story by Mackie Ford
The Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association prioritizes high school students and the sport of rodeo, implementing renewable energy in the rodeo arena for years to come. OKHSRA is mandated by love for the profession of rodeo it represents, paving the way for the youth of America to build a brighter future.
Given the opportunity to interview an up and coming member of the OKHSRA, Kaden Burger, 16 year old daughter of PJ and Joe Burger, I found this third generation rodeo participant received her love of the sport of rodeo from a family with a long standing tradition. Her idol is her grandmother, understandably so. Kaden’s grandmother is a two time world champion barrel racer, and Kaden is well on her way to follow in her footsteps, recently taking third overall in the Nation in pole-bending for the NHSRA 2023 season.
While Kaden lives in Paul’s Valley, Oklahoma, she attends school at Stratford High School. Here she meets the challenge of the sport of rodeo with high honors in barrel racing, pole bending, and breakaway roping. Kaden gives much of her success to her horses. She is especially proud of her pole horse, Mator, for helping her secure third in the nation this year. The practice arena is also kept hot with her barrel horse, Batman, and her breakaway steed, Chibs. Kaden’s horses are a vital contribution to her success in the sport of rodeo.
The OKHSRA and the effort it lends to young athletes with the future plans to make the National Finals Rodeo, like both Kaden’s mother and grandmother did, speaks volumes about the association on the future of rodeo in America. Kaden’s favorite thing about the OKHSRA is the community of people involved and the many opportunities it has blessed her with.
When Kaden is not rodeoing, she’s still in the arena training colts or riding her jumping pony, Jerinne. However, Kaden is most proud of her pony, Jessie, whom she trained herself in the barrels, poles, and goat roping. The multi talented teen’s favorite thing about school is her friends, although while at school, she would rather be at home riding her horses. While Kaden avoids cleaning her room like the plague, her barn is always clean and organized!
Kaden will not be found heading to the rodeo without her essentials, Dr. Pepper and an Alani energy drink, and she’s probably getting pumped up listening to 7 Rings by Ariana Grande. Her Jack Russel, Rayna, is also always along for the ride, keeping her company!
Kaden’s biggest question is “will I be successful?”, and with her drive and ability I say absolutely. Kaden Burger has bet on herself, and we can only see a bright future for her in the world of rodeo. Time spent in the OKHSRA is a blessing to all the youth pursuing the sport of rodeo. This is a young lady who recognizes something to be accomplished and sees it through. Kaden’s next years will be locked in on developing her life into the arena she desires to be seen in. She has only begun to scratch the surface of her rodeo career!
