Gonzales native qualifies for national competition

College tuition and rodeo fees are tough enough to deal with separately. But with her recent accomplishments as a freshman rider, Lindsey Trammell is now able to just worry about rodeo after getting a “full ride” as part of the Tarleton State University rodeo team.

“This is a big accomplishment,” Trammell said excitedly of the scholarship. “This is very big. I’m very thankful.”

Trammell was offered the scholarship after winning the Southwest Region in barrel racing. The region included schools such as Eastern New Mexico, Weatherford College, Frank Phillips College, Western Texas College and others.

To qualify for national competition, College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), Trammell needed to be among the top three individuals from each region. Southwest is one of 12 different regions in the United States. Trammell’s win at the Tarleton State Stampede rodeo was more than enough to push her towards qualifying for the national meet.

As of press time, Trammell is listed as number 25 in the list of top 25 barrel racers in the collegiate national standings. However, trying to compare barrel-racing times against the other top competitors will prove to be a bootless errand since arenas and barrel problems are different in each competition.

The success Trammell has had this season seemed inevitable, as the Gonzales native has been on a horse “since I can walk,” she said. Her success in the arena has helped her with her studies as she uses rodeo to help motivate her to “stay on top of school.”

During her first semester of riding, Trammell ran her horse Mercy, placing in two rodeos. Now she’s running “AC”, a horse that allowed her to win in the most recent rodeo at the Tarleton Stampede.

Trammell is currently studying Agriculture Services and Development, although she’s undecided in what she wants to pursue for a college degree.

After the national competition, Trammell wants to take a break from rodeo, giving her horses the much-needed rest. However, she is allowed to compete in amateur competitions during the break.

This year the national competition will take place from June 15-21 at Casper, Wyo.