October 14, 2025 • 17 mins
A 4 a.m. wake-up, a four-hour haul, and a seventh grader who ropes with the poise of a seasoned header—meet Ty Eldridge from Harrisburg, Arkansas. We sit down with Ty to explore how a 12-year-old turns school days, barn chores, and practice nights into solid runs, quiet confidence, and a bond with a five-year-old gelding named Skid Rock. It’s a story about discipline that doesn’t need drama, mentorship that works in the practice pen, and the kind of horse care that shows up when the gate opens.
Ty walks us through his events—team roping on the head side, breakaway, ribbon roping, and goat tying—and the training rhythm he leans on: live cattle for timing, the dummy for fixing habits, and daily saddle time that keeps his horse responsive without burning him out. We talk through jackpot nerves, competing against adults, and the mental routine that steadies your hand in the box. He opens up about losses and small wins, the lightbulb moment in Searcy when breakaway finally clicked, and why humility and patience beat shortcuts and hype.
We also get practical about equine health and performance. Ty shares how quality hay and a simple GI routine keep Skid Rock feeling good on the road, and we break down a stress-aware approach—prioritizing forage, friends, and freedom—that helps hauled horses stay settled. From starting young horses to representing sponsors like Cactus Ropes with integrity, Ty’s perspective is refreshingly grounded. He’s chasing a saddle, dreaming of a gold buckle, and keeping the work honest—proof that grit, good mentors, and better horsemanship can carry a young athlete a long way.
If this conversation leaves you inspired, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves rodeo or youth sports, and leave a quick review telling us your best pre-competition ritual.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_02 (00:00):
Hello, welcome to the Beasley Equine Podcast.
Today we got the pleasure andhonor to sit down with Ty
Eldridge all the way fromHarrisburg, Arkansas.
He's a great young man.
He's a team roper, calf roper,goat tire, just an all-around
cowboy.
And for those of you that arelistening to this and not
watching the video, I swear he'sonly 12.
(00:23):
He sounds like he's 47.
We had a great littleconversation, and uh stay tuned
for that.
SPEAKER_00 (00:35):
Bring a little black bag with the medicines and bring
the tank and the crank and thepenicillin.
SPEAKER_02 (00:41):
So what's going on, Ty?
SPEAKER_01 (00:44):
Oh, just Ben rodeoing and just hanging around
the house and working at thepractice bin and all that.
SPEAKER_02 (00:50):
Where uh where's your house at?
SPEAKER_01 (00:52):
Harrisburg, Arkansas.
SPEAKER_02 (00:54):
How far away is that from here?
SPEAKER_01 (00:55):
It was about four hours to drive over here.
SPEAKER_02 (00:58):
Jeez, what time did you have to get up?
SPEAKER_01 (01:00):
Four.
We left at four.
SPEAKER_02 (01:02):
Who scheduled this at nine for him?
John.
So I noticed you already gotsome patches on there.
Cactus ropes.
Are you representing them too?
SPEAKER_01 (01:11):
Yes, sir.
I'm representing cactus.
That's one of my main sponsors.
I couldn't be more thankful forBarry Berg and Kelly Miller at
Cactus Ropes down there.
I they give me everything I needand they just always take care
of me.
SPEAKER_02 (01:26):
That's awesome.
How old are you?
SPEAKER_01 (01:27):
I'm actually 12 right now.
SPEAKER_02 (01:29):
12, going on what, 30?
So what uh obviously your rodeo,what all do you compete in?
SPEAKER_01 (01:36):
Yes, sir.
I'm in the team roping,breakaway, ribbon roping, and
goat tying.
SPEAKER_02 (01:41):
What's your favorite one of all those?
SPEAKER_01 (01:43):
Has to be the team roping.
SPEAKER_02 (01:44):
Yeah, which side are you on?
SPEAKER_01 (01:45):
Head inside.
SPEAKER_02 (01:46):
Nice.
You like that better?
SPEAKER_01 (01:48):
I love it.
SPEAKER_02 (01:49):
Yeah, I used to heal, but half the time I never
got to throw my rope.
I didn't have a good header likeyou.
So, um are you going to schoolright now too?
SPEAKER_01 (01:59):
Yes, sir.
I'm going to public school rightnow.
SPEAKER_02 (02:01):
Full-time and doing all this?
SPEAKER_01 (02:03):
Yes, sir.
It's hard, but I'm doing it.
SPEAKER_02 (02:07):
Yeah, how do you manage school and homework and
still getting to practice andall that?
SPEAKER_01 (02:13):
Yes, sir, it's just I just it's hard because I just
do everything I can at schooland pretty much work my butt off
at school and try to geteverything done so I don't have
homework at home.
And as soon as I get home I justchange and then go right into
the barn chores and get donewith that and start riding.
SPEAKER_02 (02:31):
Nice.
How many horses you got?
SPEAKER_01 (02:33):
I got four right now.
SPEAKER_02 (02:35):
What's what's your main mount?
Who you riding?
SPEAKER_01 (02:37):
Skid Rock is his name.
SPEAKER_02 (02:39):
Skid Rock?
How old is Skid Rock?
SPEAKER_01 (02:41):
He's five.
SPEAKER_02 (02:42):
Just five?
Yes, sir.
How long have you had him?
SPEAKER_01 (02:45):
I've had him since er since he was three.
SPEAKER_02 (02:48):
Oh wow.
