ProRodeo Sports News - August 20, 2021

the Montana Circuit Finals in January.

year-end title. Obviously rooting for (Berquist) too, but heck, a guy always wants to win at the end of it.” RAMNCFR or not, and win or lose, Gardner is the type of guy to do anything to help someone. “He’s always there to help you, whether that’s pushing, finding out what your calf is for you, looking at the draw,” Berquist said. “He’ll do anything for anyone. “He’s extremely, extremely loyal.” From day one, Gardner’s dream of competing on a larger stage has also been supported by Dallas Curry, a friend who has been there since Gardner roped his first calf. Even when he’s on the road, Gardner relies on Curry for advice. “He’s the kind of guy I call if I need some help,” Gardner said. “If I’m kind of struggling out here on the road, I’ll send himmy videos and we’ll pick them apart, break them down, and he’ll try to help me out.” In the spring and fall, when Gardner has a break from rodeoing, he returns to his ranch inWinnett, Mont. When he’s not spending time on the road, he enjoys skiing and hunting. When he loads Dandy back into the trailer and gets back

Gardner’s traveling partner and close friend, Caleb Berquist, has seen the impact Gardner’s mom had. “He’s always saying stuff that his mom told him, bringing up quotes and stuff like that, which is really cool,” Berquist said. “I’m glad he has all those memories of her. “I think it sure did take a toll on him, but I think a lot of the drive and the determination he has now is to do it for his mom.” Though she might not be cheering from the stands, Shari continues to leave an impact on her son’s performances. Not only does he remind himself and others of her words of wisdom, but he takes a part of her with him into the arena. Shari bred and raised Dandy, the horse Gardner is riding. “She never got to see me rodeo on him, so now that I’m riding him a little bit and have been winning on him up here in Montana, it’s pretty special,” Gardner said. Breeding, raising, training and competing with a horse of your own isn’t too common, making Dandy and Gardner’s relationship even better.

“(My mom) is the main reason that I rodeo. I guess to be out here rodeoing and know that she’s watching me from somewhere, it’s pretty special.” –JADE GARDNER

“Most people either raise and sell a horse at three or four years old or buy one at three or four years old,” Berquist said. “So, you don’t see that much, in any event.” Gardner said his success this season would not be possible without not only his mom, but also his dad, Raymond. “My dad allows me to live

on the road, Gardner is reminded of those who have helped him on his way. With his village behind him, Gardner is ready to keep building upon his best season yet.

the lifestyle I live,” Gardner said. “I’m so appreciative of what he and my mom have done for me.” With plans to expand his horizons to the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo and the ProRodeo Tour, Gardner knows how to surround himself with people who can help him thrive. Berquist is the only tie- down roper ahead of Gardner in the circuit. But they have found a balance between competition and supporting one another. The two have grown close, discovering that success breeds success. “I think both of us try to push each other to make each other better,” Berquist said. “Especially going down the road, you know, someone might have a slump or vice versa, one guy might be doing well. “Between the both of us we try to make sure we help each other and push each other to keep going on, you know, make the best of every situation.” Gardner is hoping to parlay his rodeo success into a ticket to compete at the RAM NCFR. Berquist, following the same dream, wants to make the trip together. “I’m excited,” Gardner said. “I’m really chasing that

Photo courtesy Jade Gardner

Jade Gardner and his parents, Raymond and Shari.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/20/2021

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