| If you have read Cody’s
medical history, you are probably wondering how
Cody even rides a horse. By the grace of God, Cody
took to horses like a duck takes to water. In the
saddle, he looks as normal as any other healthy
person. Cody began riding at the early age of 7
years old, when he got his first pony. That’s
when his dream of becoming a rodeo cowboy began.
As young riders do, he would ride to chase cows,
to play "Cowboys and Indians," or just
ride to ride. As Cody was riding for fun,
the movement of the horse began making him stronger.
As a result, he not only became healthier, but
also became a better rider. Cody even began riding
well enough to handle a rope. His dad was a calf
roper, so as every young son does, he began to
follow in his father's footsteps.
As Cody got better at handling a rope, he started
Breakaway Calf Roping, (where you rope the calf
around the neck, the rope breaks away from the
saddle horn, the calf runs free, and the time
stops). This event was great for Cody, because
he didn’t have to worry about dismounting.
Sometimes he would win, and sometimes he would
lose, but in reality, he always won - because
he was able to do what he loved.
In Breakaway Roping, the age limit is 12.
After that, most ropers move up to Tie Down Calf
Roping. Because Cody’s physical limitations
wouldn’t allow him to compete in Tie Down
Roping (dismounting takes some work), he was convinced
that his dream was fading away. Then, his dad
suggested that they try Team Roping, since they
could work together, and Cody wouldn’t have
to dismount. In Team Roping, one cowboy ropes
the head, while the other ropes the back feet.
Time is stopped when there is no slack in the
ropes and both horses face each other. When Cody
started Team Roping, he was only 13 years old.
He had already determined that he was going to
work as hard as he could to be the best.
All of Cody’s hard work paid off at his
3rd Junior Rodeo, when he and his partner won
the age 13-15 division in the Team Roping event.
At last, Cody began to fulfill his dream of being
a real rodeo cowboy. The winning was always cherished
and memorable, but the losing made the passion
inside of him burn more and more. He would often
be reminded that the roads are rough in the rodeo
world, but for Cody, that struggle made him give
110%.
Cody went on to compete at the high school level,
and during his sophomore year, he qualified for
the Oklahoma High School Rodeo. He and his partner
finished 3rd in the average, winning two belt
buckles and one headstall each. Cody continued
to compete in the high school rodeos for the next
two years.
After high school, Cody began to compete in rodeos
full time. He became a member of the Amateur Rodeo
Association in his local area, and competed in
United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC)
events and Rope America events.
Today, Cody is a professional team roper, and
a member of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association.
When he's not competing, Cody is a horse trainer
who loves to show at American Quarter Horse Association
events throughout the United States.
To date, Cody has won 8 trophy saddles.
His most memorable saddle win was at the 2000
USTRC Winter Blast in Guthrie, OK. Cody
has also won 3 horse trailers. His first
horse trailer win was with his long-time roping
partner and best friend, Jake Howard. Just
like brothers, Cody and Jake still rope together
today.
Cody has seen the ups and downs, not just in
rodeo, but in life itself. He is a true
champion, one who inspires all who come contact
with him. During his motivational speeches,
Cody simply shares the things he has endured and
overcome. His life has been a testament
to the strength, perserverance, and commitment
of the human spirit. His story is that of
an entire lifetime, but ask Cody, and he will
tell you that he's just getting started.
|
