Californian continues the family rodeo tradition
SHAWNEE — Before she could walk or talk, Kelsey Cadwell was on a horse.
It’s a family tradition, and not quite the one Hank Williams Jr. sings about. The Cadwell family has been involved in rodeo for more than 120 years.
It started when she was three weeks old, but Kelsey was bound to be another Cadwell who ended up competing on a horse.
The daughter of a former National Finals Rodeo participant, Kelsey’s journey to rodeo didn’t come to fruition until she was 10.
“My dad (Travis) never thought his kids would rodeo,” Kelsey said. “I did other stuff like dance and soccer and softball, but then in about fourth or fifth grade, I decided to get into rodeo.
“I have just loved it ever since.”
The Oakdale, California, native returned to Shawnee this week for the 26th annual International Finals Youth Rodeo, which concludes Friday when 850 high-school aged contestants will vie for $250,000 in prize money, saddles and belt buckles.
Kelsey found the connection with rodeo the first day she competed, quickly picking up skills in each event. Although many cowboys and cowgirls tailor their skills, Kelsey is competing in four events this week: pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying and breakaway roping.
Travis, who flew to Oklahoma on Tuesday, credited Kelsey’s mother, Tiffany, for her keen approach when it comes to competition.
“I think it shows she has got a little get up and go attitude,” Travis said. “She is not afraid to take on a challenge. She got that attitude from her mother. She is not afraid to take on a little responsibility.”
Kelsey doesn’t have much free time. When she’s not practicing for one of her events, she is working on homework and handling business of being one of the IFYR’s Youth Directors and managing her responsibilities as president of the California High School Rodeo Association.
Staying involved helps keep her focused, but Kelsey said it can also help her in the future.
“It looks good on college applications,” Kelsey said. “I just have fun (in leadership roles) because you get to meet a lot more people and you get a lot more experience thaeople don’t get while learning a lot more.”
Kelsey hasn’t made a college choice yet, but she said Cal Poly and Texas A&M are intriguing universities.
At last year’s IFYR competition, Kelsey finish fourth in barrel racing aggregate. Travis said she went from a kid who had never competed in rodeo to one who couldn’t stop raving about her next opportunity to compete. It’s that passion that continues pushing Kelsey to reach her ultimate goal of competing in the NFR, following in Travis’ footsteps.
“Without him, I would not be anywhere near where I am right now,” Kelsey said.
The IFRY Finals begin Friday night, and Kelsey is preparing for a busy evening. There’s a possibility she could have a chance to win each of her four events on the same night.
To reach her ultimate goal, she wouldn’t want it any other way.
“It’s hard, but I hope to do it,” Kelsey said.