From learning to barrel race for the first time to being a state qualifier, junior Jessa Montagne is very passionate about rodeoing.
Montagne has been rodeoing for her whole life. She has so far won nine awards, some of which include Texas High School Rodeo Association Nationals Qualifier, 2025 National Little Britches Rodeo Association 6th in the world, and Louisiana Little Britches Rodeo Senior Barrel Champion.
“My favorite part about competing in rodeos is getting to see my friends from all over the state and other states,” Montagne said.
Montagne said she loves competing in barrel racing and pole bending. Typically, she competes every weekend, sometimes at T2 in Orange or in Lufkin. She also competes in Louisiana frequently. Montagne and her family also travel to Las Vegas sometimes. During all these competitions, Montagne still tries to train all she can.
“I practice after school,” Montagne said. “I travel more during the summer to far away races. During the school year, we rodeo on the weekends.”
Montagne practices at home in their arena. Sometimes she and her family rent out T2 in Orange. Montagne’s parents are her biggest influence; they haul her and her horses all over the country to rodeo.
“My favorite horse is Daisy because she’s the first horse I have ever really won on,” Montagne said. “Her registered name is CBar Frosty Tulip. I have had her for five years.
For Montagne, competing in rodeos is exciting because she wins some and she loses some. She said rodeoing teaches people how to win and how to lose, and when they lose, how to stay positive. The most challenging part of rodeoing for Montagne is trying to stay positive.
“I think most people do not know that rodeoing is very mental, and you cannot talk down on yourself,” Montagne said. “This sport humbles you. Not only are you competing as an athlete, but so is your horse. They can have bad days too, or the ground may be off that day. Or maybe they do not feel great. It is a lot of teamwork.”
