story by Terry Rhodes
With a nickname like “Rooster” there has to be a story behind it, right? And the story goes that her father gave her the handle when she was a small girl because of a ponytail that bobbed like the tail of a rooster. “I have been called Rooster for so long by everybody that it stuck. I have always gone by Rooster and even enter rodeos using that name. I don’t think people would know who I am if I used my real name which is Kenedi.”
Rooster has been a card-carrying member of the RMPRA for two years but has been competing in the rodeos for several years. “I think 16 is the age limit for breakaway and that’s when I started in the Rocky Mountain Pro Rodeo. Right now I only breakaway rope, my barrel horse is sore.”
She likes the Rocky Mountain Pro Rodeo Association because the rodeos are close to home and really family oriented. “I have known Ben German my whole life and my sister rodeoed with his daughter. I know the family and they do a great job of putting on rodeos. It’s a great association to be in and there are really great people in it.”
Rooster says that her mother, Sherri Clawson was the person that helped her get started in the arena. “She has always helped us with everything we wanted to do and really made it all possible. She has pictures of her riding when she was pregnant with me and me riding with her just after I was born, so I really have been doing this all of my life.” Rooster came up through the junior rodeo and high school ranks, and then began competing in the Rocky Mountain Pro Rodeo Association.
Rooster says that preparation for arena competition is pretty straight forward. “I try to keep it simple and just put my horse where I need to be. That will let us do the best that we can on that run. I always keep trying and don’t give up on a run.” She says that her mother has been her biggest help and influence. “My mom has always been a big help to me, but I’ve had a lot of people that have helped me out. I would like to name them all, but that would be a huge list.”
For Rooster that special run that brings the good memories flooding back came at a high school rodeo. “I had just gotten a new roping partner and it was only our second rodeo together. He turned the steer and I scooped those heels right up and we ended up qualifying. It was just one of those awesome runs for me. Going in I was super nervous and scared to be there.”
Rooster, 20 lives in Harrisville, Utah with her family. Her parents are Andy and Sherri and she has an older sister, MacKenzi. During the week Rooster works for a race horse trainer. “I do some riding and helping them get ready for races.” Rooster is enjoying life and having a good time. “I wish I knew what I want to do in the future. Right now I’m just having a good time before I have too many adult responsibilities.”
