25-year-old Miles City, Montana native, and PRCA member since 2018, Haven Meged, should have plenty to smile about these days, as he’s not only recently married to 2023 Breakaway Champion Shelby (Boisjoli) Meged, (meeting for the first time in Junior High rodeos) but he’s making big “boots’ to fill for any future PRCA tie-down ropers. Haven is a five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier, winning the tie-down average in Las Vegas last month, and breaking the record with 77.40 seconds on 10 head.
Currently residing close to Stephenville, Texas, Haven and Shelby both have the work ethic that makes champions. Along with setting this new record, a new arena record was set in round 7 as well, making Thomas and Mack history, tying his calf in only 6.4 seconds. “It happened so fast, I had a good calf and just tried to take full advantage.” Meged said about his historic run. The previous record of 6.5 seconds was shared by Cody Ohl in 2003, Trevor Brazile in 2015, and Shad Mayfield in 2022. Shad Mayfield was the next guy out of the box in round 7 after Meged, and tied his calf in 6.1 seconds, but the calf got up, which nullified the run. Haven commented, “It was just a great set of calves.”
This was Haven’s second world title, as he was first World Champion in 2019, and along with winning the average, he was also crowned Intercollegiate Tie-Down Champion that same year. Haven also recently won the Canadian tie-down roping title. Currently sitting second in the PRCA/Ram World Standings with, $309,238, (chasing Riley Webb) Haven says he’s keeping his foot on the gas and the plan is to not let off. Fast times in the first round made horse changes necessary, and in round two, Haven made the decision to run six-year-old, For Goodness Shakes, AKA, “Lil Punch,” a sorrel gelding he gives full credit to his wife Shelby, for training and letting him use, rounds two through nine.
Haven recalls, “My horse has been phenomenal.” “He stood in the box every single night, hit the barrier and gave it his all, and for a 6-year-old that’s never been to an indoor rodeo, it was pretty cool for him to be able to be so consistent.” “He’s been the biggest blessing.” It’s been a great year for Meged in rodeo, surpassing $1 million in career earnings early on in the season, and marrying his Canadian fiancé Shelby back in May, but he’s also invested his money in cattle. When Haven and Shelby have a few days off, you can find them back in Miles City, helping out at his family’s sale barn, or out on the family ranch. The couple also enjoys spending time together, supporting each other in their events, and training young horses.
