story by Lindsay Whelchel
In her first year with the International Professional Rodeo Association, North Carolina cowgirl Kristin Yde is embracing all that the association, which sanctions rodeos internationally across North America, has to offer.
“Traveling is really fun. There’s a lot of different arenas and different set ups, so that’s definitely a plus. It’s cool getting to take your horse and try all of the different stuff,” she says and adds, “So far I think the coolest part has been venturing into Canada. I’d never gone up there or rodeoed out of the country, and it is a completely different experience, from the music, to the fans, to the set ups, the ground, everything is just a lot of fun.”
Prior to her rookie run in the IPRA, Kristin saw success in regional associations. She got her start with horses through her dad’s love of the animals. And while he was involved in cutting, and Kristin actually started in English, she quickly gravitated to the rodeo arena to take up barrel racing. “I liked the idea of a timer instead of the politics, and it’s definitely better to compete for money than ribbons,” she laughs.
Now 25, Kristin has learned a lot from being involved in the sport.
“It’s taught me patience and sportsmanship for certain. We’ve had some good years and bad years in it. And I’ve really enjoyed more than anything meeting the people and going all over. You really learn how helpful others can be,” she says and cites an instance this summer where her colt colicked on the rodeo road, and everyone stepped up to help in the chaos.
Rodeo has helped Kristin learn to focus on her goals, and she’s clearly chasing them with full force this summer as she’s shot to the top three of the IPRA standings and leads the Rookie standings as well. She’s making not just a strong bid for an International Finals Rodeo qualification, but even a world title.
When she’s not rodeoing, Kristin stays involved in athletic hobbies like wakeboarding and snowboarding, and is also a dental assistant, but she’s put all of that on hold to rodeo full time this year. It’s certainly paying off, even with an early season knee injury that affected her for a month.
She credits her dad and mom for their support and keeping her motivated, as well as her hauling partners, which now includes IFR qualifier Jodi Colton.
And it’s not just the people and great horses in her life that make success possible for Kristin, she is quick to thank her sponsors as well, “You definitely can’t go down the road without those,” she says.
And the road is clearly home for Kristin as she gets closer to her dreams, three barrels at a time.
Kristin would like to thank: Ice horse, Horse Hydrator, Oxygen Inc, Banixx, Mule City Feed, Lucky Combo, LV Performance, Blue Roan Boutique, Rhinestone Lipgloss, Custom Chrome Tack, The Feathered Arrows, Draw It Out, KD Equestrian, Team Equine, Lightning Bug Equine, A&M Heating & Air, Scentsy by Lindy Huddleston, Sonrise Inc – Mike Blanton and Maready’s Farrier Services
