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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me out of trouble. There is always something that motivates you to do the best you can possibly do. For me, it is not one thing, it is everything," she explained with a laugh. "It keeps me busy during the summer and it is a whole lot of fun. I don't think anything I've ever done with any of the activities I have has ever bored me." The fact most of those activities revolve around the western lifestyle is no surprise, considering ranching is in her family's blood. Watching his daughter aspire to study veterinary medicine, tackle leadership roles, and be successful rodeoing and showing all manner of farm and ranch animals gratifies Justin Koltiska. "I really am pleased to see her involved in those organizations," he said about Gabrielle's 4-H, FFA and rodeo activities. "Agriculture is the backbone of our country. You can go without that new car, but everybody has to eat every night. The farm and ranch has been very good to my family. It teaches you hard work." With an estimate of just eighteen days off from organized activities during the entire summer, Gabby's hard-working focus might travel in different directions, but her passion has been horses since getting her first one at the age of four. "If I had to choose, it would be my horses," she said, "because that is probably my favorite thing to do all around." As a result, her favorite activity tied right in with her love to ride. "Out of everything I am doing, my favorite activity would probably be rodeo, just because that is kind of where I got my start riding horses, other than gathering cows on the ranch," she explained. "It is fun and it is competitive for me. It's my chance to show I can be one of the best, along with anyone else who has the heart and who has the soul to do it. That's what I love the most about it." Heart and soul are important aspects of Gabrielle's youthful success, since her drive and passion are sustained by the support she receives from her immediate and extended family. "Their support is amazing," she stated with conviction. "My family has gotten me to where I am. I don't think I can ever thank them enough. My dad and my grandpa and grandma and everybody, they've all pushed me to be the best I can be. My greatgrandpa has always been there for me. I've learned a lot from my family and if they weren't supportive of me, I would never be in the position I am in and wouldn't be able to do all the stuff that I do with my crazy, busy schedule." Her father revealed the feeling is mutual. "I don't know how to explain it," began Justin regarding the pride he feels for his daughter. "I don't know how much more proud of her I can be. As a parent, you push for them to be the best they can be and hopefully do better than you did in life. That's all I ask for of my kids is to actually (care) and try hard and they excel at that. She's just been very well accomplished in her life, so far, and I pray it keeps continuing and she keeps focusing and keeps working hard," he said in summary. "If she does, the sky is the limit for her." Considering how busy Gabby likes to be, the sky might just be the beginning… July 20 - August 4, 2013 • The WrangleR, Horse and Rodeo News 5