story by Terry Rhodes
Laree Painter was excited to be named the Mid-States Rodeo Association’s Woman Rookie of The Year for 2015 and she also finished a strong second in the Ladies Barrel Racing overall. The Mid-States Rodeo Association is the only organization that Laree is currently a member of and says that it’s a great group to be part of. “The people that you meet are great and rodeoing in Nebraska is the best. It’s like being in a big family when you go to their rodeos. When we go to Mid-States rodeos, my entire family goes. My mom and dad, my sister, Heidi who barrel races and breakaway ropes, my brother, Riley who’s a rough stock rider, my three younger brothers Brady, Gus, and Bryce who are too young to compete in Mid-States but they want to be rough stock riders just like Riley, and also niece, Zoey and nephew, Pistol tag along too and are our little cheerleaders.”
Laree competes in other events, but barrel racing is her primary event. “I have such an outstanding 13 year old horse who always gives it his all putting his entire heart and soul into every run. His name is Roll N Little Man aka ‘Joker’. He is a home raised horse that was given to me when he was a three year old. My dad broke him to ride and I trained him on barrels. Together Joker and I have won the Nebraska High School Rodeo Barrel Racing title in both 2013 and 2014. He received the Nebraska High School Barrel Horse of The Year Award in Memory of Betty Karen Pearman three years in a row 2012, 2013, and 2014.”
When Laree is preparing to make a run, she seeks a little solitude and avoids the excitement of the rodeo. “I don’t talk to a lot of people. I just spend time with my horse and get my mind focused and I always take the time to say a short prayer, and ask God to watch over Joker and me as we compete.”
Laree started in junior rodeo as a young girl and moved up to junior high rodeo and high school rodeo. She credits her mother, Kelly and older sister, Heidi as being the ones that contributed the most to her skills in barrel racing.
She makes her home in Long Pine, Neb., and her parents are Bryon and Kelly Painter. She names her late grandfather, Larry Painter who passed away in 2012 as being her biggest influence. “He gave me Joker and he took the time to coach and help, not only me, but all of his grandkids succeed in our rodeo events.” During most weeks Laree works for a cattle processing business, but currently she is on maternity after the arrival of her first baby. Laree and her boyfriend, Brad Kelly welcomed a little cowboy, Brentley Wayne Kelly, born on March 28.
Leisure time is rare, but on occasion, Laree has a few moments. “When I’m not rodeoing or working I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, breaking colts, training barrel horses, and helping younger kids with their riding and rodeo events.”
Goals for the future are to get into the pro rodeo circuit and of course try to qualify for the NFR, and starting this year, try to qualify for the 2017 American Rodeo “Those are two of my biggest goals.”
