story by Kyle Eustice
For 16-year-old Lyndsey Orris, joining the NMHSRA was a natural progression from her three years in the NMJHSRA. It’s a path essentially carved out for her since the moment she was born. Alongside her younger brother Jake, the Bosque, New Mexico native followed in her father’s footsteps the second she could walk.
“I got into rodeo because my dad used to rodeo and put me in it when I was little,” said Lyndsey. “My brother and I started with the lead line when we were about 3. We have loved it and done it ever since.”
Now a full-fledged rodeo contestant, Lyndsey participates in goat tying, team roping and breakaway.
“The goat tying is my favorite event,” said Lyndsey. “It’s all about how much work and time you put into it, and the harder you work, the better you’ll be.
A student a Belen High School, Lyndsey is currently a junior. Although she looks forward to graduating, she’s one of the rare teenagers that actually likes going to school.
“I really enjoy school,” said Lyndsey. “I like to learn new things and it will also prepare me to be successful in college.”
She’s fortunate to have so much support. Her mother Monica, father Danny, and grandparents Jerry and Theresa Montana are always in her corner willing to lend a helping hand. Her brother also continues to rodeo and is often found by his sister’s side. “Jake calf ropes and team ropes,” said Lyndsey. “He is my partner at the high school rodeos, and helps me a lot with the goat tying by helping me stake and hold goats.”
So far, Lyndsey’s biggest accomplishment is winning the goat tying event at the NJHSR national finals in 2014. However, she’s equally as proud of winning the goat tying year end saddle in 2016 at the 4-H rodeos, and being named the Reserve State Champ in the goat tying at the high school rodeos.
As a productive member of the NMHSRA, she continues to hone her skills and hopes to go far with her rodeo career, which includes making the national finals in the near future.
“I joined NMHSRA because I think it is one of the most competitive associations in the state and you can also qualify for nationals,” said Lyndsey. “I am also part of the NM 4-H rodeo association.”
Lyndsey tries to tie goats on the ground every night and tie off her horses once or twice a week. She also ropes with mentor Jerry Kimsey two to three times a week. When she’s not on her horse or swinging her rope, she enjoys dance like ballet, tap and jazz, something she’s also done since she was a little girl. Competition, however, keeps her coming back to rodeo.
“The part I like best about competing is doing good and knowing that all the hard work and hours you put in the practice pen has paid off,” explained Lyndsey.
As she prepares to enter more 4-H rodeos and compete at the High School National Finals in July, Lyndsey is focusing on taking care of her favorite horse Dunny.
“I like him because he was my main goat horse and I can always count on him to get the job done,” said Lyndsey. “He is also the horse I won a national championship off of, so I’all always have a special place in my heart for him.”