ProRodeo Sports News, June 1, 2018

GRILLE COWBOY

For tie-down roper BO PICKETT, nephew of ProRodeo Hall of Famer Dee Pickett, the decision to pursue rodeo full time has been a risk worth taking. After his uncle’s PRCA success – a world championship in tie-down roping and all- around – the 21-year-old has set his sights on earning Rookie of the Year. The Caldwell, Idaho, cowboy has competed in about 30 rodeos and is atop the 2018 PRCA Resistol Rookie Standings.

WITH AMBE BAILLIE PSN

What drew you to tie-down roping and why do you enjoy it so much? Bo: My family has roped for a long time and I grew to love it. I started roping when I was about 10 but didn’t start taking it seriously until I was 15 or 16. I also like team roping but don’t want to rely on someone else in competition. With tie-down roping, I can work on it myself and get better. I learned from my dad and uncle (Dee Pickett), who was very good at it. Do you have siblings? Do they rope? Bo: I have two brothers; one team ropes, but the other doesn’t. Why did you choose to compete in rodeo full time? Did you consider other careers? Bo: I considered other careers, as I was told you can’t make a living off it. People would tell me, ‘It’s just a hobby.’ But my uncle made a living from professional rodeo. My thought is, ‘If a kid has a dream, they only have so long to go for it and do it.’ And that’s why I’m going for it. What do you think it takes to be consistent in roping? Bo: A lot of practice and mental strength. Much of the sport is mental and locking in a good run every time is difficult. But there are guys who have mastered it, like Trevor Brazile and Joe Beaver. I try to go through the same steps every time. I learned tie-down roping in five steps. If you skip a step it’s hard to get to the next one, so my focus is to not get ahead of myself and to concentrate on one step at a time. Do you have a rodeo idol? Bo: My uncle (Dee Pickett). What I admire most about him is his work ethic. It’s not easy coming from Idaho and rodeoing for a living because you can’t do a lot in the winter. You’ve got to really work at it and be dedicated. What is your goal this year? Bo: I would like to win Rookie of the Year, the Columbia River Circuit Finals and hopefully this year or next qualify for the National Finals Rodeo. Rookie of the Year is a great stepping stone. How do you feel about the season so far? Bo: I’m learning a lot. I’m young and going to make mistakes. I want to do better and have a lot of room for improvement. But I’m

excited about that because I know I can do better. What’s been your biggest challenge in rodeo?

Bo: I didn’t begin tie-down roping until I was 16, so I’m a little behind on the curve and trying to get my ability and mental game to where it needs to be. You’ve got to stay mentally strong at a rodeo. There’s a lot of pressure when you see the top guys in the world there and all the fans. I just try to focus on doing my job and the task at hand. Do you have any superstitions or rituals before competing? Bo: If I do poorly three or four times in the same shirt, I won’t wear it again. I like to stick with the same

routine before competition, I try to eat healthy and get good sleep. That can be challenging when you’re going from one rodeo to the next, driving throughout the night. If I’m in the passenger’s seat, I’ll watch roping videos or videos of myself at competitions to see what I need to work on. What are your hobbies outside of rodeo?

Bo: Team roping is a hobby of mine. My dad ropes so we team rope together. I also like horseback riding and I’ve been playing tennis lately. What is something about you that may surprise people?

Bo: I was in a movie that my uncle made. I was just an extra sitting in the stands at a baseball game. But still, I was in a movie! It’s called “Soda Springs,” and I was about 12 at the time. Jay Pickett (Dee’s brother) is the

uncle who made the movie.

What is your comfort food? Bo: I love pizza but shouldn’t eat it. I occasionally have it as a treat. What do you appreciate most about rodeo? Bo: I like that no one owes anyone anything and that what you deserve is what you win. You don’t receive a set salary for the year; the harder you work, the more you win.

BO PICKETT with Uncle Dee

ProRodeo Sports News 6/1/2018

ProRodeo.com

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