CALEDONIA / CANFIELD — Charlie Boyter of Caledonia and Olivia Jamieson of Canfield are hitting the dusty trail toward a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where they will represent Canada at the National High School Rodeo Finals from July 14-20, 2024 in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
The pair earned their spots after facing tough competition at the Ontario High Schools Rodeo Association (OHSRA) finals on May 25-26.
In addition to earning a spot at the national finals, Jamieson was named ‘All Around Cowgirl’ for both her regular season and finals performances, something earned by achieving the most points in at least two events during the season.
The Press spoke with both in the aftermath of their OHSRA Finals success about their excitement to represent their country.
“It means everything to me to represent Canada at the national high school finals rodeo in Wyoming because this is my last high school rodeo event being a senior in high school,” said Boyter. “Over the last two years I have put lots of hours in practicing to be where I am today and show the rest of the world how good Canada really is.”
Jamieson, the Current OHSRA president, grew up with rodeo in her DNA, inheriting the passion from her father who competed in the sport himself and helped her raise and train her first horse at just 9 years old.
A couple of years later she got her second horse, a 4-year-old named Lily, who she still has to this day.
The teens discussed their training regiments as they gear up for the competition.
“I first make sure my horse is in shape by riding him multiple times per week and rope off my horse to keep my horse and my roping sharp,” said Boyter. “I also rope the dummy at home almost every day.”
“I like to practice every day,” added Jamieson. “I’m the type of person that definitely needs confidence to compete at the level I do. It helps a lot, feeling better, working on my horses. I’m lucky that my dad helps me with my breakaway roping and my goat-tying practice.”
Like most teens competing at an elite level, balancing education and athletic commitments is a tricky act. Currently, Boyter spends his days completing a co-op at Slack Lumber/Window Werx, while Jamieson has a variety of difficult classes that make it “extremely hard” to find enough time each day for school, homework, and training. To buy herself time later in the day, Jamieson’s morning routine consists of breakaway roping and goat-tying practice sessions in addition to her corn flakes, “then I can have time to do my homework after school.”
She takes her horses’ health seriously, with an eye on a future career as a large animal chiropractor: “My horse’s health is very important to me. I want to make sure they’re feeling good and ready to go.”
We asked the pair what they were most excited about regarding the upcoming trip.
Boyter said that while he is looking forward to meeting new people and having a good time, “What I am most looking forward to is competing against some of best ropers in the United States and Canada.”
Jamieson sees how her participation could positively impact future educational and career opportunities: “There’s also going to be college scouts there – there’s a thing called rodeo college. The coaches will come and watch the students. I’ll get to meet some hopefully.”
It won’t all be hard work though, as she adds, “There’s also so many fun events! There’s a cowboy prom.”
She listed breakaway roping and barrel racing as the events she’s most looking forward to competing in, while Boyter listed tie down roping and team roping.
“What I enjoy in tie down roping is how fun it is and the feeling that you get when doing it. For team roping it is what I have always done since I started roping, so it is just something I know I can do and be successful at it,” said Boyter.
While the road to achieving greatness can be challenging, both shared some advice to help others reach their own dream, whatever it may be.
Boyter said that when he misses a steer on a run, he doesn’t let it get to his head. Instead, he tries to always “remember there is another run.”
Jamieson shared, “Believe in yourself and don’t get discouraged. It’s very easy to get discouraged and very hard to keep going.”
The pair will be exploring further fundraising opportunities but for now have established a shared email address at NHSRF.fundraiser@outlook.com, where those interested can reach out for more information or make a donation toward their upcoming trip.