Firth Freshman Ryder Wallace Pursues Pro Rodeo Dreams: Embracing the Thrill of the Rodeo Lifestyle – East Idaho News

On a frigid afternoon in Firth, Ryder Wallace guides Daz, the family’s steer wrestling horse, for a quick photo shoot. Daz’s companions, a goat and another horse, wander over, hoping for snacks. But today’s agenda is just snapshots of Ryder and his horse.

It’s early January, a quieter time for rodeo cowboys, but Ryder isn’t taking a break. As a freshman at Firth High School, he recently shined at the Junior Roughstock World Finals in Las Vegas, securing third place in saddle bronc riding and eighth in bareback.

“It’s hard to put into words,” Ryder says, reflecting on the thrill of competing under those bright Vegas lights. “There’s adrenaline, muscle memory, and a lot of preparation. You can’t overthink it; you just have to act. When you get it right, it feels amazing.”

Ryder’s rise is impressive, especially since he started competing only three years ago. Yet, his passion for rodeo runs deep in his veins—he’s the fifth generation in his family to participate in the sport. His parents, Wade and Katie, were rodeo competitors, and so were both sets of grandparents.

The ranching and rodeo lifestyle are big parts of their family legacy. “We want our kids to want to compete, not feel pushed,” Katie explains. “They must be eager to put in the time and effort.”

Alongside Ryder, his sister Kinsley, a seventh grader, also showcased her skills in Las Vegas, finishing 17th out of 60 in pole bending. This sibling dynamic adds to the community connection, with families who once competed with Wade and Katie now watching their own kids take the reins.

With winter here and rodeos on pause, Ryder stays sharp. He practices on a spur board in the garage and uses a mechanical bucking machine that his dad restored. Plus, he has a couple of bucking horses to work with when the season kicks off again.

Ryder has dabbled in traditional sports like soccer and basketball, but rodeo has captured his heart. He dreams of becoming a professional rodeo athlete and earning a living doing what he loves. He knows that this path isn’t easy.

After a rough summer competition, Ryder endured a concussion when he fell off a horse. “I got pretty hurt and thought about quitting,” he admits. “But I pushed through. It taught me a lot about overcoming setbacks and growing as a person.”

Looking ahead, Ryder is preparing for the upcoming high school rodeo season, ready to tackle new challenges. “You just have to work harder for it,” he says confidently. He even joined the Firth JV wrestling team, believing that the discipline he learns in wrestling will benefit his rodeo skills.

Ryder’s father notes the similarities in strength and mindset required for both sports: “The core and arm strength he uses in wrestling is the same as in rodeo.” Ryder understands that a positive mindset is crucial, whether he’s wrestling or riding.

For now, the wintery landscape enveloping their family ranch offers a peaceful pause before the rodeo season begins again. Ryder looks forward to practicing steer wrestling, where Daz will play an important role. As mid-January approaches, both Ryder and Daz are ready and eager for what lies ahead.