Meet the Member Kale Schroeder

It’s a 30 minute drive from Kale Schroeder’s home in Crescent, Okla., to the new address of the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo. The nine-year-old Little Wrangler is well into his second year with Little Britches, and plans to be one of the contestants that kicks off the 2016 NLBFR in the Lazy E Arena.
Kale is the third generation of Schroeders to rodeo, competing in the COLBRA franchise in pole bending, barrel racing, flag racing, and goat tail untying. His papa, Kenny Schroeder, was a steer wrestler in the RCA. “I don’t think he ever made it to the finals, but he rodeoed quite a bit in Oklahoma and Texas,” says Kale’s dad, Klint Schroeder. “My dad passed away when I was 13, but he sure would be proud of Kale.” Klint rode bareback broncs for four years throughout high school. “I’m president of the roundup club in Kingfisher, and when I found out that they had a rodeo there, Kale wanted to try it. We kind of fell into it by accident, and I’m glad we did!” The Schroeders decided to join the NLBRA after seeing it broadcasted on RFD-TV. “We didn’t know there were any Little Britches rodeos in close by in Oklahoma – before they were in Kansas or Texas,” Klint explains.
Currently, Kale’s favorite event is flag racing, but he is looking forward to competing in the junior boy division next season so he can start roping. However, the COLBRA rodeos give several of the Little Wranglers an opportunity to practice breakaway roping, which Kale works on at home. Roughstock has also caught his attention, and Kale is considering becoming a bull rider someday, like his role model, J.B. Mauney. Kale’s parents, Klint and Chrystal, coach him in his events, and Kale and his dad enjoy the occasional dummy roping contest in their shop. When it’s time to practice on horseback, Kale saddles up his 21-year-old Appaloosa gelding, Ghost. “He’s all white, except you can see a few speckles on him when he’s wet,” says Kale. “But right now, he’s red from rolling in the red dirt we have here!” Along with a good roll, Ghost has a sweet tooth for the pumpkin and carrot flavored treats Kale gives him after warming up for rodeos.
The Schroeder family calls several acres outside of Crescent their home, complete with an arena to practice in. Kale has a five-year-old sister, Kylie. “She did like to rodeo, but now she wants to be a ballerina,” Kale explains. However, the brother and sister both enjoy riding scooters and bikes inside their large shop. Kale is also a good hand around the farm, helping his family care for their dogs, cats, calves, and four other horses. “I like feeding alfalfa to the animals, because they get excited,” he says.
In addition to rodeo, Kale is a second grader at Crescent Elementary. Art is his favorite subject, and he and his class spent part of February designing and making valentines. “When I get home from school, I usually do my homework, and then I go brush my horse or ride scooters. I also like to read King Arthur and Robin Hood books, and books about cowboys, like Bill Pickett.”
While he is looking forward to qualifying for the NLBFR, Kale’s favorite rodeos are currently held in the Chickasha Arena. “It’s a big arena, and my cousins live in that town, so they come to watch me compete sometimes,” Kale explains. “I haven’t won a buckle yet, so I’d like to win a buckle and saddle. I want to keep rodeoing, and I’d like to try riding a bucking pony.”