08/17/2026
My heart has been a little heavy this weekend. ❤️
I didn’t get to make it to this last Jr. Rodeo to watch this incredible group of kids do what they love, and I hated missing it. But as I spent today taking care of my mom, and yesterday with Madi at her rodeo my phone kept lighting up with videos, pictures, and updates from the weekend. Thank you all especially you Gabby Young. Watching them had me thinking about just how far these kids have come.
From where they were at the beginning of April to where they are today… the growth is unbelievable. Not just in their skills and technique, but in their mindset, confidence, determination, and ability to handle the highs AND the lows.
Week after week, they have shown up and practiced. They’ve pushed themselves. They’ve rooted for one another, cheered for each other, laughed together, and yes, there have been some tears and frustrations along the way. But that’s what makes competitor. ❤️
It truly takes a village to build something special.
I may not be their coach, but you better believe I am one of their BIGGEST supporters. From trying to make sure they have the best ground possible to practice on, to late nights sitting with Madi Gliege watching video after video, critiquing runs, talking about what worked, what didn’t, and what could be better—I’ve had the privilege of watching the work that happens when nobody else is watching.
And then you get weekends like this, when they walk into that arena and do there best. 🔥🐴
Whether you made finals or you didn’t, whether you brought home a check, a buckle, or simply another lesson—you gave it a gallant effort, and we could not be prouder of you.
Every single one of you has faced obstacles. Horse changes. Tough runs. Frustration. Confidence struggles. Moments when things just weren’t clicking. But instead of letting those things defeat you, you took them to heart, went back to work, and used them to get better.
That is what I’m most proud of.
The wins and awards are wonderful, but watching you become stronger riders, and more confident young people means so much more.
Keep showing up. Keep cheering for each other. Keep learning from the hard runs. Keep celebrating the great ones.
Way to go, ladies. What a season of growth it has been—and you’re not done yet. ❤️🐴🔥Thank you Sherry Mathews for capturing every run📸 you are so very much apperciated!
