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.
Issue link: http://thewrangler.uberflip.com/i/648078
By: Kristie Olmer For many rodeo athletes, rodeo is something they begin competing in at a very young age. By the time the athlete reaches his or her senior year of high school, they're an old hat at competing. Courtney Reynolds breaks that mold, however, yet is still stiff competition for many who have rodeoed for far longer than she has. A senior at Campbell County High School in Gillette, WY, Courtney grew up around horses and the ranching lifestyle. But up until she was 12 or so, Courtney was scared of horses. She fought and overcame that fear, and hasn't looked back since. In her first year of rodeo competition as a high school f r e s h m a n , Courtney competed in cutting. By her sophomore year, she expanded that to include barrel racing and pole bending. In her second year ever of competing in rodeo, she had qualified for high school rodeo finals in cutting, quite an accomplishment. Junior year, Courtney continued to experience success in rodeo, competing in cutting, reining, barrel racing, pole bending, and breakaway roping. She again qualified for finals, this time in reining as well as cutting. As a senior, she has chosen to cut back on her events a bit, focusing on reining and breakaway roping. "My junior year, I competed in both reining and cutting on the same horse- my 19 year old Quarter Horse gelding Smart Hickory Smoke. It was really hard on him, so I decided that since I have already qualified for finals in cutting twice, I would focus on reining. I want to focus on climbing that mountain and qualifying in the reining for a second time as well." That seems very possible, as Courtney currently stands 2nd in the state for reining, with 9 more rodeos coming up in the spring, only 4 of which include reining, before Wyoming state finals and nationals. She's also achieved a lot of personal success in the breakaway roping, competing on her 6 year old mare, Little Lady, that she and her family has trained. Not only does Courtney stay busy practicing and competing in rodeo, she is also an active FFA member at her high school. She has been an officer for three years, and this year, is serving as president. "It's a lot of community involvement and community service. I've also really enjoyed learning about all the opportunities agriculture has to offer." This has likely provided a positive influence on her college goals as well. Courtney plans to attend Casper College in the fall, and will pursue degrees in ag business and accounting. Following completion at Casper, she intends to transfer to either the University of Wyoming or Chadron State College to get her Bachelor's in accounting. From there, her goals include getting her Master's in accounting and sitting for her CPA exam. While she has spoken to the rodeo coach at Casper College, Courtney has yet to decide whether she will continue to rodeo at the college level. While she loves to rodeo, she also sees the benefits of receiving her degrees as fast as she can. Long term, Courtney hopes to return to Gillette after college. There's no doubt that high school rodeo has played a major part in Courtney's life. "My favorite part about rodeo has been the wide variety of people I have met. I have contacts in almost every city. I know that if I ever get stuck, or need help, I'll know someone who is close by. Not only that, but I have met so many people who have been role models for me and have given me great advice that I will use the rest of my life." If her rodeo success is any indicator, Courtney will go far as she continues her college journey and begins her adult life, utilizing the lessons she has learned through high school rodeo. Courtney Reynolds