story by Lindsay Whelchel
Rodeo became a part of Sean Porter’s life at a young age. He started roping calves around the age of 13 under the guidance of his uncle David Watson. Sean went on to compete in high school rodeo and later both, the Tri State Rodeo Association, as well as professional rodeo.
Being able to be at a competitive level he credits to the Day family, Tommy and Sherry and their son Jeff. “They helped me get to where I’m at in rodeo and in life,” Sean says. He not only lived with them, they hauled him and facilitated practice for him during his high school rodeo career.
So now, at age 39, it’s only natural that he’d be helping others and fostering the love of the sport within his two young sons, as well as local cowboys just getting their start. It’s about more than the competition to Sean. He’s not just a contestant he’s the TSRA Calf Roping Director too.
“With rodeo, it’s a good Christian atmosphere. I like the family in it, it’s like my friends are family, and [with] the roping, I try to work at it to be the best and help high school kids achieve their dreams and help with their roping,” Sean says.
The camaraderie really stands out to Sean in rodeo. “I’ve got friends scattered throughout the area, the southeastern circuit,” he says.
Though he occasionally team ropes, Sean’s focus has always been calf roping. He loves the challenge of it and really focused on putting in a proper foundation in his youth to learn the techniques of the sport. The effort has taught him a lot about himself.
“Just do the best you can. I’ve worked hard at it. I don’t rope as much as I used to, I still practice throughout the week, but when I was younger I really practiced a lot and really worked at it.”
Now days, Sean stays busy running two businesses, a fencing company, as well as co-ownership of an assisted living home. He’s also raising his sons Tyler, 8, and Jake, 3, alongside his wife Amanda.
“They have an interest in rodeo. Tyler ropes. They love horses, so we just do the family thing. My wife, she barrel races,” Sean explains.
The family makes their home now in Franklinton, La., where Amanda grew up. They go to rodeos almost every weekend. Sean has qualified for the TSRA Finals probably 12 times, as well as a PRCA Southeastern Circuit Finals and RodeoHouston before. He’d like to do it again.
“It’s hard with two businesses and a family to stay gone that much, but I’d like to make the circuit finals again and of course I’d love to make the Tri State Finals every year and to win that championship. I have not ever won that championship, but that’s what I try to do every year, I get close but…”he laughs.
When he’s not working or rodeoing, you’ll likely find Sean hunting or fishing. He never meets a stranger and if you ask him, he’ll be glad to help you pick up a rope.
