Rodeo Roots
Rodeo’s heritage is strong in Texas. There are rarely any days off and seldom a day lacking in dedication and spirit. At Capital Farm Credit, we understand the legacy, tradition and culture that make rodeo a part of the great state of Texas. We are proud to support the Texas High School Rodeo Association and their achievements in continuing to sustain its tradition among youth across the Lone Star State.
Capital Farm Credit members Rusty and Krystol Slavin of Canadian, Texas, know what it is like to have a daughter who has made rodeo her sport. Chaynee Slavid, a Canadian High School student, has been participating in rodeo events since she was two-and-a-half-years-old. The now 17-year-old saddles-up her horses, BB, Frenchie and Reba, to compete in barrels, poles and breakaway.
“Rodeo has always been our way of life,” Chaynee said. “My mom and dad rodeoed growing-up and have raised my sister and I doing the same.”
Rodeo is a year-round sport for the Slavin family. Hours spent practicing on the back of a horse accumulate for a chance at showing off one’s best on the weekends.
“We attend either a rodeo or a jackpot every weekend throughout the year,” said Chaynee. “We take a break during the month of December to let our horses rest.”
When asked what was one of the most challenging aspects of rodeo life, Chaynee shared, “Having good practices all week and then not doing well on the weekends.
“I have learned how to take the winning with the losing in rodeo,” she added.
With most of her life spent on the back of a horse, Chaynee has achieved many milestones that she won’t forget.
“I won World Champion Pole Bending with the NJHSRA when I was in the eighth grade. That was amazing and probably one of my most favorite memories so far.”
The time commitment and dedication rodeo athletes put into mastering their craft is something to be admired. The sport becomes intertwined within every aspect of their daily lives. Growth and lessons along the way make each achievement sweeter and each lesson more gratifying.
“One of my biggest goals is to make nationals again and win the world one more time,” Chaynee said. “Rodeo has taught me how to work hard for something, to never give up and to stay positive even when life isn’t going my way.”
At Capital Farm Credit, our members are our family and the reason we continue to support agriculture and rural communities. Rodeo is a tradition we can’t imagine Texas without. Alongside THSRA, we support the family values and dedication the sport of rodeo is bringing to the next generation of agriculture. Together, we work to continue creating opportunities for young rodeo athletes across Texas.