Keeping Stories Alive
The Hereford Heaven Round-Up Club of Sulphur, Oklahoma recently hosted a special weekend event in their arena: Rodeo University. Led by breakaway roping competitor and teacher Chelsea Novosad, the weekend drew ladies ranging from 12 to 34 years old from several states and stages of roping experience.
Some folks are born with rodeo in their blood. Maybe it is genetic, or maybe it is a God-given surprise. Perhaps it is both. From the first glimpse of the arena lights, a stirring happens deep inside. When this is paired with a love of horses, passion is born.
Occasionally people have the opportunity to act on this innate passion from childhood, but many grow up in neighborhoods removed from the rodeo world. These individuals have to work extra hard and burn up the highway to make their goals and dreams come true.
When I first met Tim Carothers, I was riding in his cattle working clinic and was quickly impressed with his storytelling and quiet confidence. He listened like a pastor waiting to give counsel to each question a participant posed and encouraged everyone that they’d “done the very best.” He watched the people as well as the horses and gave feedback to both on how to improve. Tim told all of us from the start that he’d be the first one in the arena and the last one out and would stay until we felt like we’d gotten our money’s worth. To no surprise, he was true to his word and acted like nothing was going on in the world but focusing on us; these horses and cows.
