The Megeds Dominate in Charity Match Against Pruitt and Lowman
On May 25, the Colorado State High School Rodeo Association (CSHSRA) hosted the second annual Celebrity Match Competition at their state finals. Some of the best barrel racers, breakaway ropers and tie-down ropers out there traveled to Craig, Colo., for this event where, uniquely, they were guaranteed a paycheck for just showing up. The JoyForWard Foundation has sponsored and made this event possible for both years.
For the youth contestants and their families at their state finals, this is a highlight of the week. Contestants get to watch their idols compete in the same arena where they are battling for state titles and national qualifications themselves on the same weekend. Not only that but for these kids, meeting their role models, who are professional athletes, is often a spark of inspiration and admiration.
In the cold, windy, and rainy conditions of Crag, Colo., these professional rodeo athletes put on a show. Barrel racers Lisa Lockhart and Fallon Taylor went head-to-head once again this year. Their back-and-forth battle continues. In the calf roping events, power couple Haven and Shelby Meged teamed up against two other National Finals Rodeo (NFR) Qualifiers, Danielle Lowman and Riley Pruitt.
Shelby and Haven Meged are undoubtedly some of the best in the game. Both of them are world champions, multiple NFR qualifiers, and have many other accolades, titles and records to their name. Together, they have built a program, training some of the best equine athletes in the world of calf roping. The two went head to head against some fierce competition. Riley Pruitt is a two-time NFR qualifier himself. Danielle Lowman, dubbed the "Texas Swing Queen," is a two-time NFBR qualifier and has broken records across the country this year.
The event was a 6-head average between the ropers. In the breakaway roping, after a couple of broken barrers, and a few misses along the way, Shelby came out with the fastest time on 6 head. In the tie-down roping, Meged and Pruitt stayed very consistent. When Haven had a slip-up and missed one of his calves, it was the perfect opportunity for Riley to skip ahead. Riley roped all six calves and came out as the tie-down roping winner. When the times were added together for the teams, Shelby and Haven's time topped Danielle and Riley's. The Megeds took home $11,000, while Lowman and Pruitt split $10,000.
To learn more about the history of this event read the story here.
MADISON RICHMANN
Madison Richmann calls Keenesburg, Colorado home. There you can find her parents, Justin and Shawnda, and her younger brother Rylan. Currently, she is living in Oklahoma while attending Western Oklahoma State College on a rodeo scholarship, and studying agriculture communications, where she will graduate this spring. Madie plans to continue her education and rodeo career when transferring to a university in the fall to work towards her bachelor's degree. As a breakaway roper, Madison is excited for all of the new opportunities that are continually arising for women in the sport of rodeo. Also a barrel racer and team roper, Richmann is very passionate for all things of the western way of life. As an advocate for agriculture, she plans to help educate all, about the importance of the industry. When looking into the future, Madie plans to make a career in journalism and marketing for the western sports and agriculture industries while continuing her rodeo career professionally.