By Terry Rhodes
Cody Hill has been in the RMPRA since 2008. Besides the Rocky Mountain Association he also competes in the PRCA. One of the big draws for Cody that keeps him coming back to the RMPRA is the winter rodeo schedule. “It gives you someplace to rodeo in the winter when there really aren’t many rodeos to go to. Last year I didn’t get to go to many of the Rocky Mountain rodeos, but usually I go to 90% of them.” You’ll find him at the timed event end of the arena in the calf roping.
He got his start in roping with the help of friends. “We just got started and we’d find people here and there to help us out some times. I went to a few clinics when I was younger and that helped. I was in 10th grade when I started. Then I went to college at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colo. where I rodeoed for three years on a rodeo scholarship.” He majored in ag business and livestock production.
In calf roping, having a horse that does their job is a must. And his little AQHA grade mare that his grandfather raised excels at her job. “I’ve been letting J.C. Malone ride her and he won Pendleton on her. She has won Horse of the Circuit and she won college Horse of the Year.” Cody takes preparation for competition seriously and has a first-class work ethic when it comes to practice. “When I get ready to make a run, I really try to focus and block everything else out.”
Cody, 24 is single and makes his home in Tremonton, Utah where he was born and raised. For Cody, his family has always been that important influence in his life. “If I ever needed anything, I could always count on them to help me out.”
During the week Cody works for a 1000-cow ranch and spends a good portion of the day horseback. “I move cows around and doctor calves. It’s pretty much just doing normal ranch work.” Leisure time when he can find it, takes him right back to the arena to do some roping.
Cody has some specific goals for the future. “I’d like to get a few more good horses and keep rodeoing. I’d like to see where that takes me, and keep working at the ranch.” He believes in the axiom of, “Hard work and clean living.”
