story by Lindsay King
The first in his family to rodeo, Dylan Reed from Melrose, New Mexico, wouldn’t trade his saddle bronc rides for anything. “My family found junior high rodeo and we decided it would be a good thing to try. Rodeo was kind of out of the blue for my family, it is mostly my thing really,” said the 16-year-old. His brother Tristen, 19, gave rodeo a try but it did not stick for him. Favoring the classic event of rodeo, Dylan is a bit leery of the other rough stock events. “Those other events are kind of for the crazy guys in my opinion. Saddle bronc riding has always been more interesting and seemed more fun to me.”
The biggest influences in rodeo for Dylan have come from the bronc riding schools that taught him the trade. “I have gotten a lot of help from Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma, they let me get on some of their practice horses. I have also gotten a lot of help from the Etbauers.” Dylan is a senior at House High School with plans to continue rodeoing in college. “I would like to get a rodeo scholarship either to New Mexico State University or OPSU. There are coaches and friends who have gone there so I would have people who could help me settle into school and a higher level of rodeo.” Dylan tried his hand at reined cow horse the first year it was in New Mexico, but just sticks to riding saddle broncs and colts now. “I ride some colts and barrel horses for a lady close to school. I just help keep them in shape and a bit calmer for her.”
Dylan started this job just after football season ended last year. He played on special teams last year in addition to running the 800 and mile in track the following spring. “We have to coop sports with Sumner. My favorite sport is football hands down. I like hitting people, it is fun to put them on the ground.” He is also a member of FFA, judging horses and floriculture last year at state. “I also like to weld, something I learned in FFA. But mostly, I like to ride and train on horses when I get the chance.” Dylan is close to his teachers, because his high school is so small. “I look forward to getting to school so I can visit with my teachers. A lot of them are like parents basically, they want to see us succeed and do well in life.”
The support from other parents in the NMHSRA is one of Dylan’s favorite things about competing. “Everyone here is family, we all treat each other like siblings without all the squabbling. I am very thankful for all the parents who have been there for me in high school rodeo. They have helped push me even though they have their own kids to support, they still want me to do well in rodeo also.” Dylan is especially thankful for everything his mom Joelle Reed has done to support his passion for rodeo.
“I have always looked up to Preston Ogle, he has always helped encourage me in everything that I have tried to do. I have always looked up to him since he is a year older than me and because he has always helped me with anything I have needed.” Once a shy new comer to rodeo, Dylan silently watched the veterans in his association to find his place. “As the years have gone by, I have learned to be humble by emulating what I see other competitors do.” He used to get himself amped up before a ride but has realized keeping his cool brings him more success. “Now I just show up and talk to my friends, keep myself relaxed like I am at the practice pen. I try to keep cool, calm and collected.” This strategy helped Dylan take the reserve champion saddle bronc title at state this year, sending him to nationals.
