story by Laramie Dearing
There’s a lot more than meets the eye of this sweet smiling cowboy from Huckabay, Texas. Son of Tyson and Lindsay Hale; this nine-year-old competes in barrel racing, goat tying, pole bending, double mugging, and team roping at the American Junior Rodeo Association. This cowboy has five equine teammates: Jose, Rawhide, Duney, and Teaspoon who was stolen from his dad. Jose is owned by Baili Collins Nettleship who they can’t thank enough for allowing Jose to be a part of Hagan’s successful team.
His hard work was awarded this last summer at the American Junior Rodeo Association NFR in Sweetwater. Hagan was the 8 and Under All Around Champion, All Around Average Champion, 8 and Under Pole Bending and Breakaway Champion, 8 and Under Barrel Racing and Goat Tying Reserve Champion behind one of his good friends. “My favorite event is the calf roping, because it takes a lot of try.” This talented cowboy also received the honorable Jimmie Cooper Award for High Point Times Event All Around. Walking away with three new saddles and four new NFR titles, Hagan said he was very, very thankful. When Hagan grows up he wants to pursue being an all-around cowboy. He explained if he wanted to fall back on anything as a career in the future it would be to become a veterinarian.
“If I could have a superpower it would be to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo when I’m older. Before I compete, I always take a deep breath, and get my attitude right before I run.” As a competitor, you must learn to understand that not every rodeo is yours to win and Hagan says it best, “ You win some and you learn some!” In addition, this cowboy is an impressive young man both in and out of the arena. Hagan is sponsored by Capital Hatters, Ag Texas and was selected to be on the inaugural Priefert Junior Elite Team.
When Hagan doesn’t have a rope in one hand and a horse in the other, he attends West Side Church of Christ where he gives praise to God. A normal day for Hagan is busy to say the least. Between attending school at Huckabay as a third grader and being a big brother to Haustin also known as “Haus”, 5, he spends at least four nights a week in the arena practicing. He gets up and ready for school, but always finds a way to take care of horses or rope his dummy before leaving. His mom said, “One morning before school, we couldn’t find Hagan and after searching we found him riding one of his horses bareback.” When Hagan returns home after a hard day as a third grader he finishes his homework, puts some work in the arena and normally goes to bed late. Haus, Hagan’s little brother, is starting junior rodeos which adds to their very busy schedule.
“Hagan understands how blessed he is to be a rodeo athlete. “I know it takes a lot of people to make rodeo happen and I’m grateful for the support from my family, friends, and sponsors.” Hagan Hale is all hat as well as all cowboy. Be on the lookout for this upcoming athlete!
Hagan will go very far in whatever he sets his mind to. He consistently gives 110%, he is a pleaser and is eager to learn. He pursues anything he sets his mind to.”
