsibility for your horse, instead of your parents doing it all.”
Senior Danielle Madill heard about high school rodeo from friends. She and Thiem rodeo together as team ropers. The best part about high school rodeo is “hanging out with friends every weekend,” said Madill.

This sport calls not only for involvement from participants, but dedication. The season runs from March until June, with rodeos held every weekend on both Saturday and Sunday, making for a long weekend filled with trailer rides and, of course, waiting for each participant’s shot in the arena. These rodeos are held all around Montana. Frequently, participants have to leave Friday night or even earlier, depending on how far they have to travel. Because high school rodeo is not a school sanctioned event, students cannot get an activity excuse, which can create difficulties for some.

Throughout the season, competitors earn points based on their success at each rodeo. The high school rodeo finals will be held in Bozeman this year at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, June 6 through 10. Based on the points earned during the season, some attend Silver State, and some move on to Nationals.

The interaction between horse and rider is a reward to many participants. The horse is an independent animal, and to have success in any riding discipline, one must find a way to bond with the horse. “You get this amazing one-on-one connection with a horse,” said Slevin in response to why she enjoys high school rodeo most. “The adrenaline rush you get running full tilt at stationary objects is so exciting.”

Opportunities for rodeo go beyond high school. The National Rodeo Association offers a chance to go from high school rodeo to college, and beyond. There are also ways to specialize in specific events such as professional bull riding and the barrel series. Both Thiem and Madill plan to continue their rodeo careers in college, and Thiem has already been scouted by one college rodeo coach.

The sport of rodeo requires rigorous participation, but the rewards from participating, including new friendships, a strong bond between horse and rider, and a sense of accomplishment are well worth it.

Jessianne Wright is a Bozeman High student and new contributor to Bozeman magazine.