Hale celebrates July Fourth with rodeo success

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  • Snyder resident Garrett Hale (right) lassoed a steer during the World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott, Ariz. last week. Hale took the top prize in steer roping in both the World’s Oldest Rodeo and the Cody Stampede in Cody, Wyo. last week and is currently the fifth-ranked steer roper in the world, according to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
    Snyder resident Garrett Hale (right) lassoed a steer during the World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott, Ariz. last week. Hale took the top prize in steer roping in both the World’s Oldest Rodeo and the Cody Stampede in Cody, Wyo. last week and is currently the fifth-ranked steer roper in the world, according to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
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For most people, the Fourth of July is a time for fireworks and relaxing, but for Snyder resident and professional steer roper Garrett Hale, Independence Day was spent competing and winning rodeos.

Hale, 28, brought home first place finishes from both the World’s Oldest Rodeo, in Prescott, Ariz., and the Cody Stampede, in Cody, Wyo. this past week.

Hale began the weekend with his first ever first place finish at the World’s Oldest Rodeo, an accomplishment he said he has been shooting for since he was young.

“That was one on my bucket list,” he said. “That was a big accomplishment for me. Winning that rodeo is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid.”

Over three rounds, Hale led the way with a total of 41.6 seconds. His time of 11.2 seconds was the best in Round One and propelled him to the win.

On July Fourth, he competed in the Cody Stampede and won the event’s first ever steer roping competition with a time of 20.2 seconds on two heads. In Round One, he recorded a 9.1 and in Round Two, a 11.1.

Hale said it was an honor to be the event’s first winner.

“That was a history moment for me,” he said. “I feel like my average record will be tough to beat. I’ve always wanted to win that rodeo. It is a big rodeo.”

The more than $22,000 in earnings from the wins moved him into the fifth spot on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association steer roping standings.

Hale said his performance in the World’s Oldest Rodeo gave him the boost he needed to get on a roll.

“I had momentum on my side,” he said. “I was tired of falling behind and it was time to step up. Before Prescott, I was a little down, so that was a good boost. Now, my horses are riding good, my attitude is good. I think this will carry over into those.”

Hale will try to continue climbing up the PRCA rankings when he competes in Weatherford and Deadwood, S.D. over the next few weeks.