CAREER HIGHLIGHT By Shelley Morgan
W inning the 2022 NFR average buckle was by far one of the top highlights of my career. When I qualified for the 2021 NFR, I told my husband, Rex, if there has ever been a horse I feel like I can make 10 clean runs on, it was Kiss! Well, an early barrel down in Rd. 3 that year kind of extinguished that fire so before we left for the 2022 NFR, I looked at him and said, “I AM GOING TO MAKE 10 clean runs this year!” Then to make it a reality was definitely a huge goal worth reaching. I’ve always been taught, ‘call it like you want it’ so I work hard at trying to do that. A strong mindset is a huge asset in the sport of rodeo. I left Texas with a goal and one run at a time, I tried to do my part as a jockey – picture my clean run and then trust Kiss (HR Fameskissandtell) to go in and help make it happen. I think so much confidence in my horse helps me with my positive mindset and makes it so much easier to work to accomplish goals such as this. She has provided so many opportunities and made so many goals a reality since she has come into my life. I am so glad she was able to put the 2022 NFR average title under her list of accomplishments. I want her to be recognized for the awesome equine athlete that she is. A lot might think that running in the Thomas and Mack might be nerve racking but with Kiss in my corner, I can honestly say it is literally just a lot of fun! It’s a “I can’t wait to run” atmosphere. When I had made my 8th clean run that December, it started setting in that the average was becoming a big possibility, but I really wasn’t nervous. I was just excited to get to make the next run. When I made my 9th clean run then it started setting in “let’s do this,” I don’t want to wait 24 hours to finish this. So, I guess I
was a little anxious to get that last run under my belt, but I tried to remember the verse in Philippians 4 that says don’t be anxious but, in every situation, by prayer present your request to God. That gave me a calmness and I knew that whatever God had in store over the next 24 hours was going to be perfect! Gods plan is always perfect!
Whatever was meant to be was going to be! I just prayed that I could be the best jockey I could be that night and Kiss could be the best athlete she could be and let the cards fall as they may the rest was out of my hands and God already knew the outcome. I am so thankful that 10th run was clean and WOW what an unforgettable experience and a buckle I will cherish forever.
28 WPRA NEWS JULY 2023
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