story by Kyle Eustice
Affectionally referred to as “Maddie,” Maddison Rogers is embarking on her 8th grade year at Rocky Mountain Junior High in West Haven, Utah, which to most people isn’t anything out of the ordinary. But to Maddie and her family, it’s a milestone. In 2014, Maddie was involved in a terrible accident that could have abruptly ended her young life.
“I used to goat tie and I was practicing in an arena,” explained Maddie. “I went for one last run and as I got off, I stumbled and fell on my knees. My horse kicked me in the head and knocked me out.”
Maddie was life flighted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City for brain surgery and she couldn’t ride for six months, but that didn’t stop her. Once she finally got back to riding, she continued working hard to become the best rodeo contestant she can be, however, she has to wear a helmet.
“My skull was fractured and it lacerated my brain,” said Maddie. “They had to do brain surgery and I lost 100,000 brain cells. I had to have 85 stitches and now I have metal plates holding my skull together.”
Fortunately, nothing was really affected other than her hearing, which she understands is a huge blessing. Her parents, Emily and Ryan, were understandably incredibly concerned about her, praying she made it out ok. She surpassed everyone’s expectations and is currently thriving.
“My parents have been very supportive,” said Maddie. “I can keep rodeoing as long as I don’t do goat tying anymore.”
Maddie has loved rodeo since she was a toddler. Her grandfather, Earl Rogers, used to rodeo and got her father into the sport, as well.
“I’ve loved horses since I was little,” said Maddie. “My dad did mostly calf roping and steer wrestling, but I got into breakaway and barrel racing. I love barrel racing because I love to go fast, but I feel like I’m better at breakaway. It’s more consistent.”
Maddie joined the UJHSRA in 8th grade after she saw her older brother Rylee, 17, get involved. She really wanted to travel to various rodeos and have a chance to bond with her entire family, which also includes her 18-year-old sister Taylor and 7-year-old brother Rowdy.
“I really love going to the St. George arena in southern Utah,” said Maddie. “It’s super warm, even in February. I’ve met a lot friends in rodeos, too, that have really helped me grow as a cowgirl in barrel racing and breakaway.”
At the Tanguitch Invitational in 2012, Maddie won her first belt buckle and made it to the short round, where she ended up sixth overall in breakaway roping out of 70 other girls. She hopes to make it to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas when she’s pro, but right now she just wants to make it to the Junior National Finals in Tennessee.
“I love competing,” said Maddie. “It’s a rush of adrenaline. We practice once a bit during the summer. I rope three days a week, sometimes five hours a night at my grandpa’s arena. I hope the dummy every day. It’s all I want to do.”