Meet the Member
Teal Schmidt
story by Lily Weinacht
Teal Schmidt saddle bronc riding at the 2014 NLBFR – Photo by JenningsRodeoPhotography.com
NLBRA member Teal Schmidt has been rodeoing with the association since he was 13. Today the 18-year-old cowboy competes in saddle bronc riding and team roping as a header, with the saddle bronc riding coming in first on his list of favorite events. Teal took up riding roughstock when he was 15, and with the help of several people, including his dad and his PRCA saddle bronc riding cousin, Chuck Schmidt, Teal gave his nod and burst out of the chutes. He went to the Badlands Rodeo Bible Camp in Kadoka for several years, as well as practicing with the rodeo team at Dickinson State College with rodeo coach Udel Larson. Teal admits that his mom used to leave the stands when it came time for him to ride his bronc, but the event is growing on her, and these days she can watch him compete.
“I really like having fun, meeting people, and travelling around,” says Teal of rodeo. “If I were describing rodeo to a friend, I would tell them they have no idea how much fun it is. Everything about it is exciting, not just the performances. You have fun with people, and compete with them, but you can still be friends. It’s a great atmosphere and an extremely fun sport that anybody should try.” Teal competed at the NLBFR for his sixth year and placed second in the saddle bronc riding. He also went to Shawnee, Okla., this summer and competed in the IFYR for the first time, where he placed fourth in the average.
Teal graduated from Sturgis Brown High School this spring and is currently in the middle of his first semester at Gillette College in Wyoming. He is studying for a four year degree in welding and mechanics – and of course, rodeoing. He is competing solely in the saddle bronc riding this semester, but hopes to start team roping again next semester. “College life is pretty enjoyable, and the rodeos here are really fun,” says Teal. “Our teachers understand our rodeo schedule and help us out with that.”
After wrapping up several college rodeos in the next few weeks, Teal plans to go home to Sturgis every weekend, which is about 120 miles from Gillette. After greeting his parents, Cary and Shawna, Teal heads out to catch up with his good friend Billy, the Paint horse that he has roped off of for several years. “He’s a really good horse, and I love him to death.” Teal hopes to bring Billy to school with him once he starts roping in college. Teal’s older brother, Taylor, is also college rodeoing, going to Sheridan College in Wyoming, where he is studying to become a personal trainer. In his down time, Teal is enjoying riding the dirt bike he purchased recently. He has started racing motocross, riding in the Sturgis rally and also competing in several races in Gillette. Hunting season is here, and Teal enjoys both bow and rifle hunting with his dad. They often stay in a relative’s cabin over a weekend to hunt. Teal also spends several weeks on his cousin Chuck Schmidt’s ranch every summer, helping him run the ranch and work cattle.
Pursuing his future goals, Teal plans to buy his PRCA permit in January and fill it within the year bronc riding. He has also been competing in the SDRA, and plans to rodeo with Little Britches and qualify for their finals one last time. The association and its competition has prepped him well as he heads down the rodeo trail to the WNFR.
