Rodeos Highlight Summer For Ag Families
Summer time means attending rodeos throughout the state, especially eastern Montana, for those families with agricultural backgrounds.
In fact, for many of these families, participating in rodeos is a way of life. Some of the last names have become a tradition in area rodeos throughout the years.
“If you know rodeo at all, you recognize family names,” announcer Robert Toavs said during the rodeo held in Poplar in early June.
Two of the competitors in Poplar, husband and wife Ryan and Haven Linder of Flaxville, have been active in the sport for about 30 years. Nowadays, Haven competes in barrel racing while Ryan is active in senior men’s breakaway roping.
Haven said her family in Inverness got her started in rodeo when she was only 10 years old. She met Ryan when her family was having a branding while she was in college. They got married in 1996.
Their daughter, Elli, has just completed her rodeo season for Montana State University Northern.
The parents said that Elli started attending rope and shoots when she was about 5 years old.
“It’s so family oriented,” Haven said of why rodeo is so popular in eastern Montana. “Family is important in all parts of this state.”
Haven is thankful that her daughter has met “a lot of great people” through being a part of rodeo.
Elli added, “It brings communities together.” Katie Crowley of Poplar also recognizes how family and rodeo goes hand in hand. When asked how many family members are involved in rodeo, Crowley answered, “all of them.”
During the Poplar rodeo, Katie competed in barrel racing. Her brother JC was a participant in tie-down roping and his wife, Heather, competed in barrel racing and breakaway roping.
Katie said she has been involved in rodeo “all of my life.” What does she appreciate most about the sport? “The family atmosphere,” Katie noted.
It’s nice that each of the Crowleys have their share of family members cheering them on. “Oh yeah,” Katie said.
Sophie Nathe of Redstone is a young competitor who also understands the benefits of rodeo.
“It shows our connections with animals,” Nathe, who has been a long-time 4-H club member, said.
Sophie’s mother, Kim, explains that Sophie has loved rodeo for pretty much her entire life.
“She found an interest in it,” Kim said. “She grew up riding horses.”
What have been some positives that Sophie has gained through being involved in the sport?
“The camaraderie and how Sophie has made so many friends,” Kim said.
Family, friends and learning positive lessons. It’s not easy finding an activity with so many benefits, and rodeo participants hope those traditions continue for many years to come.
Flags
Pickup man Brad Marshall and Paityn Kirn take part in the grand entry by presenting the flags during the rodeo in Poplar. (Photo by Bill Vander Weele)
(Photo by Bill Vander Weele)
