Meet the Member: Lakin Cunningham

Hi! My name is Lakin and I am from the great state of Kansas. I’m headed to the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Tennessee later this month. I’m a 2-event qualifier in goat tying and barrel racing and a member of the Cinch Team.
At last year’s NJHFR I was a National Delegate for my state and enjoyed watching some of the contestants’ student officer campaigns. I decided that this year I want to run for NJHSRA President. My campaign is Live. Love. Lead. As a 3rd generation rodeo competitor, the sport of rodeo has been a huge part of my life. I have LIVEd the rodeo life since I began competing at age 3 in local barrel races and then rodeos at age 6. I’m a 2nd year NJHSRA competitor and plan to continue my involvement in rodeo through NHSRA, NIRA and beyond. Rodeo is my greatest passion and LOVE and it’s what I enjoy doing above all else. You can find me in the practice pen or on the rodeo road almost every day.
When not competing or practicing for my events, I am riding young horses from my grandparents’ horse breeding/training ranch in eastern Kansas, or following my favorite barrel racer, Fallon Taylor, on social media. I’m going to start giving riding lessons this summer and can’t wait to help other kids learn the sport of rodeo.
This is why I would love to have the opportunity to LEAD this great organization as student President for the 2016-17 rodeo season. I have experience being a leader, advocate and ambassador for the sport of rodeo as I’m the current NLBRA National Princess (my reign ends in early July) and the incoming KJHSRA President and pole bending event director. As NLBRA Princess I spent the past year attending events all over the country representing that association with members, sponsors and fans.
I can’t wait to meet everyone in Tennessee and look forward to a great week of memory-making RODEO!!! – Lakin