Tieken livin’ rodeo dream at TJHRA, beyond

Thirteen-year-old Rylan Tieken was right in the middle of all the action last week at J.B. Wells Arena. He’s been roping as far back as he can remember, and is looking forward to more and more of it.

And he can’t get enough.

Rylan, who just finished the seventh grade, was back in contention for the second year in a row at the Texas Junior High Rodeo Association State Finals, and for him, it’s just another day at the office.

“I love the rodeo,” he beams. “For me, it’s a way of life.”

So how does it feel to be competing in the State Finals?

“I like the increased level of competition that the State Finals have to offer,” he says. “Being out there with all these high-level contenders gives me a great adrenaline rush.

“My brother Raegan and I got second place in team roping in the State Finals last year,” he says. “After that, we went to the Nationals in Gallup, and had a blast.”

But it’s not all work at the State Finals.

“The goat roping in the evenings is fun,” he continues. “It can be some really hard work, but the jackpots are worth it. I also like meeting new friends.”

Rylan recalls a particular goat-roping incident at his home that didn’t turn out quite like he’d hoped.

“I was roping goats one time, and the goat ran under a tree,” he says. “My horse kept following the goat, and I ended up falling off. I got a pretty good cut on my arm out of the deal. My folks had told me not to do that, but I did it anyway. I learned my lesson.”

Rylan and Fern, his eight-year-old horse, are always on the move.

“We’re doing team roping, ribbon roping, breakaway and chute dogging,” he says. “She’s great will all that stuff.”

Rylan adds that while rodeo life is a lot of fun, it also comes with a very demanding schedule.

“We have practice every morning at 6:30,” he says. “So it requires a lot of discipline.

“I’ll continue this when I get into high school,” he says. “I’d love to be able to do this professionally. I’m thinking about going to rodeo college. Many of the junior colleges as well as the big universities have that to offer.”

Like many other aspiring rodeo champions, Rylan won’t get to go to the National Finals this year. But his spirit and determination remain undaunted. Plus, he just loves the rodeo, and will continue living the dream – win or lose.