SPEAKER_01 (02:49):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (02:50):
You don't see too many younger kids riding younger
horses.
SPEAKER_01 (02:53):
Well, it was my older horse, the one I started
on, he passed away, and then dadhad Skid Rock.
He was just a bronch and nobodywanted to ride him, and Dad put
a handle on him and he justworked out for me, and now we
have an amazing bond and justperfect.
SPEAKER_02 (03:11):
Yeah, it sounds like you guys probably get along
pretty good.
SPEAKER_01 (03:14):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (03:15):
Um what's it I mean, obviously you probably call
yourself a cowboy, it soundslike what what does that mean to
you being a cowboy?
SPEAKER_01 (03:23):
It means everything to me from the late nights and
the early mornings and theblood, sweat, and tears in the
practice pen and just stickingwith it and just being able to
wear a cowboy hat and boots andit's just everything to me.
SPEAKER_02 (03:37):
Yeah.
What um what grade are you in?
Seventh.
Seventh.
So do you have any aspirationsschool-wise, what you want to do
when you get older?
SPEAKER_01 (03:47):
Um no, sir, not right now.
I'm still trying to think and doall that, but I don't have just
one thing I just want to doright now.
SPEAKER_02 (03:56):
Right.
You got plenty of time todecide.
Yes, sir.
And that's a great thing aboutrodeo and robin.
You can do that the rest of yourlife.
Mm-hmm.
Do you play any sports?
SPEAKER_01 (04:04):
I do.
I play baseball and basketball.
SPEAKER_02 (04:06):
Nice.
Which one do you like better?
SPEAKER_01 (04:08):
I'd say probably baseball.
SPEAKER_02 (04:10):
Yeah.
You which position do you play?
SPEAKER_01 (04:12):
I play catcher and shortstop.
SPEAKER_02 (04:14):
Oh, nice.
You're just an all-star ateverything, aren't you?
SPEAKER_01 (04:17):
I don't know about that.
SPEAKER_02 (04:18):
Yeah.
Um with the with the heading,uh, how do you um you practice
on live cows or dummyeverything?
SPEAKER_01 (04:30):
Yes, or it's just we always try to practice on live
cattle, and if I'm messing up,we just go straight to the
dummy.
That's where I get all myproblems worked out and
everything like that.
I just and I have an amazingdad.
He's just amazing at roping andhe helps me through everything
and gets me through it.
SPEAKER_02 (04:48):
That's awesome.
That's important to have goodparents in your corner, isn't
it?
Yes, sir.
And they're here with you today.
Um so when did you start riding?
SPEAKER_01 (04:59):
I started riding or really getting at it and really
going competitively two yearsago.
SPEAKER_02 (05:05):
Just two years ago?
Sir.
So you've done pretty prettygood in two years.
SPEAKER_01 (05:10):
Yes, sir, I'd say so.
SPEAKER_02 (05:12):
Yeah, I think it's easier anything like that, the
younger you start, the better.
Like all the do you have anyfavorite bands?
SPEAKER_01 (05:19):
I really don't.
SPEAKER_02 (05:21):
So a lot of the musicians you see that are super
good, they all started when theywere they were little, because
your minds are like sponge whenyou're a kid.
You just absorb absorbeverything.
Um, so what are you doing littlebritches?
SPEAKER_01 (05:35):
Yes, sir.
I'm doing little britches rodeoright now.
SPEAKER_02 (05:38):
And then also the US TRC rope ins too.
SPEAKER_01 (05:42):
Yes, sir.
Every time we don't have alittle britches or nothing, we
try to just hit all themjackpots around the house and
just burning the road up.
SPEAKER_02 (05:49):
Are you making any money at the jackpots?
SPEAKER_01 (05:52):
Trying to.
Um, every now and then I'll pickme a little check up and it's
always fun to see it.
SPEAKER_02 (05:57):
Yeah, it's nice to see your name on a check that
that you won.
Yes, sir.
I never got to win too manychecks.
So the the little britchesyou're competing against people
around your age, correct?
SPEAKER_01 (06:08):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (06:08):
What about the other team Robins, the jackpots?
SPEAKER_01 (06:11):
You know, here the last weekend in Sykston I was
competing against everybody,grown men, and then people
around my age too.
SPEAKER_02 (06:20):
Yeah.
Some of those guys are prettywolfy too, aren't they?
SPEAKER_01 (06:22):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (06:23):
Is it is it more intimidating when you do a
jackpot type thing and seeingsome of the the older, more
seasoned people versus thelittle britches or yes, sir.
SPEAKER_01 (06:33):
I'd say the jackpots are just a tad bit more, you
know, intimidating.
Just everybody there and havingto compete against older men.
SPEAKER_02 (06:41):
Yeah.
How do you how do you preparementally for this kind of thing?
SPEAKER_01 (06:46):
It's just you just always gotta know that you're
the best one there and tellyourself that and just knowing
that you can go out there and doyour job from the practice pen
to the r Jack Potter rodeo, youjust gotta know you can do your
job.
SPEAKER_02 (07:00):
Yep, and have trust in your horse.
Yes, sir.
Yeah.
Do you do anything special withyour horse to keep him going as
good as he can?
SPEAKER_01 (07:07):
I just I ride him every day through the week and
then I have an amazing sponsor,Kyle Cannon, at Cannon Hay.
He has some of the best hay andgives me that and he always does
good on that and it keeps himfat and healthy and he just
always works good with me.
