Cowboys, cowgirls know fun, opportunity await at Gooding Pro Rodeo
GOODING, Idaho – Weeks before it even begins, the anticipation of being in this quaint community was already building among ProRodeo’s superstars.
“Gooding is a great rodeo for us,” said Cheyanne McCartney, a four-time National Finals Breakaway Roping qualifier and the No. 1 cowgirl in the land. “They add great money, and it’s a tour rodeo. There are a lot of good rodeos left in the season, but that’s definitely one you want to be at.”
The Gooding Pro Rodeo presented by Idaho Ford Dealers is set for Thursday, Aug. 20-Saturday, Aug. 22, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 19. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena.
“I go to Gooding to be ‘Beer Worthy,’ of course,” said bareback rider Garrett Shadbolt, a four-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “I think Gooding is one of the most fun rodeos we go to. It’s really pretty country through there. It’s just a great rodeo.
“I think rodeo committees want their rodeo to be special, and I understand that. It is special to the local community, but when you go to 100 of them a year like us, they’re not all memorable. Gooding, though, is pretty memorable.”
It’s the competition. It’s the big money, featuring $20,000 per event in local dollars that are mixed with the contestants’ entry fees to make up the purse. It’s the crowd.
That’s why 820 cowboys and cowgirls have put their names in the hat to be part of the festivities. They want an opportunity at the cash on the line, because it’s not only how they make a living, but it’s also how their season is justified. Dollars equal points, and only the top 15 on the money list at the end of the regular season advance to the NFR, the game’s grand finale.
“It’s a good rodeo with good money, so you don’t want to miss it,” said Trisyn Kalawaia, the sixth-ranked steer wrestler in the world standings. “We’re usually in slack there, but even during slack, they still have that ‘Beer Worthy’ sign, and it’s always a fun time.”
That’s the thing about professional sports: Yes, it’s a job, but it’s also fun. Performing at a high level means enjoying the tasks. Rodeo is more of a lifestyle than a living, and the fans in Gooding understand that.
“Idaho rodeos are fun,” Kalawaia said. “I’ve only been to Gooding three times, but that’s a fired-up crowd. They get after it, and they like to have fun.”
It’s reciprocated. Contestants get there early and stay late just to take in the crowd.
“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t ‘Beer Worthy,’ ” Shadbolt said. “It’s probably the coolest feeling when you get off your horse and look over, and there’s people holding the sign waiting for you.
“It’s pretty dang exciting. The little things make a big difference to a guy going down the road, and that’s always exciting.”