HALDIMAND—For teens Charlie Boyter of Caledonia and Jayden Phibbs of Hagersville, August can’t get here fast enough.
From August 2-5, 2023 the two teens will be off to Brandon, Manitoba to compete together in the Canadian High School Finals Rodeo.
The two teens are heading to the national competition following a second place finish at the Ontario Finals Team Roping competition held May 26-27 in Hillsburgh, Ontario.
At 17 years old, Boyter is a Grade 12 student at Cayuga Secondary School (CSS), while Phibbs, 15, is heading into Grade 11 this fall at Hagersville Secondary School (HSS).
In between balancing a pair of jobs at Slack Lumber and Window Werx, Boyter has been riding his horse for just under two years, with a year’s worth of roping experience under his belt.
“I started out breakaway roping on a borrowed horse and saved my money to purchase my own horse, Snickers. I continued breakaway roping and then started to team rope with the instruction of Chad and Dani Beachy at NR Ranch in Brantford.”
Phibbs has been at it a bit longer, already logging six years’ worth of competition at Ontario High School Rodeo Association (OHSRA) events with her trusty steed Miss Sunny Blackburn, and also competing in the Breakaway Roping category.
“I started showing at saddle club shows and progressed into barrels and pole bending,” said Phibbs, who became a junior member of OHSRA in Grade 6, competing in events barrels, poles, and goat tying. “Once I became a senior member that’s when I took on the challenge of competing in team roping and breakaway roping. OHSRA opened me up to the world of rodeo and the roping events quickly became one of my favourites. Dani Beechy has taught me how to rope after teaching me since I started with the OHSRA.”
The two talked a little bit about the work that goes into developing the skills needed to compete at a national level.
“Practice, patience, and instruction from other riders all help to encourage me as a team member,” explained Boyter. “You have to be a team with your partner and with your horse. I am a header and I rope the horns first and turn the steer for my healer to rope the back two legs.”
Phibbs added, “I function calmly when at the rodeos; I have to be because if I’m not calm my horse won’t be either. My role in team roping is to keep the calf running straight and to rope the steer’s heels.”
Both teens said meeting new people has been a highlight of their rodeo careers so far: “Being a member of the OHSRA has enabled me to meet people from all over Ontario and Quebec. I love competing and the excitement when you catch a steer. There are new challenges every time you compete,” said Boyter.
“Everyone wants to help everyone. Most people are kind and want to give you tips and help you improve. It is so easy to make friends in rodeo, even if it’s against your biggest competitors,” added Phibbs.
The pair are dedicating their free time this summer to preparing for their big showcase, practising twice weekly at NR Ranch alongside other team ropers, and competing in many events throughout the season while focusing on keeping their horses healthy, well groomed, and active.
Phibbs called the opportunity to compete nationally “unbelievable,” adding, “I have always dreamed of doing something great in this sport and now I have earned the opportunity to take a shot and fulfill my dream at the Canadian finals.”
Boyter is excited to get out there and show the country what he’s got: “Ever since I started roping and team roping with OHSRA I have been working to qualify for finals. I’ve set myself goals and I work to achieve them.”
He summed up why others with an interest should find a way to get into the sport, stating, “It doesn’t matter if you live on a farm or not, you can find a horse and try it…. I have gained confidence and independence as I continue to learn this sport. I continue to challenge myself and my horse. It’s all experience whether you win or don’t place in the competitions.”
Go Charlie and Jayden – show them how it’s done in Haldimand!