SPEAKER_02 (07:25):
Yeah, hay is or forage, anything like that's
super important for these forthese horses.
I think a lot of them get introuble when they're not eating
it and they're pumping them fullof the hike sugar grain and
stuff.
SPEAKER_01 (07:38):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (07:39):
So have you won any jackpots?
SPEAKER_01 (07:41):
I have.
I've won one at our cowboychurch um uh at Three Trees.
It's our cowboy church that wego to.
I won a jackpot there, and thenI also wanted another jackpot in
Paragord, Arkansas.
It was a little round robindeal.
SPEAKER_02 (07:58):
Oh, nice.
That had to feel pretty goodbecause you probably beat a lot
of people though, didn't you?
SPEAKER_01 (08:02):
Yes, sir.
It felt amazing.
SPEAKER_02 (08:03):
Yeah.
So what's uh is Little Britchesjust starting?
SPEAKER_01 (08:07):
Or is it It's actually been as soon as the
finals is over, they start rightback over.
So it's l year round prettymuch.
I gotcha.
SPEAKER_02 (08:16):
Do you have any big goals this year for your rodeo
career?
SPEAKER_01 (08:19):
I do just getting to everyone I can and just beating
them and burning the road up andjust hopefully holding the gold
buckle at the end of the year.
SPEAKER_02 (08:29):
Yeah, maybe have you won a saddle or anything like
that.
I haven't won a saddle yet, andI'm maybe this is maybe this is
the season for that.
SPEAKER_01 (08:36):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (08:37):
Um, you mentioned um Skid Skid Rock, you said?
Yes, sir.
How did he get that name?
SPEAKER_01 (08:42):
So, like I said, he was just a bronk and nobody
wanted to ride him in Texas, andKelly Miller, the one we got him
from, he named him Skid Rockjust because he was so Skiddish
and he just came up with thename Skid Rock.
SPEAKER_02 (08:54):
Is he still Skidish?
SPEAKER_01 (08:56):
No, not no more.
He just sometimes he can be, butmost of the time he just wants
you to love on him and scratchhim.
SPEAKER_02 (09:03):
I think every horse needs a little kid to uh give
him that kind of stuff.
I got three old horses at thehouse and two little girls, and
yes, sir.
They get more scratching andgrooming than they do, they do
riding.
We got a mini and they justtreat them like a puppy dog.
She'll walk them around the yardand sit down with them and talk
to them, have full, fullconversations.
(09:24):
If you could give, I've askedalmost every kid this, if you
could give Skid Rock asuperpower, what what would you
give him?
SPEAKER_01 (09:33):
It would probably be to last forever, not live
forever, but last forever.
SPEAKER_02 (09:37):
Yeah, that's a big distinction there.
Yes, sir.
Um yeah, but the horses arelasting quite a while.
We've come a long way with ourwith our care we're able to
provide.
So now's a good time in theequine world to be an old horse
because there's there's lots ofoptions for them.
(09:57):
Um if you could you probably gotsome heroes in the rodeo world
beside your dad.
Yes, sir.
If you could swap places withany of them, who would you who
would you go for?
SPEAKER_01 (10:09):
I'd say probably Derek McGay.
SPEAKER_02 (10:11):
How come?
SPEAKER_01 (10:12):
Just because he's just such a cowboy, how he just
goes out and catches themmaverick bulls out in the
deserts of Arizona and just he'sa cowboy day in and day night.
He's just I love everythingabout him.
SPEAKER_02 (10:23):
That's cool.
Have you got to do anything onranches like besides out of the
the rope and pin and stuff?
SPEAKER_01 (10:29):
Well, me and Dad, we have we'll just go catch cows
out in the pasture sometimes andjust go rope them for people.
SPEAKER_02 (10:36):
Oh, that's fun.
Yes, sir.
Yeah, that gets a little hairyat times, though.
Oh yeah.
Do you ride skid rock when youdo that?
SPEAKER_01 (10:42):
I do, yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (10:43):
Are you a little cautious with them?
SPEAKER_01 (10:45):
Oh yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (10:46):
I bet.
If um d do you remember thefirst time you either was in the
practice pen or somewhere andlike everything kind of clicked
and it came together?
SPEAKER_01 (10:59):
I actually do.
It was at Cersei, Arkansas theweek before or I guess the week
leading up to it.
I was just doing really good.
It was when I was ropingbreakaway cavs first start, and
I just was really roping goodand at Cersei it just started
clicking for me, and I was justit was just that light bulb went
(11:19):
on in my head and I just startedroping really good after that.
SPEAKER_02 (11:23):
That's awesome.
Were you on your old horse orskid rock?
SPEAKER_01 (11:25):
I was on skid rock.
SPEAKER_02 (11:26):
Oh, nice.
Yeah, I don't see too many kidsriding younger horses like that,
so he must be be pretty special.
SPEAKER_01 (11:33):
Yes, her dad put an amazing handle on him.
SPEAKER_02 (11:35):
Yeah, sounds like you got an awesome dad.
SPEAKER_01 (11:38):
I do.
SPEAKER_02 (11:38):
That's great.
You gotta take care of him.
Remember him on Father's Day,okay?
SPEAKER_01 (11:43):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (11:44):
Um, let's see.
What else do we want to talkabout?
What um what do you enjoy atschool?
Anything besides PE?
SPEAKER_01 (11:55):
Oh no, probably just all my friends at school and
just getting to talk to them andjust stuff like that.
