story by Lindsay Whelchel
Peyton Morrow has gained a lot by going pro. The barrel racer from Watkinsville, Ga., had a busy year last year. She turned 18, graduated high school and competed professionally in her rookie year of the International Professional Rodeo Association’s 2015 season.
Peyton not only qualified for her first International Finals Rodeo, held this January in Oklahoma City, she has made a lot of new friends and seen a lot of new country in the IPRA.
“I think the biggest thing of it was meeting so many new people and getting so many friends. The rodeo family itself is very enjoyable, and those people will be there for you no matter what, and I do like traveling too. I like it because you’re always gone; every weekend you have a rodeo, two or three rodeos. It’s like this all year long, and I love to travel so it never gets old to me,” Peyton describes of the benefits of her chosen path.
Peyton has been carrying on the family tradition of competing in rodeo since her tie-down roper father Jason had to stop competing professionally about five years ago when he got injured in competition, and Peyton’s sister graduated high school and left the arena for college.
Peyton, now 19, has kept on the rodeo road this spring, but she has also been busy in her first semester of college where she’s studying dental hygiene.
On the topic of education, the sport of rodeo is not always an easy teacher, Peyton admits, but the lessons are valuable she assures.
“It’s very humbling. People think it’s like a fantasy, but to me it’s very realistic, because you can’t win all of them, and it’ll show you you can’t win all of them. There are other people out there that are just as good as you are, and it’s always a tough competition. It’s tough, but it’s worth it,” she says.
She credits the support of her parents, Jason and always cheering from the stands, her mom Leslie, with helping her succeed. The successful rodeo season is also made possible for contestants because of sponsors such as quality companies in the horse industry, and Peyton couldn’t do it without Piedmont Equine Associates.
“They keep my horses in shape all through the year in the best condition. They’re located in Madison, Georgia and they do outstanding work,” she says.
Look for Peyton on the road this summer as the 2016 season heats up, and follow her as she hopes to rise to the top of the standings and her second IFR qualification.
