Rodeo is in Thibodeaux's genes

When Ryan Thibodeaux puts on his jeans rodeo is in his genes.
Thibodeaux’s father and mother and grandfather and uncles rode, bucked and tied before him.
His current No. 18 ranking in the (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association standings in the U.S. as a calf roper are evidence that he learned as he watched along the way.
Ryan Thibodeaux, 26, whose parents are Ricky of Eunice and Donna of Ranger, Texas, placed at one of the largest rodeos east of the Mississippi - the Dixie National Rodeo held in Jackson earlier this month.
Thibodeaux logged 15.7 seconds on two head, finishing first and winning $4,149.
The St. Edmund High graduate earned his degree in Agriculture Marketing at Tarleton State University and now lives in Stephenville, Texas where he trains quarter horses.
Ryan has competed in rodeos since Little Britches days in Eunice and competed at national finals at Little Britches, high school and college level rodeo.
Thibodeaux trains quarter horses and trained his current ride “Tequila.” Ricky said, “It’s a full-time job, however... it’s his love and hobby.”
Ricky added, “Since a young boy he has loved horses and trained them. He has other young horses in the making, training them for calf roping.”
Among Ryan Thibodeaux’s many titles is the Barry Burk Champion Open Calf Roping title. He aspires to compete at the National Finals in Las Vegas in December, when the top 15 money winners in the U.S. and Canada in all the rodeo events compete.
According to his father, after filing his permit, Thibodeaux finished third in the Rookie Standings.
Lawrence Fontenot of Eunice, a former calf roper himself, was Ryan’s coach and mentor in calf roping.
At the Dixie Nationals in the tie-down roping event, Ryan Thibodeaux, Shane Hanchey, Braxton Laughlin, Ike Fontenot, Kale Comeaux and KC McBride, all past members of the LA High School Rodeo and Tri Parish High School Rodeo, competed.
Hanchey, of Sulphur, last year won the title 2013 World Champion Calf Roper.
Ryan’s entire family competed in rodeo.
Ricky was a bull rider, bronc rider and a team roper. He serves as president of Tri Parish High School Rodeo Association.
Ryan’s mother, the former Donna Frey, competed in high school rodeos, was a part of the LA High School Rodeo Association, Tri State Rodeos, and LRCA. She competed in the barrels, poles, and goat tying events.
Ryan’s older step-brother, Garrett Paul Frey, competed in LA high School Rodeo Association, Little Britches in the saddle bronc, bull riding, and bare back riding events and competed at the Professional Bull Riders Association national finals.
Ryan’s grandfather, Warren Frey of Mowata, was named the NIRA (National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association) champion. He was selected for induction into the recently established McNeese Sate Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Ryan’s uncles Winston and Shawn Frey were also professional cowboys.

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