COMPANION PASS: Haley Corkill - For the Love of Rodeo

For the love of rodeo.. Well, actually for the love of my family. That’s my why. That’s my reason for rodeoing all year with my husband and two boys. I have been going with him for the past 10, almost 11 years. It was always really important to us to do this as a family *cue the awes* but, one thing about rodeoing (if you haven’t done it) is that it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. The amount of time actually spent in one town doesn’t remotely compare to the hours spent driving there, and after the rodeo, good or bad, you load up and head to the next one.

Then, you add babies. No more sleeping in after that all night drive… because you know who got a full nights sleep and are ready to roll at 7:00am? Jade and the kids ;) kidding... but, really it was tough at times. The number one thing as a parent is questioning your choices and here we are with two little guys who have more car seat hours logged than most do their whole toddler lives. We wanted them to see their grandparents and great grandparents as much as possible and sometimes we wondered if we were doing the right thing.

There was this one time, Bobbie Tryan and I had our 5, yes 5 boys, in a semi headed to meet Jade and Clay at a rodeo. We started the day with Colby shutting his finger in the door (the kids were all convinced it was going to fall off). We got on the road and after a bit we decided to stop and grab food and I get us completely stuck in this parking lot. Side note- P.F. Chang’s should really consider trailer parking, just saying... I am freaking out because Jade is one to notice ANY possible curb marks on the tires and I am almost certain if I’m gonna get out of there he’s gonna find more than just a tiny mark. Bobbie jumps out to help and by some miracle we escape curb free. We finally get to the rodeo after hours of listening to little boys talk about team roping and blaming each other for the bad smells coming from the back of the truck. They all forgot about the traumatic finger that may or may not fall off, and they ran full speed to the rig their dads were in. As we sat there with full hearts (and a half full glass of wine) we laughed about our day and remembered all of the reasons why were out here.

With doubts come moments of clarity. Being there for those once-in-a-career wins or being able to help pick up the pieces after a devastating loss (we all know it’s hard to stay mad when your 3 year old wants to know why you only roped one leg). It made those late night drives and early morning slacks totally worth it. We were able to go through the highs together and keep the lows from getting too low. The kids have been to more states than most adults and have seen some of the most beautiful places and met some of the most beautiful people and we owe that to rodeo.

As the kids have gotten older our priorities have shifted. Their education is super important to us and we want them to have the opportunity to explore things they want to do. They both love sports and school so the last few years I’ve cut my summers a little short and I’ve skipped the CA rodeos in the spring. It’s been an adjustment for sure but we love watching them compete and follow their own dreams.

Regardless, if you rodeo with your spouse full time or are the one who stays and holds down the home front your guys & girls couldn’t do it without you! It’s a team effort no matter how you look at it. If you’re in the truck or on the phone your supporting them, and being a partner in helping reach their goals. We chose a lifestyle that most might think is crazy (and I totally get that) but I wouldn’t want it any other way!