SPEAKER_02 (12:02):
Yeah, do any of your friends at school rodeo with
you?
SPEAKER_01 (12:05):
No, sir.
No, that's not that's the onlykind of I wouldn't say bad
thing, but none of the peoplearound my school rodeo or
nothing like that.
SPEAKER_02 (12:13):
Yeah, but the rodeo community's pretty, pretty
close, right?
Yes, sir.
So even though, like, especiallyat the little britches, you're
probably competing against abunch of your friends.
SPEAKER_01 (12:22):
Yes, sir.
Cooper McDonald, he's one of mygood friends, and Braxton Hall
and Ridge Deere always competeagainst them, and they're just
we're always supporting eachother no matter what.
If we go lay a good run, we hopethe next person lays a better
one, and it's just we're alwayssupporting each other through
everything we do, and we're justan amazing relationship with all
(12:43):
of us.
SPEAKER_02 (12:43):
Yeah, that's what I like about that, because we I
talked to a lady that just gotinto it, and she was blown away
how helpful all the otherparents were, even though they
were competing against it andeverything.
Yes, sir.
And I don't think you see thattoo much in in the sports like
at school.
Even my six-year-old playingsoccer.
There's Yeah.
I mean there's six years oldplaying soccer, but the parents
(13:06):
kind of get get a little uhdicey at times and a little too
intense for my liking.
SPEAKER_01 (13:14):
They get pretty rank.
SPEAKER_02 (13:15):
Yeah, exactly.
Um, do you have any um there'sprobably some kids that listen
to this that may have a horse,or even my kids that aren't into
the competing and stuff.
Do you have any advice for themif they, you know, if they see
something like maybe they wantto do that?
SPEAKER_01 (13:33):
Yes, they're probably just staying hooked
with it and having an open mindand a learning mindset and just
staying humble, and there'sgonna be blood, sweat, and tears
in every practice session, andjust staying hard at it and
working hard and just doingeverything you can do to be in
that winter circle.
SPEAKER_02 (13:49):
And try not to get frustrated.
SPEAKER_01 (13:51):
You're gonna get frustrated.
I still do it all the time, andit's just you always gotta have
an open mind and wanting tolearn mindset and just that so
that don't happen.
SPEAKER_02 (14:01):
Right.
Right.
And um when you're traveling,what do you what do you do to
pass away at the time on theroad?
Homework?
SPEAKER_01 (14:09):
I wouldn't say homework.
I I'm not gonna lie.
I sleep in the backseatsometimes.
SPEAKER_02 (14:15):
That must be nice.
SPEAKER_01 (14:17):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (14:18):
Um, John set all this up back here.
We reached out to a bunch of thethe companies we work with, and
they were we told them we weregonna do this with you kids, and
they were ecstatic.
Yes.
So you get to take all this withyou today.
Um hats, backpack, all thisstuff.
These people are stuff we useevery day.
(14:39):
Yes, sir.
So and the Protect GI stomachhealth is something we preach
about these horses, which you'redoing really good with with the
forage.
That's yes, sir.
There's there's three F's wepreach for stomach health.
Can you guess what they arebesides forage?
SPEAKER_01 (14:55):
I really don't know.
SPEAKER_02 (14:57):
Friends and freedom.
It's good for is your horseturned out at all?
SPEAKER_01 (15:01):
Does he get to we have them in runs, which their
runs ain't very big right now,but um it's just shed rows,
really.
SPEAKER_02 (15:09):
Better than locked in a little yes, a little stall.
So I think the the stress ofthese guys, I mean it's
stressful for you, and I'm sureyour parents getting everything
ready, but I mean horses getstressed too, so everything we
can do to help help with that isis good.
Has Skid Boot had any injuriessince you've been riding him?
SPEAKER_01 (15:29):
He hasn't.
SPEAKER_02 (15:30):
That's good.
Has he needed anything besidesroutine?
SPEAKER_01 (15:34):
Um, we just give him gastroplex every now and then to
drink on the road and stuff likethat, but not that I know of.
He really ain't needed anything.
SPEAKER_02 (15:42):
That's good.
That's good.
I think when did your dad starthim when he was three?
SPEAKER_01 (15:48):
Yes, sir, around that age.
SPEAKER_02 (15:50):
Yeah, I think a lot of them that get started
earlier, they're just not ready.
Yes, sir.
And their bones and joints andeverything take a take a beating
before they're developed.
So hopefully skid boot lastslasts quite a while.
Um so what's it mean to you?
You've also got the cactus ropesand other sponsors.
What's it what's it mean to youto be a sponsored writer and
(16:13):
represent a company or a brand?
SPEAKER_01 (16:16):
Yes, sir.
It means everything just to beable to wear somebody else's
brand on my shirt andrepresenting them and having a
good attitude and staying humbleand making sure their brand gets
represented really good.
SPEAKER_02 (16:28):
That's awesome.
It means not throwing a hissyfit when you miss, right?
Yes, sir.
Take it back to the practice inthe dovey.
Is there anything else you'dlike to ask me about?
Any health questions for therodeo horses or anything?
SPEAKER_01 (16:42):
No, sir, not that I know of.
Just thank y'all for having meon and thank y'all for doing
everything and like this for me.
It's amazing what y'all aredoing.
SPEAKER_02 (16:50):
Yeah.
Well, we're happy to have you.
