Marsha Nelson at 2016 CePRA Finals – Foto Cowboy
story by Kyle Eustice
Based in Salina, Kansas, 57-year-old Marsha Nelson was born in Belleville into a family helmed by mother Jo Ann Craig Walker and her late father Bob Craig. Along with older brother, Bobby Craig, and twin sisters Pam Reynolds and Kathy Pugh, riding horses was a way of life.
“My brother and sisters always made sure that I had a horse to ride and always would take me when they could,” said Marsha. “Growing up you could probably say I had the better of the horses because I was seven years younger and was always on the road.”
Marsha attended Hillcrest High School in Cuba, Kansas and Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas, but because of her father’s passion for rodeo, she ultimately decided to pursue that path. She’s been a member of the NBHA, URA, KPRA, and CPRA, in addition to the WPRA and USTRC, where she barrel races and ropes.
“Let’s put it this way” laughed Marsha. “I have been a member for quite a long time.”
Marsha’s husband, Mike Nelson, daughters Nicki Harris and Stacey Harris Hansen, all love rodeo. It truly is a family affair. Even her 6-year-old granddaughter has started running barrels and goat tying.
One of her biggest accomplishments is winning the CPRA year-end a few years ago and winning the average at the finals this year. She also won the Divisional Tour in Topeka, Kansas, but still has more to do.
“I would love to make it to the circuit finals in the Prairie Circuit,” said Marsha. “I try to practice every day I can, which is pretty much every day.”
In her spare time, it really is all about family and her horses. “I love to spend time with my family,” said Marsha. “The more the merrier.”
Marsha travels from March to October to attend various rodeo events, but to be a successful rodeo contestant, she believes the horses and practice, along with an incredible support system, is what it takes to make it.
“You can be the best, but if you don’t have a horse that you love and family and friends that back you and push you it would be very, very hard,” explained Marsha. “ I love the excitement of the rodeo. You will have the ups and you will have the downs, but for the most part every rodeo or jackpot is my favorite.”
Marsha spends ample time with her horses every day. Her first pony was Rudolph, which was a gift from Santa she got when she was only 4 years old. Today, her favorite horse is Kool Driver, otherwise known as Hans.
“I have learned a lot with him that’s for sure,” said Marsha. “But I have to say, I have had several favorite horses and I am so blessed to be able to of rode them and to be riding them.”
