story by Laramie Dearing
A cowboy who is exceedingly active on both sides of the arena, allow me the honor of introducing you to Lane Reed. Highly skilled in riding both horses and bulls, Lane is a member of the unique group of cowboys who can throw a hat in the ring in both rough stock and timed events. Lane is 17 years old. He calls Clint, Texas his home.
“The associations I compete in are American Junior Rodeo Association, Central Professional Rodeo Association, United Professional Rodeo Association, and West Texas Rodeo Association. I compete in three events; team roping, calf roping, and bull riding. I have been a part of the American Junior Rodeo Association since I was six years old. Some accomplishments I have are, Junior National Finals Rodeo Qualifier, three time National Qualifier, and American Junior Rodeo Association World Champion. One of my accomplishments that I am the most proud of is being a three time National Qualifier, because it is very difficult to make Nationals even one time within our region. My favorite rodeo memory is when I rode the bounty bull In O’Donnell Texas a couple weeks ago.” Hauling from one place to another, Lane fathoms how to properly balance rodeo life while still achieving goals outside the arena. “I go to Clint High School right outside of El Paso. The way I manage both school and rodeo is, I wake up at 6:30 every morning and take care of all of my school work that I need to get done for the day and then I have the rest of the afternoon to practice what I need to in the arena.” In light of tackling his priorities, to properly pursue a dream you have to first have an incentive. Lane well understands the “why” behind the drive. “I have been in rodeo since I was 6 years old. Seeing my Dad’s pictures of him riding bulls when he competed in rodeo is what made me want to pursue my career in the arena. My parents’ names are Kevin and Judi Reed and rodeo has been in my family for a long time. My grandpa and my dad both rode bulls and my mom ran barrels and tied goats. Rodeo is something that helps us with many things throughout life, because it helps us to understand that you win some and you lose some.”
Being a part of a culture rich with interesting heritage and life lessons, leads to a broader understanding of high minded principles. “Some values that are important to me are many lessons taught by my parents, because they are the ones who always provide moral wisdom and it is them who allow me to do what I love to be a part of rodeo. I really enjoy rodeo, because you get to hang out with your friends and everyone is always willing to help you under any circumstances. You may be competitors however you are still friends who are always prepared to help you out.”
Lane is following in the footsteps of those who are his inspiration.“My future plans are to go to college and get my real estate license so I can sell ranches like my dad. I plan to apply what I have learned from my family and use that throughout my life. My favorite quote is “you have three choices in life, give up, give in, or give it all you got”. My favorite bible verse is John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’”
