While there are distinct categories in modern rodeos such as barrel racing and poll racing strictly only for females while only men compete bronco and bull riding, one young competitor would like to see some changes. It would take the National Rodeo Association to change those rules, but 13 year-old Ember Sheera would like to see that happen.
Since the time she could walk, Sheera started riding horses. She was in the Pee Wee Barrel racing events as a child. “I walked around the barrels first, and then eventually sat on a pony and walked around them. It just progressed from there,” said Sheera. She placed sixth in the Arcola Rodeo on August 3 for barrel racing, and competed in the National High School Rodeo for goat tying this year as well.
“I think it’s good that the sport is opening up to having women compete. The boy’s will make fun of you for it, (barrel racing), but riding a horse at that speed it pretty tough. It’s wouldn’t be that hard to ride a bull, I honestly think if you’re “sticky” enough you’ll just stay on,” said Sheera. “Women aren’t allowed to ride them, (bulls) in the rodeo. I think it would be good to give them that option.”
Training for female and male rodeo competitions start at a very young age. “I would have likely ridden steers if they had offered it in the juniors. Now I wouldn’t start because I wouldn’t have the same amount of experience as someone starting younger would have. A steer won’t go to hurt you, like a bull will. I think girls should be allowed to ride them,” said Sheera.
Sheera rides the High School Rodeo circuit competing year round. The season starts in September, and then has a short break. In spring if you’ve added up enough points, you get to compete in the Nationals. Sheera travels almost every weekend to rodeos while she’s attending school. “I think women should be allowed to ride steers and have it added to our points.”
Content for now to compete in barrel racing, Sheera’s goal is to get into the Nationals this coming year for barrel racing, and she’s certain she will. “I think if boys tried barrel racing they would likely fall off. The quick turning is difficult. It’s like a slingshot, you pull back into the turn, and then the horse bursts forward and lunges out. Those lunges can be pretty scary. I love it because of the bond between the horse and the rider, and to see how fast and smooth we can get it.”
Her parents are willing to drive her to all the events, and there is a large social life behind the scenes not only for the kids but the rest of those involved in making the events happen. “They love it, I love it, they have friends there, and they go for dinners and coffee. It’s not just about me, High School Rodeo is a bond between everyone,” said Sheera.
“I think girls shouldn’t give up, and they should try what boys say they can’t do.”
