The Wrangler Horse and Rodeo News

11-05-21 TW Digital

The WRANGLER Horse and Rodeo News is an equine and rodeo publication with circulation in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Utah and Idaho.

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2 The WRANGLER, Horse and Rodeo News • November 5-19, 2021 Ring with Het Ring with Het Wri en by Hope Raley Two sisters from New Town, North Dakota proved that in the face of adversity, you have two choices: you can either let it make you, or you can let it knock you down. Maelee and Eskie Heart were taught from a young age that even when life tries to knock you down, never let it keep you down. A couple weeks before the 2021Wrangler Na onal Team Roping Finals in Billings, Montana, Maelee and Eskie's father Royce Heart was involved in a horrible accident where he was part of a hit and run and has been hospitalized ever since. With their biggest fan and mentor figh ng for his life, both girls were very torn on whether they should go to the finals or not. A er a quick reminder from their dad on not le ng adversity win the good fight, the two sisters loaded up and headed to Billings with one goal in mind: make their dad proud. "It was definitely a hard decision to make, but our dad was adamant about us going and doing our best," explained Maelee. "Our dad has been the biggest supporter of our roping, so not having him in Billings with us was indescribable. But instead of it keeping us down, we (Eskie and I) went out there to try and make the best of it and make him proud." Proud indeed. The two sisters harnessed their anger and adrenaline from their horrific father's accident and used it in their favor, winning the All Girl Open with #8.5 Incen ve at the 26 th Annual Wrangler Na onal Team Roping Finals. The girls, who have been roping alongside one another for several years, didn't leave a dry eye inside the MetraPark Arena a er their stellar performances. Royce, who was in surgery during their runs in the All Girl Open, watched his girls runs on video a er he came out of surgery. "He called us and told us how proud of us he was," said Maelee. "Hearing those words, both Eskie and I knew that we were right where we were supposed to be." Maelee and Eskie have been a part of the Wrangler family for several years and consider all those affiliated with WTRC, family. "Dennis and his crew have been with us in our roping journey every step of the way. Along with our parents, everyone at WTRC, especially Dennis, has always given us the best opportuni es to be the very best ropers that we can be. For that, we are forever grateful." The next stop on the sister's journey is the WCRA Women's Rodeo World Championship held in Las Vegas, Nevada where the girls will be compe ng in team roping. For complete results from the 2021 Wrangler Na onal Team Roping Finals, visit www.wranglerteamroping.com.

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