It's a pleasure to talk to you,and thanks for taking the time
to come up here and and visit.
And thanks to your mom and dadfor for bringing you up and
waking you up at 4 a.m.
Did he get up easy at four ordid you drag him out of the
house?
Good.
Good, good.
I like to get up early too.
It's the only time my house isquiet.
SPEAKER_01 (17:11):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (17:12):
Besides at 1 a.m.
But all right, well, Ty, thankyou so much, and uh good luck
out there this year.
And if you need anything fromus, don't hesitate to reach out.
I think you guys got John'scontact info.
And for everybody watching, takecare of your horses and
yourself.
SPEAKER_01 (17:28):
Thank you.
SPEAKER_02 (17:29):
Thanks.
SPEAKER_00 (17:37):
Bring a little black bag with the medicine and bring
the crank in the crank in themedicine.
Hello, welcome to the Beasley Equine Podcast.
Today we got the pleasure andhonor to sit down with Ty
Eldridge all the way fromHarrisburg, Arkansas.
He's a great young man.
He's a team roper, calf roper,goat tire, just an all-around
cowboy.
And for those of you that arelistening to this and not
watching the video, I swear he'sonly 12.
(00:23):
He sounds like he's 47.
We had a great littleconversation, and uh stay tuned
for that.
SPEAKER_00 (00:35):
Bring a little black bag with the medicines and bring
the tank and the crank and thepenicillin.
SPEAKER_02 (00:41):
So what's going on, Ty?
SPEAKER_01 (00:44):
Oh, just Ben rodeoing and just hanging around
the house and working at thepractice bin and all that.
SPEAKER_02 (00:50):
Where uh where's your house at?
SPEAKER_01 (00:52):
Harrisburg, Arkansas.
SPEAKER_02 (00:54):
How far away is that from here?
SPEAKER_01 (00:55):
It was about four hours to drive over here.
SPEAKER_02 (00:58):
Jeez, what time did you have to get up?
SPEAKER_01 (01:00):
Four.
We left at four.
SPEAKER_02 (01:02):
Who scheduled this at nine for him?
John.
So I noticed you already gotsome patches on there.
Cactus ropes.
Are you representing them too?
SPEAKER_01 (01:11):
Yes, sir.
I'm representing cactus.
That's one of my main sponsors.
I couldn't be more thankful forBarry Berg and Kelly Miller at
Cactus Ropes down there.
I they give me everything I needand they just always take care
of me.
SPEAKER_02 (01:26):
That's awesome.
How old are you?
SPEAKER_01 (01:27):
I'm actually 12 right now.
SPEAKER_02 (01:29):
12, going on what, 30?
So what uh obviously your rodeo,what all do you compete in?
SPEAKER_01 (01:36):
Yes, sir.
I'm in the team roping,breakaway, ribbon roping, and
goat tying.
SPEAKER_02 (01:41):
What's your favorite one of all those?
SPEAKER_01 (01:43):
Has to be the team roping.
SPEAKER_02 (01:44):
Yeah, which side are you on?
SPEAKER_01 (01:45):
Head inside.
SPEAKER_02 (01:46):
Nice.
You like that better?
SPEAKER_01 (01:48):
I love it.
SPEAKER_02 (01:49):
Yeah, I used to heal, but half the time I never
got to throw my rope.
I didn't have a good header likeyou.
So, um are you going to schoolright now too?
SPEAKER_01 (01:59):
Yes, sir.
I'm going to public school rightnow.
SPEAKER_02 (02:01):
Full-time and doing all this?
SPEAKER_01 (02:03):
Yes, sir.
It's hard, but I'm doing it.
SPEAKER_02 (02:07):
Yeah, how do you manage school and homework and
still getting to practice andall that?
SPEAKER_01 (02:13):
Yes, sir, it's just I just it's hard because I just
do everything I can at schooland pretty much work my butt off
at school and try to geteverything done so I don't have
homework at home.
And as soon as I get home I justchange and then go right into
the barn chores and get donewith that and start riding.
SPEAKER_02 (02:31):
Nice.
How many horses you got?
SPEAKER_01 (02:33):
I got four right now.
SPEAKER_02 (02:35):
What's what's your main mount?
Who you riding?
SPEAKER_01 (02:37):
Skid Rock is his name.
SPEAKER_02 (02:39):
Skid Rock?
How old is Skid Rock?
SPEAKER_01 (02:41):
He's five.
SPEAKER_02 (02:42):
Just five?
Yes, sir.
How long have you had him?
SPEAKER_01 (02:45):
I've had him since er since he was three.
SPEAKER_02 (02:48):
Oh wow.
SPEAKER_01 (02:49):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (02:50):
You don't see too many younger kids riding younger
horses.
SPEAKER_01 (02:53):
Well, it was my older horse, the one I started
on, he passed away, and then dadhad Skid Rock.
He was just a bronch and nobodywanted to ride him, and Dad put
a handle on him and he justworked out for me, and now we
have an amazing bond and justperfect.
SPEAKER_02 (03:11):
Yeah, it sounds like you guys probably get along
pretty good.
SPEAKER_01 (03:14):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (03:15):
Um what's it I mean, obviously you probably call
yourself a cowboy, it soundslike what what does that mean to
you being a cowboy?
SPEAKER_01 (03:23):
It means everything to me from the late nights and
the early mornings and theblood, sweat, and tears in the
practice pen and just stickingwith it and just being able to
wear a cowboy hat and boots andit's just everything to me.
