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.
After initial introductions, the girls sat on the fence of the box and dove into a discussion about the power of setting goals. Novosad demonstrated her characteristic positive energy and enthusiasm to help others achieve their dreams, while sharing her own. Some girls mentioned wanting to get a firm foundation in their swing, while others wanted to build confidence and catch live calves.
After discussing ways to internalize and realize these goals, everyone hopped off the fence and started grabbing turquoise rope cans and a variety of ropes and dummies. The technique of a breakaway swing was broken done part by part from the beginning to the end, with individualized coaching given to each participant by Novosad.
Within a few hours, horses were saddled and calves penned in the chute. Jack Mitchell, steer wrestler, son of Canadian cutting horse trainer, and boyfriend of Novosad, offered his expertise in the horsemanship realm to bring together a solid experience in all aspects of competition.
Smiles were infectious as the girls experienced the joy of partnering with their mount to take their roping to the next level in pursuit of a calf. Cowboy photographer Matthew Treptow was there to capture the excitement of each run with his amazing talent for unique perspectives and bottling energy in a photograph (see more of his work here Matthew Treptow (@matthewtreptow) • Instagram photos and videos)
Day 2 focused on handling slack on a barrel horse dummy and further discussing practice tips and strategies. By the end of the weekend, every girl had caught a calf horseback and was glowing with the newfound confidence they had gained. With some girls as former barrel racers and some new rodeo competitors in general, the sentiment remained the same, “roping is fun!”
At a time when many fear the traditions of rodeo and ranch life are being lost, Rodeo University ensures the next generation has the skill set necessary to preserve these events for posterity.
Participant highlights:
Caitlan Thorne
Woodland Park, Colorado
While Caitlan had a background with the stockhorse team at Tarleton University (where she earned her Master’s degree) and had run barrels before, she had only been roping for about 6 months. She thought it would be fun to try and was interested in developing the skill in case she wanted a job as a hand—or just to team rope with her brother. Her main goal for the conference was achieved: roping a live calf.
Brinley Whitlock
Durant, Oklahoma
Brinley had been riding since she was three years old and roping for the past three years. Despite her experience, she wasn’t so sure Rodeo University and roping were what she wanted to do, but after attending she was excited about both. She used to only catch one out of ten but by the end of the weekend had caught 5 times in a row. This young cowgirl discovered how fun roping can be.
Annelyssa Massie
Lindsay, Oklahoma (originally from Alaska!)
Annelyssa says with a smile her interest in rodeo is the result of her long-held desire “to be a cowboy.” Since leaving Alaska and settling in Oklahoma, she has had the opportunity to hone her skill set and live into that dream. The Rodeo U weekend was no exception–with her 3-year-old horse taking it all in stride and her own roping skills sharp, the team walked away with the most improved belt buckle for the weekend.
Be on the lookout for a clinic coming near you and learn more about Rodeo University at Rodeo University | Facebook .
PC to Matthew Treptow
