Beyond the Arena: The Exotic Animal Companions of Rodeo Athletes Revealed

There's no secret that rodeo athletes adore their animals. From their horses and dogs right down to their cattle, they truly care for their four-legged friends.

Spend some time behind the scenes, and you will find that those aren't the only animals seen with rodeo athletes. Exotic and unique animals seem to call home amongst rodeo professionals, from barrel racers to calf ropers and even stallion owners.

Already sitting in the top 30 for the 2024 rodeo season, tie-down roper King Pickett doesn't just have roping calves and high-caliber calf horses at his place. You'll find him and his wife, Macee, caring for their capybaras. These giant guinea pig-like animals are native to South America and eat up to eight pounds a day!

“They are sweet. My favorite thing about them is just watching them. They literally love to swim and play with each other.” Said Macee Pickett. “When they eat carrots out of our hands, they let us scratch their bellies and behind their ears.”

One of the most prominent stallion stations in the industry is Highpoint Performance Horses owned by Jason Martin and Charlie Cole. Some amazing horsepower, including Slick By Design, Winners Version, and Shawne Bug Leo, resides at the stunning Texas ranch. These big-time studs share a home with some long-legged stablemates. Gerald the giraffe has greeted many a visitor as they stop by to tour the stallion station.

One of the amazing trainers serving as jockey for a few of Highpoint's stallions is Ryann Pedone.

Pedone has made a name for herself in the barrel industry from futurities to pro rodeo. Little do people know, she not only has horses but has had exotics from primates to raccoons to sugar gliders, but her most recent one is the TikTok famous badger, Conor.

"I love him. I have taken him everywhere with me," said Pedone. "I am his person, and he's really good with me, and he will tell me how he's feeling."

This is just a sample of the wild animals seen at the ranches of rodeo athletes and equine lovers alike over the years. There's also been kangaroos, zebras, antelope, javelinas, and even a bear cub!

Disclaimer — Exotics are NOT for everyone. Please talk to experts before considering to house one of these animals.