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Breaking Away: 13-Year-Old Avery Stevens on Finding Success in Rodeo
Welcome back to the show!! We apologize for the two week hiatus, our producer/editor Jon has been out for the birth of his daughter, but we are back every week!!
Meet Avery Stevens, a remarkable 13-year-old rodeo competitor who's making her mark in breakaway roping, ribbon roping, and team roping events. Raised around horses her entire life but only recently diving into serious competition, Avery brings a refreshing perspective on what makes rodeo special.
Guided by her grandfather Larry Darnell, a respected figure in Southern Illinois roping circles, Avery has developed impressive skills that are taking her to the National Little Britches Rodeo at the prestigious Lazy E Arena. Her journey illustrates the unique blend of family tradition, mentorship, and personal determination that defines rodeo culture.
What stands out in this conversation is Avery's insight into the mental challenges of competition. "Sometimes it gets the best of me," she admits about backing into the box before a run. Her grandfather helps her navigate these challenges, recognizing that "your biggest opponent is yourself" – wisdom that applies far beyond the rodeo arena.
The special relationship between Avery and her horses – 8-year-old Vinny and 23-year-old Otis – reveals the deep bond that develops between riders and their equine partners. When asked what superpower she'd give her horses, Avery thoughtfully responds she'd want them to talk so she could understand what they're thinking.
Perhaps most striking is Avery's description of the rodeo community's supportive nature. Unlike many competitive sports, rodeo competitors actively help each other succeed, even when competing in the same events. This culture of mutual support, combined with the sport's accessibility across age groups, makes rodeo unique among youth sports.
Looking ahead, Avery plans to balance her rodeo pursuits with nursing school, following in her sister Abby's footsteps while continuing to rodeo "forever." Her story reminds us why rodeo remains such a powerful tradition – it's not just about winning, but about building character, community, and lifelong skills.
Listen to discover why this young competitor's journey matters and what we can all learn from her approach to both rodeo and life.
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By travis beasleyWelcome back to the show!! We apologize for the two week hiatus, our producer/editor Jon has been out for the birth of his daughter, but we are back every week!!
Meet Avery Stevens, a remarkable 13-year-old rodeo competitor who's making her mark in breakaway roping, ribbon roping, and team roping events. Raised around horses her entire life but only recently diving into serious competition, Avery brings a refreshing perspective on what makes rodeo special.
Guided by her grandfather Larry Darnell, a respected figure in Southern Illinois roping circles, Avery has developed impressive skills that are taking her to the National Little Britches Rodeo at the prestigious Lazy E Arena. Her journey illustrates the unique blend of family tradition, mentorship, and personal determination that defines rodeo culture.
What stands out in this conversation is Avery's insight into the mental challenges of competition. "Sometimes it gets the best of me," she admits about backing into the box before a run. Her grandfather helps her navigate these challenges, recognizing that "your biggest opponent is yourself" – wisdom that applies far beyond the rodeo arena.
The special relationship between Avery and her horses – 8-year-old Vinny and 23-year-old Otis – reveals the deep bond that develops between riders and their equine partners. When asked what superpower she'd give her horses, Avery thoughtfully responds she'd want them to talk so she could understand what they're thinking.
Perhaps most striking is Avery's description of the rodeo community's supportive nature. Unlike many competitive sports, rodeo competitors actively help each other succeed, even when competing in the same events. This culture of mutual support, combined with the sport's accessibility across age groups, makes rodeo unique among youth sports.
Looking ahead, Avery plans to balance her rodeo pursuits with nursing school, following in her sister Abby's footsteps while continuing to rodeo "forever." Her story reminds us why rodeo remains such a powerful tradition – it's not just about winning, but about building character, community, and lifelong skills.
Listen to discover why this young competitor's journey matters and what we can all learn from her approach to both rodeo and life.