SPEAKER_02 (03:37):
Yeah.
What um what grade are you in?
Seventh.
Seventh.
So do you have any aspirationsschool-wise, what you want to do
when you get older?
SPEAKER_01 (03:47):
Um no, sir, not right now.
I'm still trying to think and doall that, but I don't have just
one thing I just want to doright now.
SPEAKER_02 (03:56):
Right.
You got plenty of time todecide.
Yes, sir.
And that's a great thing aboutrodeo and robin.
You can do that the rest of yourlife.
Mm-hmm.
Do you play any sports?
SPEAKER_01 (04:04):
I do.
I play baseball and basketball.
SPEAKER_02 (04:06):
Nice.
Which one do you like better?
SPEAKER_01 (04:08):
I'd say probably baseball.
SPEAKER_02 (04:10):
Yeah.
You which position do you play?
SPEAKER_01 (04:12):
I play catcher and shortstop.
SPEAKER_02 (04:14):
Oh, nice.
You're just an all-star ateverything, aren't you?
SPEAKER_01 (04:17):
I don't know about that.
SPEAKER_02 (04:18):
Yeah.
Um with the with the heading,uh, how do you um you practice
on live cows or dummyeverything?
SPEAKER_01 (04:30):
Yes, or it's just we always try to practice on live
cattle, and if I'm messing up,we just go straight to the
dummy.
That's where I get all myproblems worked out and
everything like that.
I just and I have an amazingdad.
He's just amazing at roping andhe helps me through everything
and gets me through it.
SPEAKER_02 (04:48):
That's awesome.
That's important to have goodparents in your corner, isn't
it?
Yes, sir.
And they're here with you today.
Um so when did you start riding?
SPEAKER_01 (04:59):
I started riding or really getting at it and really
going competitively two yearsago.
SPEAKER_02 (05:05):
Just two years ago?
Sir.
So you've done pretty prettygood in two years.
SPEAKER_01 (05:10):
Yes, sir, I'd say so.
SPEAKER_02 (05:12):
Yeah, I think it's easier anything like that, the
younger you start, the better.
Like all the do you have anyfavorite bands?
SPEAKER_01 (05:19):
I really don't.
SPEAKER_02 (05:21):
So a lot of the musicians you see that are super
good, they all started when theywere they were little, because
your minds are like sponge whenyou're a kid.
You just absorb absorbeverything.
Um, so what are you doing littlebritches?
SPEAKER_01 (05:35):
Yes, sir.
I'm doing little britches rodeoright now.
SPEAKER_02 (05:38):
And then also the US TRC rope ins too.
SPEAKER_01 (05:42):
Yes, sir.
Every time we don't have alittle britches or nothing, we
try to just hit all themjackpots around the house and
just burning the road up.
SPEAKER_02 (05:49):
Are you making any money at the jackpots?
SPEAKER_01 (05:52):
Trying to.
Um, every now and then I'll pickme a little check up and it's
always fun to see it.
SPEAKER_02 (05:57):
Yeah, it's nice to see your name on a check that
that you won.
Yes, sir.
I never got to win too manychecks.
So the the little britchesyou're competing against people
around your age, correct?
SPEAKER_01 (06:08):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (06:08):
What about the other team Robins, the jackpots?
SPEAKER_01 (06:11):
You know, here the last weekend in Sykston I was
competing against everybody,grown men, and then people
around my age too.
SPEAKER_02 (06:20):
Yeah.
Some of those guys are prettywolfy too, aren't they?
SPEAKER_01 (06:22):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (06:23):
Is it is it more intimidating when you do a
jackpot type thing and seeingsome of the the older, more
seasoned people versus thelittle britches or yes, sir.
SPEAKER_01 (06:33):
I'd say the jackpots are just a tad bit more, you
know, intimidating.
Just everybody there and havingto compete against older men.
SPEAKER_02 (06:41):
Yeah.
How do you how do you preparementally for this kind of thing?
SPEAKER_01 (06:46):
It's just you just always gotta know that you're
the best one there and tellyourself that and just knowing
that you can go out there and doyour job from the practice pen
to the r Jack Potter rodeo, youjust gotta know you can do your
job.
SPEAKER_02 (07:00):
Yep, and have trust in your horse.
Yes, sir.
Yeah.
Do you do anything special withyour horse to keep him going as
good as he can?
SPEAKER_01 (07:07):
I just I ride him every day through the week and
then I have an amazing sponsor,Kyle Cannon, at Cannon Hay.
He has some of the best hay andgives me that and he always does
good on that and it keeps himfat and healthy and he just
always works good with me.
SPEAKER_02 (07:25):
Yeah, hay is or forage, anything like that's
super important for these forthese horses.
I think a lot of them get introuble when they're not eating
it and they're pumping them fullof the hike sugar grain and
stuff.
SPEAKER_01 (07:38):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (07:39):
So have you won any jackpots?
SPEAKER_01 (07:41):
I have.
I've won one at our cowboychurch um uh at Three Trees.
It's our cowboy church that wego to.
I won a jackpot there, and thenI also wanted another jackpot in
Paragord, Arkansas.
It was a little round robindeal.
SPEAKER_02 (07:58):
Oh, nice.
That had to feel pretty goodbecause you probably beat a lot
of people though, didn't you?
SPEAKER_01 (08:02):
Yes, sir.
It felt amazing.
SPEAKER_02 (08:03):
Yeah.
