story by Lindsay King
Freshman year rodeo is a big step up for anyone coming out of junior high, it’s even bigger when it’s your first official year of competitive roping. That was the case for Bailey Hurlburt three years ago. “My brother (Austin, now 19) always roped in the junior high and high school rodeos growing up. I usually just rode the horses around while he competed, but I thought it looked fun and decided I would start,” said the 17-year-old. Bailey wasn’t far behind her competition, she learned how to rope at five years old. The big learning curve was coming out of the box to be fast. “My dad (Brent) and I have spent a lot of time getting the start down so I come out of the box sharp and am ready to throw. My dad rides colts and gives me pointers while I am practicing. My mom (Twyla) spends a lot of time in the arena helping me also.”
This Norfolk, Nebraska, resident is an avid breakaway roper mostly, but can also head a steer with the best of them in the tough M-SRA pool. “I only breakaway rope in high school rodeo right now. It is fun to come out of the box and throw a loop for a two-second run. I like that it is just me and my horse out there.” This will be Bailey’s third year in the M-SRA. Between her, Austin and Brent, the trio competes in at least eight of the sanctioned rodeos a year. “I like getting out to see more than just the high schoolers. Roping against the big dogs makes it harder but it also makes it more fun.”
In a matter of 2.4 seconds, Bailey clinched her first big win as a roper in Broken Bow, Nebraska. “That was one of my fastest time I ever had. It was exciting to see everything come together.” She has taken second at that same rodeo while placing at a couple others throughout the last three years. “The M-SRA rodeo in Madison is one of my favorites. They always have a good crowd that gets me hyped up and I really enjoy their pink night.” As far as a high school favorite, that goes to Burwell. “My dad grew up there, so we always get to spend time with grandparents. And it is one of the biggest arenas out there.”
Many hours have been spent with the roping dummy, both in the past and recently. “I am working hard at getting more aggressive and consistent by really focusing on what I am doing so I can make sure I do everything just right.” This Battle Creek High School junior is looking forward to college rodeo one day while pursuing a career as an occupational therapist. “Both my brother and I have had a lot of injuries, so we have spent a lot of time going to therapy. It looks like a fun job. I like to help people, so that might be a good way to do that.”
Bailey spends a lot of time in Burwell with her grandparents, helping them put in irrigation systems and fencing on the farm. When Bailey isn’t practicing for rodeo, she is working on one of her three high school sports: cross country, basketball and track. “I really like basketball because I like hanging out with my teammates before, during and after games and practice.” Cross country won out over volleyball because the latter took up too many Saturdays and those are saved for rodeo. Bailey qualified for state both her freshman and sophomore year in cross country.
