Long has memorable start to rodeo season

By Justin Seward

Commentator/Courier

Houston Long may remember the start to his 2019 rodeo season for a long time as his team roping skills have landed him some encouraging results to add to his pedigree.
The young Walsh team roper was pleased with his 14th place finish out of 250 participants at the end of June at the Junior High School Rodeo Nationals in Huron, S.D.
“It was big,” said Long.
“Everything was bigger than you could imagine … Then the competitors. There’s 1,150 competitors. You have to compete against that. It was awesome.”
Long says his strategy was to block out everything and continue on with the ride and as he described it “as just another run.”
“It rained the first two days. It got a bit mucky and it really got hot and humid so that really evened out the playing.
“It got sticky the first couple rounds but it got good after that. My horses were good.”
Everytime he attends the event it will be about learning something new and building up from there, he added.
Nationals were made possible for Long after winning the first place belt buckle at provincials in Nanton back at the end of May.
“Oh yeah it was going through me,” Long said of the emotions felt as he walked up to receive the award.
“Just don’t take the pressure on. You can’t take all the pressure and say ‘I can do this,’” he said.
He will be participating in rodeos across Alberta in preparation before making the jump to the senior level where he will be participating alongside his brother Walker next year.