Shepard, Fitzpatrick qualify for high school rodeo nationals

The wind blew in Baker and a pole wobbled on the course as Morgan Shepard and her loyal horse Chilly prepared for their final race of the 2020 Montana High School Finals Rodeo last month.

One slight tail flick and a pole would likely tip, potentially knocking the duo out of the running to qualify for nationals. But Shepard and her horse ran the course like it was a casual day practicing in her home arena and, after two other girls knocked over a pole in their races, placed fourth in the standings with a 21.36 second run. The top-four finish in the pole bending event will send her to Guthrie, Oklahoma for the National High School Finals Rodeo during July 17-23, her first time ever qualifying for the grand-scale event.

During the same weekend another Lake County rodeo teen competitor, Caden Fitzpatrick, also qualified to compete in nationals in bull riding. Fitzpatrick finished third in the standings after getting eight seconds on his first bull of the competition.

Rodeo is a way of life for many, even for kids in high school. At the young age of five years old, Shepard was already competing in rodeos. A babysitter at the time got her started barrel racing all those years ago, and since then she has also competed in breakaway, goat tying and, her personal favorite, pole bending.

She enjoys competing in pole bending because of the close connection she forms with her horse. The two have to act as one unit in order to successfully complete the course without tipping a pole.

“I like that you have to stay on your toes cause you never know if somethings going to happen (in poles)...” Shepard said. “I like it best because I’m riding one of my favorite horses and he likes it, so we tend to have more of a bond when we do pole bending.”

Good horsemanship is the foundation of being a great pole bender, and Shepard puts in countless hours practicing in her own arena and also a weekly lesson to continually improve her skills.

According to her mother Traci Shepard, Morgan’s horse Chilly is 17 years old and although skilled, he is not always the fastest horse. She has instilled in Morgan that consistency is key and will often help her win events over the faster horses.

“If you are consistent in every single run you’re going to be above that girl that may run a 20 second pole run, but tips,” Traci said. “So we’ve really worked on that, consistency and not giving up.”

Consistency paid off for Morgan as this high school rodeo season was a challenging one for all involved. High school rodeo is split into fall and spring sessions, and Morgan had an incredible showing last fall. She entered the series of spring rodeos second in the standings, boasting 65 out of a max of 70 points. However after only a couple spring rodeos, COVID-19 began spreading through the United States and many events were soon cancelled. The Shepards said they would not know if a rodeo was actually going to take place until the week of and many of the events took place as scheduled were all on the Eastern side of the state, involving much more traveling than usual; over 20 rodeos in Montana alone were cancelled.

“Just think, you’re packing the horse in the horse trailer and heading for Billings or Big Timber...” Traci said. “And a lot of people did that because those were the only (rodeos). If your kid was sitting really good in points, you had to keep them going.”

The inconsistencies in rodeos and extended travel were difficult for Morgan, but she kept pushing on because making nationals was one of her most sought after goals.

“It feels really good because it’s been one of my highest goals to accomplish,” Morgan said.

Although this will be the first trip to nationals for Morgan, bullrider Caden Fitzpatrick is becoming a veteran to the largest high school rodeo competition. As he just finished out his sophomore year of high school, this is the fourth national rodeo he’s qualified for.

Caden started out on the mini bulls at the local fair when he was eight years old. Since those early days he has turned rodeoing into more than a fun, social affair.

“All the traveling is fun and you get good buddies you get to go see, but most of it is just for the love of the sport,” Caden said.

His parents Zane and Sandi Fitzpatrick are a support system for Caden and will be traveling with him to Oklahoma for nationals, a 10-day event. Sandi said she has enjoyed witnessing Caden grow up in the rodeo world, even though it can be nerve wracking.

“It is exciting, but sometimes it can be heartbreaking…” Sandi said. “I’m nervous the whole time, but I do love to watch him.”

Caden stayed near the top of the pack for most of his bull riding season this year.

He ended the fall season in second place, and by the middle of spring he was leading the standings. Near the end of the season and throughout the state rodeo, the race for first place was close. But after his last ride at the Montana finals, he ended up in third place to qualify for nationals

“(Qualifying) is just a reminder that I’ve done it before and now I’ve done it again,” Caden said. “It’s kind of a big confidence booster for me.”

Competing in high school rodeo is no easy task - it takes dedication, long hours, major responsibility and many a long road trip with a horse trailer in tow according to these two families. But as both teens head to Oklahoma to compete on the big stage, the chance to achieve significant goals makes every sacrifice worthwhile.

Reporter Whitney England may be reached at 758-4419 or wengland@dailyinterlake.com