story by Naomi Loomis, WSRRA Representative
For the last three years, I have worked with Justin Quint on organizing many ranch rodeos and ranch bronc ridings in our area. I am grateful for his advice, his help, and his hard work. I am very proud that he won the All Around Cowboy award at the 2014 Western States Ranch Rodeo Finals by competing on Epp Cattle ranch rodeo team, showing his horse in WSRRA ranch horse competition and for competing in the NFR ranch bronc riding. The following quote, I believe fits Justin:
“Go Confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”~Henry David Thoreau
When did you first become interested in rodeos and what attracted you to them?
I grew up on a ranch and have been interested in rodeo from an early age. I love the combination of competition and being a family where your competition is right there to give you a hand when you need it.
Describe your early rodeo experiences, first as an observer and then as a participant.
I guess my earliest memories are going with my family to Grover, Colorado to the Earl Anderson Memorial Rodeo every June. As a competitor in high school, I competed in CJRA (Colorado Junior Rodeo Association) in team roping and tie-down roping.
What do you like most and least (or your best and worst experiences) about participating in rodeos and WHY?
The thing I’ve enjoyed most about rodeo is the people I’ve met along the way. Some of them are now life long friends and, without rodeo, I would have never gotten a chance to met them.
My least favorite thing is dealing with defeat. One thing about rodeo, it keeps you humble. But even those long miles home after letting one slip through your fingers can be a good thing if you use it to your advantage.
What training and/or skills are essential for rodeo participation?
Well a lot of that depends on your specific events. I ranch rodeo and ride ranch broncs. So riding a horse and roping is a must. But I think one of the biggest things a person needs is “TRY”. No matter what the situation is, if you go out and give it everything you’ve got, there is no shame in the outcome. I also enjoy getting the chance to travel.
What are your specific achievements, accomplishments and recognition’s (honors, awards) in rodeo?
I’ve made it to the WSRRA finals both years that I’ve been a member; in ranch bronc riding and on a ranch rodeo team.
I finished 8th in 2013 WSRRA National ranch broncs standings.
In 2014 I won Cattle Barons in Pendleton, Oregan. I was the Steamboat Springs summer series year end Champion. I also was the Eastern Colorado Round-Up champion bronc rider, my horse and I won top horse, and my ranch rodeo team won the ranch rodeo.
I am the 2014 WSRRA Finals All- Around Cowboy. I was 4th in the 2014 WSRRA national ranch bronc riding. My team, Epp Land and Cattle, had the fastest trailer loading time of the 2014 finals.
I am also a WSRRA bronc riding director.
What are your future plans concerning rodeo?
I want to continue to help the WSRRA bronc riding grow in this region. I also have my sights set on a World Title, something that slipped thro my fingers last year. I plan on going just as hard this summer as I did last. There are some really big things happening in the ranch bronc riding world right now and I’m excited to be a part of it.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I grew up on a ranch in Northeastern Colorado. I have always been around horses and cattle. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like without them. Currently I’m working in a feedlot in Fleming, Colo. I’ve been riding ranch broncs for about 10 years now.
What has made you successful at riding ranch broncs?
I think the thing that has made me most successful at riding ranch broncs is my strong dislike of walking. It doesn’t matter if it is back to the chutes or from the back side of the pasture. The walk back after getting bucked off is terrible. That and I really enjoy driving. For me to be successful I’m always in search of the best bronc ridings on the rankest horses.
On behalf of the WSRAA, I would like to say Congratulations Justin! Thank you for all you do for the WSRRA!