So what's uh is Little Britchesjust starting?
SPEAKER_01 (08:07):
Or is it It's actually been as soon as the
finals is over, they start rightback over.
So it's l year round prettymuch.
I gotcha.
SPEAKER_02 (08:16):
Do you have any big goals this year for your rodeo
career?
SPEAKER_01 (08:19):
I do just getting to everyone I can and just beating
them and burning the road up andjust hopefully holding the gold
buckle at the end of the year.
SPEAKER_02 (08:29):
Yeah, maybe have you won a saddle or anything like
that.
I haven't won a saddle yet, andI'm maybe this is maybe this is
the season for that.
SPEAKER_01 (08:36):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (08:37):
Um, you mentioned um Skid Skid Rock, you said?
Yes, sir.
How did he get that name?
SPEAKER_01 (08:42):
So, like I said, he was just a bronk and nobody
wanted to ride him in Texas, andKelly Miller, the one we got him
from, he named him Skid Rockjust because he was so Skiddish
and he just came up with thename Skid Rock.
SPEAKER_02 (08:54):
Is he still Skidish?
SPEAKER_01 (08:56):
No, not no more.
He just sometimes he can be, butmost of the time he just wants
you to love on him and scratchhim.
SPEAKER_02 (09:03):
I think every horse needs a little kid to uh give
him that kind of stuff.
I got three old horses at thehouse and two little girls, and
yes, sir.
They get more scratching andgrooming than they do, they do
riding.
We got a mini and they justtreat them like a puppy dog.
She'll walk them around the yardand sit down with them and talk
to them, have full, fullconversations.
(09:24):
If you could give, I've askedalmost every kid this, if you
could give Skid Rock asuperpower, what what would you
give him?
SPEAKER_01 (09:33):
It would probably be to last forever, not live
forever, but last forever.
SPEAKER_02 (09:37):
Yeah, that's a big distinction there.
Yes, sir.
Um yeah, but the horses arelasting quite a while.
We've come a long way with ourwith our care we're able to
provide.
So now's a good time in theequine world to be an old horse
because there's there's lots ofoptions for them.
(09:57):
Um if you could you probably gotsome heroes in the rodeo world
beside your dad.
Yes, sir.
If you could swap places withany of them, who would you who
would you go for?
SPEAKER_01 (10:09):
I'd say probably Derek McGay.
SPEAKER_02 (10:11):
How come?
SPEAKER_01 (10:12):
Just because he's just such a cowboy, how he just
goes out and catches themmaverick bulls out in the
deserts of Arizona and just he'sa cowboy day in and day night.
He's just I love everythingabout him.
SPEAKER_02 (10:23):
That's cool.
Have you got to do anything onranches like besides out of the
the rope and pin and stuff?
SPEAKER_01 (10:29):
Well, me and Dad, we have we'll just go catch cows
out in the pasture sometimes andjust go rope them for people.
SPEAKER_02 (10:36):
Oh, that's fun.
Yes, sir.
Yeah, that gets a little hairyat times, though.
Oh yeah.
Do you ride skid rock when youdo that?
SPEAKER_01 (10:42):
I do, yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (10:43):
Are you a little cautious with them?
SPEAKER_01 (10:45):
Oh yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (10:46):
I bet.
If um d do you remember thefirst time you either was in the
practice pen or somewhere andlike everything kind of clicked
and it came together?
SPEAKER_01 (10:59):
I actually do.
It was at Cersei, Arkansas theweek before or I guess the week
leading up to it.
I was just doing really good.
It was when I was ropingbreakaway cavs first start, and
I just was really roping goodand at Cersei it just started
clicking for me, and I was justit was just that light bulb went
(11:19):
on in my head and I just startedroping really good after that.
SPEAKER_02 (11:23):
That's awesome.
Were you on your old horse orskid rock?
SPEAKER_01 (11:25):
I was on skid rock.
SPEAKER_02 (11:26):
Oh, nice.
Yeah, I don't see too many kidsriding younger horses like that,
so he must be be pretty special.
SPEAKER_01 (11:33):
Yes, her dad put an amazing handle on him.
SPEAKER_02 (11:35):
Yeah, sounds like you got an awesome dad.
SPEAKER_01 (11:38):
I do.
SPEAKER_02 (11:38):
That's great.
You gotta take care of him.
Remember him on Father's Day,okay?
SPEAKER_01 (11:43):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (11:44):
Um, let's see.
What else do we want to talkabout?
What um what do you enjoy atschool?
Anything besides PE?
SPEAKER_01 (11:55):
Oh no, probably just all my friends at school and
just getting to talk to them andjust stuff like that.
SPEAKER_02 (12:02):
Yeah, do any of your friends at school rodeo with
you?
SPEAKER_01 (12:05):
No, sir.
No, that's not that's the onlykind of I wouldn't say bad
thing, but none of the peoplearound my school rodeo or
nothing like that.
SPEAKER_02 (12:13):
Yeah, but the rodeo community's pretty, pretty
close, right?
Yes, sir.
So even though, like, especiallyat the little britches, you're
probably competing against abunch of your friends.
SPEAKER_01 (12:22):
Yes, sir.
Cooper McDonald, he's one of mygood friends, and Braxton Hall
and Ridge Deere always competeagainst them, and they're just
we're always supporting eachother no matter what.
