PAY IT FORWARD

pen if he was going to stand a chance heading into his 8th grade year. He came back hard in heavy competing in all of the timed event from team roping to goat tying and even some saddle steer riding. He put in a lot of hard work and made the junior high state and national finals.

Kincade continued to work hard day in and day out throughout high school to make state and head to nationals his senior year. All of his years spent working hard and staying dedicated to his sport paid off when he made the coveted Thomas & Mack stadium for the National Finals Rodeo in 2022 at just 20 years old. While it is just a dream for so many young athletes, Kincade’s advice is to put in the work. Your work ethic is key to your success.

In timed events, a good teammate is key to your success. Your horse needs to always feel its best. Kincade said he tunes up his main competition horse right before right before the rodeo so that they will be ready to work. Another key component in all rodeo events is your mentality. This includes a great deal of practice which will give you the confidence you need to compete. Your mental game also depends on how hard you study and work hard on your short comings. Kincade prepares for a rodeo by watching his videos and has confidence in his ability to preform well. His biggest advice to the upcoming athletes is to never give up on your dreams no matter what. You do not have to have the biggest trailer or the best horses, you just have to put in the work to achieve your goals. Kincade said “If you get one percent better everyday, it is a win.” Hard work and dedication will push you farther than you could ever dream.

Kincade has discovered a new love for the western world and rodeo family. He loves being able to connect with people all over the world through rodeo. The rodeo world is growing and changing for the better and will continue to grow with amazing athletes from everywhere. Kincade believes that the younger generation does not need to focus on all of the big wins through the year, but focus on some of the little victories that prove to yourself that you are improving.

I truly hope that all the young and upcoming rodeo athletes will heed Kincade Henry’s advice and will apply it to themselves in hopes to pay it forward one day to other young athletes in the future. Let’s head into these next rodeos with confidence! Good luck to all of the Texas High School Rodeo athletes!