BILLINGS — Montana is a rodeo haven. The Treasure State has produced some of the world’s best in just about every event – except for tie-down roping. But a new haven is emerging.
“No, there really isn’t very many guys that rope calves in Montana,” said 21-year-old Haven Meged. “Honestly, it was just growing up on the ranch tagging calves, I just kind of fell in love with it.”
Meged might be the next Montana great. That possibility is why he’s sticking with tie-down.
“I guess it’s probably because it’s you and your horse, and you can’t rely on anybody else,” Meged said.
Miles City born and raised, the 21-year-old is fifth in the world with more than $50,000 already, and he just added a national championship, winning the College National Finals in Casper, Wyo. Meged only needed to rope his calf in 13 seconds in Saturday’s short-go. He did it in 10, but then the nerves started when the calf tried to stand.
“I was dang sure (nervous),” Meged said with a smile. “The crowd was going crazy and then they all quieted down a little. It scared me when I got back on my horse and she was trying to get up. I was just praying she would stay down.”
She did for his first college title. After winning multiple Montana state high school crowns, now it’s on to his next goal – qualify for the PRCA National Finals Rodeo. He picked a good time to rope well with a wild Cowboy Christmas schedule on tap.
“The 26th (of June) we go to Ponoka Stampede. The 27th we fly to Reno, and then the 28th I fly back up to Williams Lake, British Columbia,” Meged said. “Then I’ll drive all night to Airdrie, Alberta. Then we fly to Greeley for the long round, and on the 2nd (of July) is Red Lodge, Cody, Oakley City. Third is St. Paul, Oregon and then the 4th is Mollala, Eugene. The 5th is West Jordan, Utah. The 6th is Chinook, Montana and the 7th is Bigfork, Montana.”
He’ll need some good music for the road. For a hint at his go-to playlist, just listen to his horse’s name.
“The mare’s name is Beyoncé, I bought her off Facebook,” he said.
Haven Meged – the modern Montana tie-down roper, coming to a rodeo near you.
