story by Siri Stevens
Cheyenne Decuire lives in Hardin, Texas, and qualified for the Junior World Finals in barrels and poles at the qualifier held in Clovis, NM. She rode 23-year old Bully for both events and is quite pleased with his time in the poles. “When we first started training him on poles, he was around 22 seconds,” said Cheyenne. “Now he’s down to a 19 second pole pattern.” She and her dad, Kenneth, trained Bully on poles; he came to the family four years ago as a started barrel horse. Thanks to seven years of Josey Ranch clinics, Cheyenne is feeling ready to take on the bright lights of Vegas.
“I think we’re ready this year,” said Cheyenne. “We have learned so much over the years and Bully and I have figured out how to work together.” Her training with Bully opened the door for the duo to achieve the 2021 NLBRA World Champion Pole Bending title. Cheyenne started competing when she was four. “Santa Claus brought me two ponies,” she said. Flowers and Peaches taught Cheyenne the basics and then she graduated to Lady. Cheyenne’s main mount in the barrels is Casey, a 9-yr-old mare. It has been truly difficult to train Casey but they are working through the issues. They are saving Bully for the important runs.
“We have been prepping Cheyenne since she started riding to be able to handle pressure situations,” said Kenneth. “Most kids crumble under pressure. Not Cheyenne she elevates her game and thrives in the moment. Just like in the 100k Bonus round at the Junior Patriot. She had to set a new personal best to have a shot. She did set her all-time fastest time 19.7 but had a pole down. Two weeks later she runs her fastest time ever in Clovis a 19.6.”
Starting with the Texas Junior Rodeo Association, she and her brothers, Konnor and Kash, have grown up competing in rodeo. The boys are learning tips from Kenneth, who used to ride bulls. Mom, Tylene, makes sure everybody has everything they need. “I hold horses and make sure everybody is where they are supposed to be.” The couple is devoted to helping each of their kids make their events. “We are a team.” Being a team includes taking the bull rider to the events and splitting the rigs up and meeting up at the end.
