2021 Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finalist Shelby Rasmussen


Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? What are their lifetime earnings?
I have two horses that I use throughout my year, Ice Cube (Ima Billie Cat), and Petey (Cuervo Gold Buck, 2008 Buckskin Gelding by The Son Of A Buck out of HBD Cuervo Gold, Wyoming Bred).  I am getting both ready for the finals and will probably make a final decision on who to use for sure closer to the finals. I won the majority of my money this summer on Ice Cube.  I don’t have exact lifetime earnings on each but I have won over $30,000 breakaway roping, heading, and goat tying on Petey, winning the NWRA breakaway title, winning state high school and all-around rodeo titles, placing at the World’s Richest Breakaway roping multiple years, among college and pro rodeo money earned.  I have also qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo twice using both horses throughout the year.  I have a won over $20,000 breakaway roping, heading, and goat tying on Ice Cube as well.
 
What is unique about their personality and what are their strengths?
Ice Cube is very quirky and extremely smart.  He doesn’t trust many people and often I am the only person that can catch him.  He is always wants to please and I head, heel, and tie goats on him as well. Petey is like my dog, he follows me around and waits for me at the fence almost every day.  I have a very special bond with him.  I can also put anyone on him, I have given multiple riding and roping lessons on him. 
I have used both horses at MSU football games carrying flags, leading the team onto the field. 

When did you start competing in breakaway?
I started competing in the breakaway roping in the 7th grade.  I grew up barrel racing but when I started junior high rodeoing, I shortly fell in love with roping. 

Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines?
Growing up, my family raised a lot of horses.  All of us have moved into different stages of life now and do more purchasing.  We do typically buy horses pretty young, or green because my mom, my sister, and I have a passion for training horses.  When it comes to breakaway horses, I am not as picky about bloodlines but I do look for the horses build, mind, athleticism and speed.  I have been lucky to have had the two horses I mainly use since I was in high school, we bought both from Troy Nahrgang.

What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)?
I team rope on both my breakaway horses and goat tie on Ice Cube, so I try to keep practice different for them.  I also make sure to do a lot of riding away from roping and rodeo events.  I don’t run many practice calves on Petey and try to just keep him fresh and in shape. 

When you're headed to the rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books?
I am a big music listener.  You can guarantee that I have music playing on my phone no matter what I am doing.  I do enjoy podcasts as well.  My sister and I listen to a lot of Crime Junkie. 

Do you have a rodeo idol and reasons why?
At this point in my life, I would say my rodeo idol is my sister.  She works harder than anyone I know, prioritizing time in the gym, healthy eating, and intense and productive practicing with no excuses.  She also always makes sure being a good person and a role model is always the most important thing, something I strive to do.  She was the National Intercollegiate Rodeo All-Around Cowgirl this past year, winning multiple rounds of the goat tying and competing in the breakaway roping. 

Do you have favorite spots to stop at while on the road?
I like McDonalds for breakfast and pizza is our go to food stop for lunch or dinner if we need something on the go, preferably Dominos. 

Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig?
I usually travel with my mom and/or my sister.  My sister and I typically take our stock trailer but when we travel with my mom we have a living quarters if we need it.  Our dog, Bugsy, can be found at every rodeo as well, she’s pretty famous.

What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2021 circuit finals?
It was definitely a year of ups and downs but it was so awesome to be able to go down the road pro rodeoing in the breakaway.  I think it’s something we all have dreamed of and it was amazing for that to come true this summer.  Competing alongside some of the best in the world this summer was an honor. 

How do you juggle family life while on the road?
Most of my competing is done alongside my mom and my sister and my dad is always a huge supporter and is there whenever he can be.  It has always been a family affair for us. 

What are your hobbies or other sports you compete in?
I have always loved music and play 8 instruments and my sister and I do a lot of singing.  I also love to travel.  I am still in school, competing in college rodeo, getting my master’s in financial planning. 

The Run Down
Saddle: Todd Slone Saddle I won at the state high school rodeo finals. 
Pad: CSI Pad.
Leg Gear: Classic Equine.
Bits: I use a custom chain port bit on both my breakaway horses made by Reg Hamilton. 
Rope: I am indecisive but I use the following depending on conditions: Rattler Viper, Rattler Striker, Cactus Tsunami
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): I feed a low starch grain, usually Nutrena Safe Choice.  I feed a coffee can of that a day with Triple Crown oil and Platinum Complete Joint.  I feed alfalfa hay on the road and my horses are usually turned out on grass in the summer. 
Additional Care: I try to go spend time with my horses even in the off season.  They are very special to me. 
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