ProRodeo Sports News - May 28, 2021

a budding star. “In about June of 2019, I took her to some circuit rodeos and got her seasoned,” said Howell, 28. “I ended up winning a few of them on her. She just got better with time, and now she’s one of the best ones, I think. “She’s a pretty special horse.” Consistency is Diamond’s strength, according to Howell. “She always gives me the same run every time,” said Howell, who is in line to secure his seventh career RAMPrairie Circuit Finals Rodeo qualification this year. “With her, it’s the same runs everywhere I go. I like her outside better, where I kind of have to go run one down, but she’s good on those short scores, too.” Howell says he knew from the start the mare had the potential to take him to a new level. “When I found that horse, I knew she would be a game-changer for me,” he said. “I’ve always dreamed of being in the

with a great horse under his saddle. He is poised and ready to make a run at the big one in 2021, and his entry list sounds like a Johnny Cash song. “I’m going to go all year,” Howell said. “I’ve entered Reno, North Platte (Neb.), Pleasant Grove, Utah, and am going to go over the Fourth of July to Greeley (Colo.), Prescott (Ariz.), Prineville, Ore., St. Paul (Ore.). I’m going to get to about all of them I can and try to make it to the Finals this year.” Quaney, for one, believes his buddy can break through into the coveted Top 15 and punch his ticket to Las Vegas. “Oh, yeah, I think he can,” Quaney said. “He’s got the skill and talent to do it, and now he’s got the horse. He’s got some experience because he’s gone down the road before. It’s all coming together, and it’s going to be good.” Howell sure does hope so. “I’ve always dreamed of being in the spot I’m in now, and I’ve worked my whole life to get to this point,” he said. “It’s a pretty humbling feeling that it’s finally come because I’ve stuck myself out there long enough. It’s just a blessing.”

“I knew that, if I did everything right and brought her up the right way, I’d have a really nice horse and would have a chance to fulfill my goals and dreams of making the National Finals. She’s set me up with that this year, for sure. “I’ve gotten her tuned in and ready to go, and she’s really stepped up and showed me a lot. It helps a lot with the mental aspect of it all when you know you can back in there and are riding one of the best horses. She’s going to work and give you a chance every time. She’s by far the best horse I’ve ever had.” And Howell knows his horses. The part-time farrier learned to rope and ride under the tutelage of his grandfather, Elvis Howell, who helped groom him during his formative years. Howell’s uncle, Rick Robb, was a professional tie-down roper who also helped him along the

spot I’m in now, and I’ve worked my whole life to get to this point. It’s a pretty humbling feeling that it’s finally come because I’ve stuck myself out there long enough. It’s just a blessing.” – WILL HOWELL

way. Howell set the arena record of 7.5 seconds at the 2012 College National Finals Rodeo in his lone year at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. FAMILY BUSINESS His mother, Shawn, and father, John, have been big supporters of Howell’s through the years, with his father driving his rig while they’re on the rodeo trail. Now a father himself to 3-year-old sonWayce, Howell loves being on the road with his crew, including his girlfriend, Ashlyn Moeder. Howell’s former traveling partner Cody Quaney – who is taking time off the road to be at home with his wife and newborn – feels that support is one of the best things Howell has in his corner. “That’s a key to be successful – you have a team behind you, and anybody who goes down the road will tell you that,” said Quaney, the 2017 RAMPrairie Circuit Finals Rodeo average champion who finished 17th in the world that season. “There are parents, friends, family – it takes a lot of people to make it work. Fortunately, his parents have been awesome, and he’s got several friends who help him get down the road. “It’s a team effort, and it’s a great thing to bring a bunch of people together to work toward one goal. It’s great to share it with those people.” Howell is “entered up” and has a strong team in place to go along

Photo courtesy Will Howell Will Howell, left, poses for a photo with his girlfriend, Ashlyn Moeder, and his 3-year-old son, Wayce.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/28/2021

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