Ellie Is Trick Riding Her Way To Graduation!

Ellie is trick riding her way to graduation! When she was four years old, she said she wanted to be a trick rider. It took Ellie nine years of begging before her parents finally gave in! Her mom then contacted the best trick rider in the country and scheduled her for a clinic. A few months later, in 2019 at the age of 14, Ellie performed at her first rodeo. She was a Dynamite Dame, alongside her coach and hero, Ginger Duke. She’s travelled all over the country with the Dynamite Dames all while balancing her school and high school rodeo career.

Ellie has qualified for the past three years for the NHSFR and has already qualified again for her senior year. When Ellie's mom asked her what she wanted to do for her graduation announcements, her response was immediate. She said, “I want to wear my cap and gown in the Hippodrome.”  It only seemed fitting as this is the trick that started her dreams. “The Hippodrome is the trick that always brings the crowd to their feet.”

After graduation, Ellie is headed off to college to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. “My ultimate dream would be to become a Delta Pilot, but we will see where the skies will lead. Of course, you’ll always be able to find me in the center of the arena under the rodeo lights.”

Photos courtesy of Tricia Butler Photography.