Name: Shay Whitney        
Age: 30 ish, haha
Marital Status: Married               
Family/Children: Husband Trooper Whitney, daughter Sorrel and son Kade
Hometown: Tsuu Tʼina Nation     
Native American Heritage: Metis 
Horses: Rowdy (barrel horse) Cree (prospect)
Pets that you own: 4 dogs, 2 cats and 10 horses

Rodeo Events Worked: Barrel Racing, want to breakaway rope, hehehe

Association member of: NCRA, RRCA, IRCA, FCA, ABRA, Turn Burn Nʼ Earn and Tsuu Tʼina Nation High Point Rodeo

Rodeo Accomplishments: 2008 was a great year for me.  I had just recently started running again, and I acutally wound up going to some finals.  Made the IRCA finals and competed at the RRCA and NCRA finals.  It was a great year filled with lots of learning!!  This year is bound to be even more fun!

When did you start an interest in rodeo? When I was 12. I wanted to be a bull rider!! Started barrel racing at 12.  Quit after I had children and just jumped back into it last year.

What other sports other than rodeo do you enjoy? I donʼt participate in other sports, but enjoy watching my kids play ball, volleyball, hockey and basketball. 

What is the funniest thing that you have seen or experienced at a rodeo? My friendsʼ shirt buttons popped and came WIDE open after her run on her way home...since then, I always wear a tank top under my shirt!  And my husband competing in the bikini barrel race in Elko, BC every year, haha.

What advice would you give to Indian youth about rodeo or anything in general? Keep trying.  If you feel you arenʼt good enough, or fast enough, keep going!!  It will come eventually!  Think positive! Have fun!

What advice would you give to Indian youth who wanted to participate in
rodeo but didnʼt have the resources or support to get involved? Well on our reserve, youth have the opportunity to get involved by going to the Agirplex.  There is a rodeo program there.  Marvin Dodginghorse, Wright Bruisedhead and Darryl Crowchild are excellent mentors for youth.  If you donʼt have that opportunity, then just try to ask someone!  Most people are willing to help the younger generation get involved in rodeo! Find a hero, and attach yourself to him/her!

Are their any songs that inspire or pump you up before you ride or rope? Eye of the Tiger and Ride Em High, Ride Em Low

What would you like to see more of at Indian Rodeos? Money, haha.  Events running on time, more youth events. More spectators.

What are/is your favorite western movie? Seabiscuit, An Unfinished Life, Young Guns 1 & 2, 310 to Yuma.

What is your favorite music? Country and rap. Anything with a good beat!

What was your most memorable ride or run? When I placed at the RRCA finals, it felt so good to end the year on that note!

Who is your all time hero? Gid Garsted, and my daughter and son, they are my inspiration!!

What Indian Cowboy or Cowgirl has influenced you to rodeo? My husband Trooper, Marvin Dodginghorse, Wright Bruisedhead, Darryl Crowchild, Lacy Runner and my daughter Sorrel...all great cowboys/cowgirls!

Would you like to thank sponsors and or anyone for your success in rodeo? My family and friends...and Reverse RW Mobile Steam Pressure Washing for sponsoring me!