story by Riata Cummings
Chezlie Langston is the 14-year-old daughter of Brooke and Cameron Langston of Coalville, Utah. Her older sister is Kyrie and her younger brother is Boston. Chezlie plays basketball with her sister, and her brother competes in 5th and Under rodeos. Chezlie just completed her 8th grade year at North Summit Middle School where her favorite classes were English and history. Chezlie’s other interests include equine science and fashion.
Chezlie’s father got into horses and team roping when he was in high school, and Chezlie has been riding horses and competing in Horse 4-H for several years. She is now a member of the Utah Junior High School Rodeo Association and competes in the ribbon roping, team roping, pole bending, goat tying and breakaway roping. Chezlie’s all-around rodeo horse is Joker, a 10-year-old sorrel gelding who doubles as her father’s team roping horse.
Last season Chezlie qualified for state finals in the barrel racing and pole bending, and this year she qualified in pole bending, ribbon roping, team roping, and goat tying. Chezlie and her partner, Trey Stembridge, finished 4th in the ribbon roping this year. This fall, Chezlie is looking forward to competing in high school rodeo. Eventually she would like to compete for the Southern Utah University rodeo team.
Competing in rodeo has taught Chezlie that “things don’t come easy, and you have to be ready to get back on and try again. Learn from your mistakes and put in the work so you can see the good.” She loves that rodeo gives her the chance to spend time with her friends and family. “Everyone is so close, and it’s great to watch your friends and know that they are cheering for you, too.” Rodeo has become more than a pastime for Chezlie, and she likes to tell people, “It’s not a hobby, it’s my passion. It’s my life, and I wouldn’t be the same person without rodeo.”
Chezlie’s hero is her father. “Even though he wasn’t able to do a lot with horses when he was younger, he worked hard and figured it out. He taught me everything and helped me learn the ropes. He works hard, he supports me, and he has helped me be better in and out of the arena.” One day, Chezlie would like to be known for her own hard work, determination, and desire to do good and help others.
Chezlie would like to thank her parents for putting up with her “through the bad attitudes and bad runs” and for driving across the state for rodeos. “Thank you for being so supportive and for being my biggest cheerleaders. I couldn’t do it without you.”
