Day in the Life of a College Rodeo Athlete
By: Madison Desovick, Skyline Reporter
ALPINE - I woke up to my morning alarm, and feeding my horses was the first thing on my mind. Before drinking my morning tea, making plans for the day, or even picking up a hairbrush, my horses were top priorities. That is what being a rodeo athlete is all about.
The past few days have been cold, so it was important that I broke the surface ice of their water troughs, and made sure their blankets were still strapped comfortably. Without healthy and happy equine athletes, we can’t do what we love.
Rodeo is a very demanding sport, especially at the collegiate level; physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Sul Ross State University Rodeo team participated in its first competition of the semester in Fort Worth, Texas, from February 2nd to 4th.
It is important for these rodeo team members to complete all the daily tasks that are required to be fully prepared as a student and equine athlete. The amount of preparation and decision-making that is required on a day-to-day basis is what influences the performance of a student-athlete at a college rodeo.
Team members were asked about their daily routines when preparing for an event such as the one in February. Four student athletes stated that “feeding their horses” is step one after waking up in the morning. Prioritizing feeding the competition livestock is how students can ensure that their horses are comfortable, healthy, and satisfied, before even eating breakfast themselves.
After completing their morning tasks, the rodeo athletes go to class three or more days out of the week. Even after a full class load, the students still must attend rodeo practice.
Rodeo practice starts at 2 p.m. and runs until all the events are completed, which usually takes between 4 to 6 hours. A majority of the athletes explained that practice is a huge part of preparing themselves and their horses for competition. The rodeo coaches dedicate so much of their own time and effort to make these students successful, and it shows. The idea of “practicing with purpose” is instilled in the minds of the athletes on a regular basis.
“Keeping the same routine for my horses when I rope, like warming up, and making my first run a rodeo run, makes it more realistic for me and my horses.” said Jordan Miller, a rodeo team athlete in her junior year. The idea of keeping a consistent routine is a very important part of these athletes' success.
While practice is set officially from 2pm to 7pm on Thursday, students' work goes beyond the practice arena. Jeffery Saenz, a sophomore team member, mentions that he works on his “roping and riding outside of practice”.These extra hours allow him to get additional practice.
A rodeo team is like a family, practicing, working out, and studying, all of us pushing each other in a positive way toward success and to be the best versions of ourselves. After a long day of practice, preparation, and teamwork, every one of the livestock at the S.A.L.E. Arena can count on getting fed and cared for, before these students fall asleep, just to do it all over again tomorrow.