story by Riata Cummings
Sage Webster is the daughter of Tamsyn and Rusty Webster of Francis, Utah. She has an older brother, Chase, and the family enjoys living in the pretty little town near the mountains. Sage is an eighth grader at South Summit Middle School and enjoys her math and English classes. When Sage isn’t at school, she can usually be found practicing her rodeo events with her family.
Rodeo has become a lifestyle for Sage as she has followed in the footsteps of her dad and brother. She has been competing since she was in 2nd grade, and now her events include breakaway roping, ribbon roping, and team roping. She is heading for Hazen Bennett in the team roping and running for him in the ribbon roping. Breakaway is her favorite event because “it’s just you and your horse, proving yourself to the world.”
Sage’s rodeo horses are Cactus, and 18-year-old gelding she uses to breakaway, and Jug Head, her 22-year-old head horse. She practices nearly every night, taking every opportunity to better herself and her horses. Last year, Sage finished 10th in the breakaway roping and in the team roping, and Hazen and she were the champion ribbon ropers. She has also qualified for the Jr World Finals in the breakaway roping. This year she has set a goal to be a state champion in all of her events and to qualify for nationals.
Sage’s rodeo career has been defined by the phrase, “Take your shot.” The simple saying reminds her to be confident when she is roping. “When you see everything line up, you have to throw that rope. You’re not going to win or catch or anything if you never throw.” It also reminds her to take the opportunities that life brings her. “Rodeo has helped me know how to work for what I want, even when it’s hard.”
Sage’s hero is her father, Rusty. “He worked hard to build his own business, and he is always so nice.” One day, Sage would like to be as kind and hard working as her father. Some of Sage’s greatest strengths are her honesty and her good listening skills. “Being a good listener has helped me listen to all the advice and help that people give me. It has also helped me have better relationships with everyone.”
Sage would like to thank her parents, family and friends for supporting her gold buckle dreams. She knows that rodeo takes a lot of resources and dedication, and she is grateful for the opportunity to compete.