If we go lay a good run, we hopethe next person lays a better
one, and it's just we're alwayssupporting each other through
everything we do, and we're justan amazing relationship with all
(12:43):
of us.
SPEAKER_02 (12:43):
Yeah, that's what I like about that, because we I
talked to a lady that just gotinto it, and she was blown away
how helpful all the otherparents were, even though they
were competing against it andeverything.
Yes, sir.
And I don't think you see thattoo much in in the sports like
at school.
Even my six-year-old playingsoccer.
There's Yeah.
I mean there's six years oldplaying soccer, but the parents
(13:06):
kind of get get a little uhdicey at times and a little too
intense for my liking.
SPEAKER_01 (13:14):
They get pretty rank.
SPEAKER_02 (13:15):
Yeah, exactly.
Um, do you have any um there'sprobably some kids that listen
to this that may have a horse,or even my kids that aren't into
the competing and stuff.
Do you have any advice for themif they, you know, if they see
something like maybe they wantto do that?
SPEAKER_01 (13:33):
Yes, they're probably just staying hooked
with it and having an open mindand a learning mindset and just
staying humble, and there'sgonna be blood, sweat, and tears
in every practice session, andjust staying hard at it and
working hard and just doingeverything you can do to be in
that winter circle.
SPEAKER_02 (13:49):
And try not to get frustrated.
SPEAKER_01 (13:51):
You're gonna get frustrated.
I still do it all the time, andit's just you always gotta have
an open mind and wanting tolearn mindset and just that so
that don't happen.
SPEAKER_02 (14:01):
Right.
Right.
And um when you're traveling,what do you what do you do to
pass away at the time on theroad?
Homework?
SPEAKER_01 (14:09):
I wouldn't say homework.
I I'm not gonna lie.
I sleep in the backseatsometimes.
SPEAKER_02 (14:15):
That must be nice.
SPEAKER_01 (14:17):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (14:18):
Um, John set all this up back here.
We reached out to a bunch of thethe companies we work with, and
they were we told them we weregonna do this with you kids, and
they were ecstatic.
Yes.
So you get to take all this withyou today.
Um hats, backpack, all thisstuff.
These people are stuff we useevery day.
(14:39):
Yes, sir.
So and the Protect GI stomachhealth is something we preach
about these horses, which you'redoing really good with with the
forage.
That's yes, sir.
There's there's three F's wepreach for stomach health.
Can you guess what they arebesides forage?
SPEAKER_01 (14:55):
I really don't know.
SPEAKER_02 (14:57):
Friends and freedom.
It's good for is your horseturned out at all?
SPEAKER_01 (15:01):
Does he get to we have them in runs, which their
runs ain't very big right now,but um it's just shed rows,
really.
SPEAKER_02 (15:09):
Better than locked in a little yes, a little stall.
So I think the the stress ofthese guys, I mean it's
stressful for you, and I'm sureyour parents getting everything
ready, but I mean horses getstressed too, so everything we
can do to help help with that isis good.
Has Skid Boot had any injuriessince you've been riding him?
SPEAKER_01 (15:29):
He hasn't.
SPEAKER_02 (15:30):
That's good.
Has he needed anything besidesroutine?
SPEAKER_01 (15:34):
Um, we just give him gastroplex every now and then to
drink on the road and stuff likethat, but not that I know of.
He really ain't needed anything.
SPEAKER_02 (15:42):
That's good.
That's good.
I think when did your dad starthim when he was three?
SPEAKER_01 (15:48):
Yes, sir, around that age.
SPEAKER_02 (15:50):
Yeah, I think a lot of them that get started
earlier, they're just not ready.
Yes, sir.
And their bones and joints andeverything take a take a beating
before they're developed.
So hopefully skid boot lastslasts quite a while.
Um so what's it mean to you?
You've also got the cactus ropesand other sponsors.
What's it what's it mean to youto be a sponsored writer and
(16:13):
represent a company or a brand?
SPEAKER_01 (16:16):
Yes, sir.
It means everything just to beable to wear somebody else's
brand on my shirt andrepresenting them and having a
good attitude and staying humbleand making sure their brand gets
represented really good.
SPEAKER_02 (16:28):
That's awesome.
It means not throwing a hissyfit when you miss, right?
Yes, sir.
Take it back to the practice inthe dovey.
Is there anything else you'dlike to ask me about?
Any health questions for therodeo horses or anything?
SPEAKER_01 (16:42):
No, sir, not that I know of.
Just thank y'all for having meon and thank y'all for doing
everything and like this for me.
It's amazing what y'all aredoing.
SPEAKER_02 (16:50):
Yeah.
Well, we're happy to have you.
It's a pleasure to talk to you,and thanks for taking the time
to come up here and and visit.
And thanks to your mom and dadfor for bringing you up and
waking you up at 4 a.m.
Did he get up easy at four ordid you drag him out of the
house?
Good.
Good, good.
I like to get up early too.
It's the only time my house isquiet.
SPEAKER_01 (17:11):
Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_02 (17:12):
Besides at 1 a.m.
But all right, well, Ty, thankyou so much, and uh good luck
out there this year.
And if you need anything fromus, don't hesitate to reach out.
I think you guys got John'scontact info.
And for everybody watching, takecare of your horses and
yourself.
SPEAKER_01 (17:28):
Thank you.
SPEAKER_02 (17:29):
Thanks.
SPEAKER_00 (17:37):
Bring a little black bag with the medicine and bring
the crank in the crank in themedicine.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.