story by Magie Downare-Nevius
CePRA member, Montanna Peterson
– Jeff Frazell Photography
Montanna Petersen’s rookie year with the CePRA found her one out from making the finals, but the 20-year-old cowgirl returned in the next season to, not only, qualify for the finals, but went in leading the standings. After achieving two go-round earnings, Montanna was able to maintain her standings position with an approximate $2,200 lead over her closest competitor and finished as the 2014 champion barrel racer with over $6,300 won throughout the season. “It is just an awesome little organization. I just love how family oriented and friendly everyone involved is,” she said. “The Crowther family really puts on great rodeos to make the CePRA a great organization, as do all rodeo organizations.”
Born and raised in an equine world near Bentley, Kans., has had Montanna riding since before she could walk and running the cloverleaf pattern since she was old enough to enter. Her roots are buried deep with dad (Mike) as a futurity trainer, and mom (Sandi) getting horses started and ready to compete. “Both of the horses that I run were actually supposed to be my mom’s, but she just loves to train and watch me compete on those horses. She goes to all of the barrel races and is a huge help,” Montanna said. While older brother (Landon) is a fulltime cowboy, older brother (Jeremy) trained Montanna’s first horse. “I have my family to thank for all of their support. My grandparents and parents go to all of my events and my brothers and boyfriend try to attend as many as possible,” she said.
Montanna will take her third season with the CePRA as the new Barrel Racing Director. Having volunteered for the position, she has already put efforts forth in expanding the contestant list. “I am a person that voices my opinion when it comes to my priorities. For me, family comes first and rodeo is next on the list; with that I felt that I could offer something by stepping up and taking on the responsibility,” she said. “It has been great. I’m in the process of getting new members involved in the CePRA and have had lots of interest in it as well.” At the same time, the Quality Solutions, INC., accountant, will attempt to defend her title. “I want to get to the top of the standings and go into the finals ranked number-one again,” she said. “I want to be at the top and I am working everyday to get there.” Montanna has taken an early position and is currently seeded third in the standings. In addition, she is in the midst of filling her permit with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and hopes to win the Rookie of the Year crown. “I’m pretty dang excited about it,” she said. She will take to the full schedule mounted on her 7-year-old roan “Tonto” and has added his full-brother, a 6-year-old sorrel “Rooster” to the list. “Overall, my life ambition is to come out of the pen smiling every single time. It is a motto that my dad taught me early on and said that if I’m not having fun, then there is no point in moving forward,” Montanna said
