is just across the dinner table. “Cody is a phenomenal coach,” DeMers added. “Whether it be for bareback riding or barrel racing. He can fine-tune anything. He always finds the positive.” It was also Cody, much to his chagrin sometimes, who noticed that Voodoo Lane was special. “He told me, ‘She’s your huckleberry,’“ said Nicole. “Cody does our horseshoeing. Hailee or I have to be standing right there. She has stepped on Cody’s toes a few times. When we’re there, she stands still.” Nicole DeMers plans to rodeo hard again in the Turquoise Circuit, “I’d like to make the circuit finals again,” she said and maybe venture out a bit further. “Maybe go to Utah, drop the kids off at the grandparents’ house and hit some rodeos. “I’d like to go out a little
Nicole DeMers’ husband, Cody, has made it to rodeo’s “super bowl” four times as a bareback rider but he now spends his days helping his wife reach her goals while also managing MorDo Ranch, a facility that trains cutting horses. In fact, it was Cody that first realized Voodoo Lane’s ability. Photo courtesy Nicole DeMers
“Hailee was raised by me, Cody and a bunch of college kids,” DeMers said. “They would lead her around the arena on her horse Cricket during practice.” Cody DeMers retired from competition in 2015, his last ride at San Antonio, Texas of that year. “And he hasn’t ridden since,” his wife added. “But with all these high-paying rodeos, he talks about riding again.” Nicole DeMers was a rookie in the WPRA in 2015, competing in the Wilderness Circuit. She switched to the Turquoise Circuit a few years ago. DeMers is often accompanied by her daughter during the rodeo trips. “She barrel races with me a lot,” said the mom. “Cody has been a huge help. He takes care of things at home. Hailee and I hit the road and he and Wes stay home and hold down the fort. They’re work buddies.” And if DeMers needs a little help or some advice, additional coaching
further this year to see what my horse can do.” And while Nicole and Voodoo Lane amp up their schedule, the family has seamlessly adjusted to the Arizona heat compared to the cooler days of Idaho. “When it gets hot, you adjust your schedule,” said Nicole. “I ride my horses in the morning and Cody ropes his steers in the evening. We have a lighted arena at the place. When you’re competitive like Cody, you’ve got to find something else.” And that competitiveness includes his spouse. “Oh yes,” Nicole admitted. “You should see family board games.” “We love it here. Cody says ‘You don’t have to shovel sunshine.’ But we have gotten a little soft with the cold weather. Now when it’s 50 degrees, we break out the jackets and sweaters.”
Nicole DeMers is surrounded by a very supportive family that includes her four-time Wrangler NFR bareback rider Cody (far left), daughter, Hailee, and son, Wesley. Photos courtesy Nicole DeMers
APRIL 2020 WPRA NEWS 27
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