story by Magie Downare-Nevius
Justin Barhite at the 2014 CPRA Finals – photo by Rodeo News
Justin Barhite rocked the 2014 CPRA Finals by placing in the top three of each go-round to take the finals championship with an aggregate time of 15.8 on three head – a 14 second increase over his closest competitor in the average race. A successful finals, added to a successful season, allowed Justin to achieve his first year-end steer wrestling title within the organization with over $4,000 won throughout the year. “A great thing about the CPRA is that there is great competition in the steer wrestling, yet, we all get along really well. I enjoy being around all of the steer wrestlers, they are a bunch of fun guys, which makes it all that much more enjoyable,” Justin said.
Justin initially competed as a CPRA member from 1996 through 2001. After that time, he moved to N.D., where he rode within the Roughrider Rodeo Association to rack up a year-end steer wrestling title, along with dual reserve champion titles. Since moving back to Colo., in 2009, Justin has resumed with the CPRA with his wife (Judy) and stepdaughter (Mirah Bollig), both of which compete in the barrel racing. “I like the fact that the CPRA is a family affair that the whole family can do and enjoy together,” Justin said. In addition, Judy started hazing for Justin last year. “She was able to haze a couple of times and, hopefully, I will get to have her do it a little more this year,” he said. “I would also like to thank Tim Sterkle for primarily hazing for me.”
The 38-year-old cowboy was introduced to the sport as a youngster and started competing within the National Little Britches Rodeo Association (NLBRA) around 8 years old. “My dad got my brother and I into it and mom has always been encouraging in our participation. It was something I fell in love with and just stuck with it,“ Justin said. “I have my parents to thank for getting me into the sport.” While dad (Dwight) rode roughstock in the NLBRA, team roped within the USTRC later and is now into cowboy mounted shooting, he encouraged his sons to stay on the timed event side of the arena. “I roped when I was younger, but steer wrestling was something that I wanted to try. When I got to the age, I gave it a shot and just loved it and roping just didn’t hold up to it,” Justin said. Mom (Cindy Hagelstrom) also competed in the NLBRA and went on to barrel race within local events in N.D. While she no longer competes, Cindy continues to ride at home. “She piddled in it and helps me when she can,” Justin said. With a strong history in equine and rodeo in his background, Justin hopes to enjoy it all that he can. “My grandma is 90 years old and still climbs onto her horse to slow pattern the barrels. I hope to be able to get on a horse at that age and enjoy it as she does,” he said.
In his off time, the Penrose, Colo., cowboy makes a living as a histology lab technician, specializing in preparing microscope slides for dermatology. “Although, I have consistently been doing it for the last six years, it is something that I grew up in. My grandpa started the business and now I work with my dad. My brother was apart of it, but now works in the same field for a doctor in Cheyenne,” Justin explained.
Having blown his knee out in 2013, Justin had a huge comeback year after the repair and hopes to have a repeat to defend his titles in the 2015 season. In addition, he expands his bull dogging to the PRCA and is looking to qualify for the Mountain States Circuit Finals. “All in all, I just want to keep going with my family. I want to thank Sky Line Steel for their sponsorship of me and the finals,” Justin said.
