story by Riata Cummings
Lincoln Reeder is an eighth grader from the small town of Malad, Idaho. He attends Malad Middle School, and his favorite classes include English and a career and technical education course.
Lincoln is the son of Bucky and Katie Reeder and a brother to Naelyn and Riggin. As a family they enjoy going big game hunting and traveling to rodeos. Lincoln’s father rode saddle bronc horses and bucking bulls when he was younger, and Lincoln started getting on calves and tying goats at youth rodeos when he was just 8-years-old. Now, Lincoln competes in the bareback steer riding, saddle bronc steer riding, bull riding and boys’ breakaway roping through the Utah Junior High School Rodeo Association.
Lincoln’s favorite event is the bareback riding because, “You have to be all in. You have to be in good shape and be strong to compete well. It’s a tough event and you really have to be gritty to win.” Last year, Lincoln finished the season as the state champion bareback rider, state champion boys’ breakaway roper, reserve champion all-around cowboy and reserve champion saddle bronc rider. This year he has set his sights on the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo for each of his events. While there he hopes to qualify for the short-go and claim a world championship.
In preparation for his rodeo events, Lincoln rides the spur board three times a week to “work on the basics and build strength.” He also regularly ropes calves on his breakaway horse, Marty, and exercises to stay in shape. At the rodeo, Lincoln loves the adrenaline rush of a good ride or run, and really enjoys “the people. They are always willing to help you and they are always making sure things go right for you.”
One of Lincoln’s heroes is his father. “He is such a hard worker and he is polite and kind to everyone.” One day, Lincoln would like to emulate the way his father “is kind to others and puts others first.” One of Lincoln’s greatest strengths is his ability to stay positive. “I try to never look at the negatives in a rodeo or a ride. I have to look at the upside. If I am thinking about how good I will do, instead of what could go wrong, then I don’t get nervous. I just compete my best when I am thinking positive.”
Lincoln would advise rodeo contestants “not to give up and to just keep trying.” He believes that dedicating yourself to each run and ride is important. “You never know how far you really could go if you give up or stop trying.”
Lincoln would like to thank his parents for supporting his rodeo career, along with all the rodeo friends that have helped push him to be better and cheer him on. “Thank you all for all the helping and support.”
