UJHRSA member, Shandee Ferrin – courtesy of the family
stories by Magie Downare-Nevius
Macee McAllister
In her past two years with the UJHSRA, Macee McAllister, has learned the valuable lesson of creating a bond with her horses. “You have to bond with your horse. A missed connection doesn’t turn out very well. I believe that creating a bond is done by riding and developing a trust for your animal. Once you trust it, it will trust you back,” she said. The experienced task has directed the 13-year-old cowgirl toward two state qualifications as she works the arena in the goat tying, barrel racing, pole bending, team roping, breakaway roping and the ribbon roping on three separate horses. “Goat tying is probably my favorite. I like the get-off and I it’s the only event where the contestant is actually doing more work than the horse,” Macee said.
Coming from a rodeo family in St. George, Utah, Macee’s start within the sport seemed inevitable. As her dad (Jade) competes in the team roping and is a former high school, college and PRCA team roper, her mom (Amanda) grew up around rodeo. “Mom knows a lot, but doesn’t compete,” Macee said. An extension among the family makes Macee a third generation rodeo athlete as both of her grandmas took to the arena and continue to offer their support. “Both of my grandmas and my Grandpa rodeoed. My grandma [Wanda] trains all of our barrel horses and my grandma [Brenda] qualified for the CNFR in the goats, she helps me with my technique,” Macee said. Second in line out of four siblings, Macee shares the rig with her older sister (McKenna, 15), who currently holds the UHSRA state barrel racing title and attended Nationals this year. The duo will soon make room for their younge r sister (McCall, 10), who will begin her arena time in the 5th and Under this year and youngest sister (Mylee, 8) shares the same interests and looks forward to following in her sister’s footsteps. “My family is way supportive. They come to every rodeo, are always down at the arena during practice times and Dad will even ride my horses when I am at other practices,” Macee said.
The soon-to-be eighth grader broadens her time outside of the arena to dance, and plays on a traveling soccer and basketball team, but has full intentions of making the best of her third year with the UJHSRA. “I want to go to Nationals in all of my events and top it off with either the reserve or all-around title,” Macee said of her future goals.
UJHRSA member, Jade Rindlisbacher – courtesy of the family
Jade Rindlisbacher
Two-time UJHSRA pole bending champion, Jade Rindlisbacher, climbed to her second National appearance holding the state reserve all-around title to place fifth in the first go-round. The 13-year-old cowgirl stretches her list of events to the goat tying, breakaway roping, barrel racing, ribbon roping and is on the heading side in the team roping. “Jade is very outgoing and has a lot of drive, but it all boils down to hard work and she is very determined,” her mom (Natalie) said.
Growing up around rodeo as her dad (Jason) is a PRCA heeler, Jade occupies the arena in the National Little Britches Rodeo Association, local rodeos and open barrel races, but has set her heart on achieving higher goals within the UJHSRA. “She is determined to make state in all of her events next season and is steadfast to be a three-time National qualifier,” Natalie said. Having just missed the state all-around by three points, Jade is also shooting for the all-around title.
The oldest of three children, Jade’s passion is shared by her younger brothers (Wyatt, 11, and Rylan, 6). As Wyatt will start his operations within the UJHSRA in the fall, Rylan is an effective competitor in Utah junior rodeos.
Outside of the arena, the future eighth grade student is active within the church and enjoys playing basketball and being with her friends in her free time. “She is very busy, but is a super good girl,” Natalie said.
Hailey Humphrey
Voted in as the UJHSRA Student President, Hailey Humphrey, will begin her reign in the fall, along with the continuation as a top contender as a five-event cowgirl. Participating in the breakaway roping, pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying and running in the ribbon roping, Hailey has developed as a well rounded athlete to become a two-time state qualifier. “Since qualifying in the goat tying her first year, she has been doing really good and improves each time. She just really loves it and I would say that goat tying is her favorite,” said her mom (Tamra).
Hailey’s love for horses and determination to succeed is not something that was taught, but inherited. Through her parents, she was brought into the western way of life as her dad (Joe) was into livestock showing and Tamra high school rodeoed. “She has always had a love for horses and has been riding since she was little, but she is so very dedicated. She wakes up early every morning, even before we’ve gotten out of bed, and practices. Hailey is very determined and sticks with it, even if things aren’t going her way, she just keeps trying,” Tamra said. While her younger brother (Kylan, 11) likes to ride, but isn’t into equine competition, Hailey’s younger sister (Paisley, 7) loves rodeo and can’t wait to follow in her big sister’s footsteps. “Oakley (Hailey’s youngest sister, 10 mos.) is her biggest supporter. She cheers and claps for Hailey everytime she’s out there doing her thing,” Tamra said.
The 13-year-old, soon-to-be eighth grader, excels as a student-athlete. Carrying a 4.0 grade point average, Hailey extends her enjoyment outside of the arena to softball, but remains devoted to rodeo. “Hailey gets very nervous before she competes, but she is working her way up and is looking to make it to Nationals next year,” Tamra said.
