story by Lily Weinacht
“Rodeo has always been a big part of my life, and I think the most significant part of it is the sportsmanship and the relationships it makes. Traveling all over the state of Wyoming allows you to meet so many people, and they will have an everlasting impact on your life,” says Ellie Bard. The 18-year-old from Sheridan, Wyoming, who is the 2018/2019 WHSRA Student President, is equally passionate about helping her fellow teammates build the same relationships. “We’re all a part of a wonderful association and it’s such a good way to connect,” explains Ellie, who also carries flags at each rodeo and helps field questions from WHSRA members.
Prior to serving as the president, Ellie was the student breakaway roping director, and during the 2018 NHSFR, she represented the WHSRA in pole bending, barrel racing, and breakaway roping. She won her first state title last season as well, clinching the 2018 WHSRA All-Around Cowgirl and Reserve Pole Bending Champion titles, along with winning the average in barrel racing. “I didn’t realize qualifying in the barrel racing was in reach—I missed all the fall season (in barrels) and just started in the spring working to connect with my horse, but I had a really good state finals. It was a really special experience going out to Nationals and showcasing that what Wyoming has is definitely something to be proud of.”
Barrel racing and breakaway roping are particular favorites for Ellie, but she also enjoys pole bending, goat tying, and team roping with heeler Chance Stevie from Cora, Wyoming. “I think we have strong breakaway competition in Wyoming. It’s a very teamwork based event, and there are so many connections that need to be made between you and your horse to be successful.” Ellie hauls five horses down the road—one per event—and even goes to Wickenburg, Arizona, each year for quality riding time in the winter. “My barrel horse, Czech, has changed my rodeo career exponentially, and every time we run, he has a heart of gold. My pole bending horse, Bizee, I’ve had since my eighth-grade season, and it was definitely a rough start at first, but we’ve created something special.” She also breakaway ropes on Boone, heads on Gray Dog, and ties goats off Dobey. “I really couldn’t do it without all five teammates behind me.”
Ellie further attributes her success to the support of her family and friends. “My parents, Irv and Cathy Bard, especially are out there every day practicing with me and helping me exercise horses. They’ve pushed me to be the competitor that I am, and I couldn’t have done it without them. They’ve both competed in rodeo, and I grew up on my grandparents’ big ranch outside of Sheridan until we moved to town a few years ago. The Kohr family from Gillette has helped me exponentially over the last few years. We met them through the Wyoming High School Rodeo Association a few years ago and we’ve been family friends ever since.”
A senior at Big Horn High School, Ellie goes to school four days a week, and is a full-time college student as well as high school student. “I take a lot of college courses through Sheridan College, and I’ll be graduating with an associates in general science before graduating with my high school diploma.” She plans to start on her associates degree in pre-pharmacy next, and college rodeo. “For the next season, I would like to be consistent in all my events, and I need to work on my mental focus to have that competitive edge. The rodeo family is something special, and being a part of that outside the rodeo arena is truly incredible. Rodeo is the key aspect of my life.”
