By Lily Weinacht
Kassie Weinland from Sharon Springs, Kan., grew up chasing cans like her mom and sister, but it wasn’t until her senior year of high school that she discovered her zeal for rodeo. Following high school, she college rodeoed for a year with Colby Community College before transferring to Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Today, the 25 year old is embarking on her second season with the NSRA, while also competing in the KPRA. “I’m super competitive, and rodeo is such an adrenaline rush, but it’s also very humbling,” says Kassie. “It’s something I want to improve on, and I want to keep on reaching for my goals. I’ve been blessed to jump on a few other people’s horses for roping, and I have my own team roping horse, but I’d love to have the opportunity to learn on my own horse someday.”
During college, barrel racing took a backseat to roping in her last two years of school when Kassie decided to back into the roping box. “I grew up around Lacey Baehler and went to school with Lori Tierney and Kelsie Chace. They all roped, and there was just something about it I really liked. Backing into the box is one of the best feelings, and you can improve on every run. Lacey and Lori and Kelsie are amazing goal setters, and they’ve really helped me,” Kassie explains. “They don’t treat me like I’m just starting out, but as a competitor, and I really appreciate them. They’re willing to help me put in the hours.” Along with several role models, Kassie has the help of her competitive nature. “I build off every experience, and sometimes it’s frustrating, but it’s those times you learn from the most!”
Kassie’s head horse is Rock, the first roping horse she’s ever purchased, while her barrel horse is Roper. “My family raised him and my mom started him. I took him to school with me, and he’s a challenge, but he’s coming along really well. My mom runs barrels on the horse Roper is out of, so it’s neat watching the two of them run.” In the breakaway roping, Kassie rides Tad Sheets’ horse, Dunny. She often travels to other arenas to practice, but hopes to have some of her own practice calves this summer. “I never leave home without my toy Aussie, JC. She goes everywhere with me. I also haul with Tad Sheets and Lacey and Lori. It’s nice having them in your rig – they’re always positive!”
During the week, Kassie works as an office assistant, and she also received her real estate license last year. “My boss is awesome and really flexible, especially in the summer when I’m rodeoing, so I’m thankful for that,” she says. Given a free day to spend any way she liked, Kassie would go roping with Jackie Crawford from dawn to dusk, but if she’s not loading up for a rodeo, Kassie’s next favorite way to spend a weekend is helping her dad work cattle on his ranch. Her parents, Brent and Shelly Weinland, live about 45 minutes away from Sharon Springs. “I like calving season – it’s fun being around all the babies and helping tag them,” says Kassie. “My sister, Taylor, just had a new baby, Rook, and I also love to spend time with him. My friends and family play a huge role in my life.”
With a fresh rodeo season at her fingertips, Kassie has several goals she’s working toward. “I’d like to have my barrel horse competing at the top level, and really excel at my roping,” she concludes. “I also want to enter more, and hopefully make the NSRA finals!”
