story by Kyle Eustice
Born in La Junta, Colorado, 13-year-old Cash Hooper eventually moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico with his family, which includes mother Amy, father Wes, 15-year-old sister Peyton, and 11-year-old sister Katlyn. As a junior high school student at Carlsbad Intermediate School, he has a hectic schedule, but is able to juggle his rodeo commitments and school at the same time.
“My parents did rodeo, so I tried it and really enjoy it,” said Cash. “I really enjoy competing in rodeo.”
At only 4 years old, Cash joined the LCHA and joined the New Mexico Junior Rodeo Association three years later. At age 8, he enlisted with the High Plains Junior Rodeo Association, and in 2014, finally joined the NMJHSRA. Cash participates in team roping, tie down roping, goat tying, chute dogging, and ribbon roping.
“I love calf roping the most,” said Cash. “There are a lot of different variables.”
With a whole family committed to rodeo, the endless support helps Cash move forward with the sport. So far, he’s made it to two NMJHSRA nationals in a row. He was also the reserve champion 12 and under tie-down roper at Joe Beavers Calf Roping event and won the 13 and under at a Tall City Calf Roping event, as well.
“I am still a long ways from being able to accomplish my goals,” said Cash. “I feel that with hard work and drive I will get there.”
His sights are set high. The young contestant wants “to set as many world records as possible” while he enjoys other hobbies like ranching and hunting. In the meantime, he’s content honing his craft.
“It takes agility, dedication, and a good work ethic to be a good rodeo contestant,” said Cash. You can’t give up when you have bumps in the road.”
Like most young rodeo contestants, Cash travels almost every weekend during the summer months and practices at least two to three hours a night. With a name like “Cash,” he also has no shame admitting he loves “winning money” the most when it comes to competing.
Cash is the proud owner of three horses. “I don’t have a favorite horse,” said Cash. “Doc is my head horse and Every Day Bay is my calf horse and Frankie is my goat horse. I like them all the same.”
