Shelby was a feature from our Summer 2023 issue of Trailblazher Magazine. Below you will find some never before released questions from our interview with her.

Shelby Pierson is 23 years old and resides on her family’s cattle ranch in Wardlow, Alberta. Starting her professional trick riding career at the young age of 8 years old, Pierson has traveled all across Canada, the United States, and Australia performing her death-defying stunts on her horses. Pierson has been voted 4X as the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Contract Act of the Year, Top 5 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Act of the Year, and was crowned the Canadian Trick Riding Champion on 4 separate occasions. 

What has been the most challenging aspect of your business? 

As a trick rider I believe one of the most challenging aspects of my job is the physical tole it plays on you. Most people do not realize how physically demanding this sport is. Sore muscles, broken bones, and bruises are all apart of the sport and it definitely isn’t for the weak. I would also say life on the road can be challenging at times. You are usually thousands of miles away from home for months on end so learning to be independent is important. You may be on the side of the road at 2 in the morning with horses loaded changing a blown out tire on the side of the highway. There are early mornings, late nights and plenty of meals spent eating below average gas station food. Life on the road isn’t for everyone, but I think it taught me to be independent and it also forced me to learn practical skills that girls normally wouldn’t have to. One of the coolest parts about rodeo however is that in these hard times on the road there is always a rodeo family there willing to lend a helping hand. You could be on the side of the road in the middle of the United States thousands of miles from home and a friend of a friend will stop to help you out. That is just the way rodeo people are and that is why I love being apart of the sport.

What famous person would you most like to have dinner with and why?

If I could have dinner with one famous person it would be Connie Griffith. For those of you who don’t know, Connie Griffith was the greatest female trick rider of all time. She attempted the hardest tricks no rider, male or female would even dream of attempting. Connie shaped the sport into what it is today and definitely set the bar high when it came to the difficulty of tricks. She was fearless, talented, and someone who inspires me.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Some advice I would give to my younger self would be to trust the process and to not be discouraged when things do not go your way. Know that overcoming all the self-doubt and struggles is going to be what makes you a better athlete and person. I would tell myself to not take any opportunity for granted and to always be grateful for those who helped you along the way. Being humble, grateful, and kind are more important than any award or accolade. I would tell myself to keep your head down, work hard, and do not compare yourself to anyone.

Who has inspired you most in your life?

I would have to say my parents have inspired me most in life. No one works harder and is more selfless than my parents. They always expected my siblings and I to give 110% in whatever we chose to do and never let us quit until the job or commitment was done to a high standard. My parents are an everyday inspiration to me and never miss out on an opportunity to support my siblings and I at a rodeo or event.

Trick Riding Photography by Covy Moore, Photography of Shelby by Brodie Pierson

MORE ARTICLES BY TRAILBLAZHERS LIKE SHELBY:

• 5 Minutes with Annette Thurmon
• What It Was Like Working With Amber Marshall
• Championing The Cowgirl Spirit