story by Riata Cummings
Madison is the 14-year-old daughter of Peter and Kinsi Scott. They live in Lakeshore, Utah, a nice little community with its fair share of horse people. The Scotts have an arena in their back yard and enjoy spending time riding together in-between rodeos. Madison is an eighth grader at Spanish Fork Junior High School, where her favorite classes include Spanish, United States history, and science. She loves the challenge of learning a new language, as well as the new things she is learning in history since she was raised in Canada with a limited knowledge of American history.
When Madison was younger, she moved away from the city and discovered the desire to ride. After growing tired of English riding, she tried her hand at western riding. Her coach encouraged her to start barrel racing, and it only took a few jackpots before Madison was hooked on the adrenaline found running the clover-leaf pattern. She started entering rodeos just a little over a year ago, and today competes in barrel racing and pole bending. The barrels are still her favorite, and there is nothing like the thrill it gives her.
Madison competes on two horses, Em and Cali Roo. Madison acquired Em from a professional barrel racer in Canada who had lost her confidence in Em’s abilities. After one run on the horse, Madison had found her perfect match and the team have been running together for a little over three years. When Madison wanted to test her skills as a barrel racer and horse trainer they bought Cali Roo, the four-year-old prospect. Madison rides her horses almost every day, exercising them with slow pattern work or drills. So far, she is enjoying traveling the UJHSRA circuit, meeting new members and seeing the state. She hopes to continue improving, increasing her speed and consistency throughout the season.
Rodeo has taught Madison the importance of persistence. She knows that the only way to improve is through lots of dedication applied in the practice pen. It has taught her to keep going, even when the going is tough. It has taught her to develop a connection with her horses and challenged her to step out of her comfort zone to meet new people. She lives by the saying, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well,” and she consistently challenges herself to become a better competitor. Rodeo has helped her discover that some of her greatest strengths are patience and problem solving, as bad runs or hard days push her back to the drawing board time and time again. Eventually she would like to put those skills to use as a horse trainer and riding coach.
Those aspirations are due, in part, to her barrel racing coach and hero, Christine Drismer. Despite being busy with her barrel racing and horse training career, Christine finds the time to help Madison. Christine watches videos of Madison’s runs, critiques her riding and encourages her to keep pushing for faster times. Madison is grateful for everything Christine does and looks up to her for being a talented competitor and a good person. Madison would like to thank her coach and her parents for providing her with the opportunity to rodeo and the arming her with the skills necessary for success.
