story by Riata Cummings
Shay Hildebrant is the 18-year-old son of Jacob and Melissa Terry of St George, Utah. He is a senior at Dixie High School, where his favorite subject is science and he is an active member the school’s chapter of the National FFA Organization. Shay is also attending Dixie State University, studying to become an electrician. Shay has a younger sister, Macardi, who is a freshman in high school. Competing in a rodeo or roping nearly every weekend, the two of them keep their family busy. They spend most of their time together in the truck on the way to a rodeo, practicing for rodeo, or in between events at the rodeo.
Shay remembers roping competitively from a very young age, participating in the World Championships of Dummy Roping in Las Vegas when he was only 3 years old. Shay is a team roper, and heels for his partner Logan Shaw. The fun hobby has turned into a passion for Shay, and he wants to continue roping throughout his life. Shay’s heel horse, Tequila, celebrates a birthday on Cinco de Mayo and has been with Shay since his sophomore year. The two have made improvements over the years and Tequila recently carried Shay to a short-go win at the Intermountain Icebreaker. Going above and beyond the typical rodeo competitor, Shay serves the Utah High School Rodeo Association Student Secretary. The position has given Shay the opportunity to learn about the dedication of rodeo officials and board members who sacrifice lots of time and effort to improve and maintain the sport. It has given him an awareness of the parent volunteers and he has come to admire them for their love of rodeo.
Shay keeps up a busy schedule, beginning each day by feeding the horses. He works as a hay salesman for a company named Laubs twice a week- the same days he attends his college classes. Every other day of the week he ropes the dummy or heels for his dad and sister. Rodeo has helped Shay develop the responsibility required to keep a strict schedule, take care of his animals, and stay in good standing as a student. Rodeo has helped Shay develop the ability to deal with the hard things of life and to accept and anticipate the consequences of his decision. Shay lives by the saying, “whatever happens, happens,”reminding him to let go of the pressure of competing and the negativity of bad runs.
Shay’s hero is his dad, who has always had his back and is constantly helping Shay improve. Shay would like to thank his mom and dad for their unfailing support, and Biomane for their faithful sponsorship. Shay would also like to extend his gratitude to the UHSRA Board of Directors for their selfless work on behalf of the student members of the association.
