Where God, Family, and Rodeo Meet
Photo courtesy of Judy Darling
The following story about Positive Times Project Award nominee Landon Darling was submitted by Judy Darling.
Landon embodies the spirit of the rodeo—a blend of tradition, skill, and sheer determination. His path to team roping is a testament to the intertwining forces of faith, family, and fate. Landon’s fascination with rodeo began on the family farm in Michigan. There, he sat with his grandfather, watching old westerns—the kind that painted the sky with dust and echoed with the clatter of hooves. Those cinematic moments imprinted on young Landon’s heart, igniting a fire that would burn brighter with time.
Photo courtesy of Judy Darling
As Landon grew older, he stepped into the spotlight at the Michigan County Fair. Showing dairy calves was more than a summer activity; it was a family tradition. The smell of hay, the camaraderie with fellow exhibitors, and the pride in showcasing those calves—it all wove together, binding Landon to his roots.
But life took an unexpected turn. A fractured vertebrae sidelined Landon from competitive soccer—a sport he loved. Frustration gnawed at him, but God had other plans. His doctor said, “You can still swing a rope.” And just like that, Landon’s path shifted. He stumbled upon videos of team roping—a dance between rider, horse, and steer. The adrenaline surged, and memories of those cowboy movies resurfaced. With his doctor’s approval, Landon traded soccer fields for rodeo arenas.
Landon’s commitment to team roping is unwavering. He trains diligently, both on his horse and with a dummy. Several times a week, he saddles up and practices, honing his skills. But it’s not just about physical skill; team roping demands mental agility too. As a header (catches the horns) in team roping, Landon orchestrates a complex dance with his horse, using leg cues to direct its movements while simultaneously focusing on roping the steer.
Photo courtesy of Judy Darling
For those unfamiliar with team roping, it’s a thrilling event where two riders work together. The header ropes the steer’s horns and turns it, while the heeler catches the steer’s 2 hind feet and stretches it out which brings the timer to a stop. The precision required is astounding. In high school rodeos, Landon faces times of around seven to twelve seconds, but at the professional level (such as the National Finals Rodeo), it’s an astonishing 3.3 seconds.
For Landon, rodeo isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. It’s the thrill of the chase, the bond with his horse, and the camaraderie with fellow riders. It’s the adrenaline rush when the gate opens, and the crowd holds its breath. It’s the satisfaction of a perfectly executed run, the dust settling, and the cheers echoing in the arena. And woven through it all—the golden thread of family and the quiet presence of God. Landon's journey isn’t merely about roping steers; it’s about roping dreams, faith, and the legacy he carries forward.
Photo courtesy of Judy Darling
Landon didn’t even know how to ride a horse when he first began his rodeo journey a few years ago. As a sophomore in high school, he took a leap of faith into an unfamiliar world, and in just three years—graduating this past May—he transformed that spark of interest into a true passion.
During his two years of high school rodeo, he worked tirelessly to learn the sport, teaching himself before finding his trainer and mentor, Brandt Ross. Through that dedication, Landon finished his senior year placing third in his district and qualifying for the state finals—a remarkable comeback and testament to his determination, grit, and love for the sport.