Tied to the Arena: Couples Insight Serving as Rodeo Officials

The rodeo lifestyle offers a range of opportunities for families to travel together and make the most of their time together.  Whether they’re competing in the arena or serving as officials, families can immerse themselves in the sport while sharing experiences and creating memories.

On the North Dakota rodeo trail, one couple finds themselves at the heart of the action in a unique way, offering their expertise to the arena.  As an experienced rodeo judge and dedicated timer, Rick and Mindy Sigvaldsen from Springbrook, ND, blend their professional skills with their shared passion, turning each event into a family affair where their roles complement each other perfectly.

The Sigvaldsen’ s swing the gate open, sharing their experience as they travel down the rodeo trail.

The roots of rodeo run deep within your family requiring a desire to stay involved, from competition to evolving as a judge and a timer.  What prompted you to take on an official role in rodeo?

Rick:   “I have a long history with rodeo, having competed in bareback riding and team roping throughout High School Rodeo, Little Britches, and various amateur rodeos.  In 1997, my interest in becoming a judge grew, and during a Fourth of July rodeo, I had an unexpected opportunity when a judge didn’t show up. I received a call to fill in, and that moment marked the beginning of my judging career.”

Mindy:  “The rodeo bug bit me at 13 years old, after spending time showing horses. I initially focused on goat tying but eventually expanded my skills to include breakaway roping, barrel racing, and team roping. When I became pregnant with our first daughter, Abby, I wanted to remain actively involved with rodeo, so I took on the role as a timer and served as the NDHSRA secretary. After Abby was born, I returned to competing, but when she and our other daughter, Tessa, started participating in youth rodeo, I decided to step away from competition to support them. During this time, Rick also took a break from judging, but as our daughters grew older, we both found our way back to the rodeo arena, with Rick resuming his role as a judge and me continuing as a timer.”

The family atmosphere rodeo provides spills over into the official staff, allowing couples to apply their expertise in various roles.   What do you find most rewarding about working together at rodeos?

Mindy:  “Having been competitors ourselves and with our daughter Abby still actively competing, we truly understand the dedication, expense, and time that go into rodeo. This firsthand experience drives us to ensure we do an excellent job officiating and timing, knowing just how much each competitor has invested. Working together also allows us to share meaningful conversations on the way home from a rodeo, where we can relate to one another’s experiences because we both “get it.” Rick often mentions that he appreciates having me by his side on the road, as it makes the travel more enjoyable and less lonely.”

The judge and timer communication is very important, providing accuracy to an outcome of an athlete’s performance.    Do you feel it is an advantage, being a husband & wife holding those roles in the arena?  

Mindy:  “Obviously, we know each other very well, often being able to read each other’s thoughts just through our actions and expressions.  When something unexpected happens, we can adapt quickly without needing to have an in-depth conversation.

There’s also a strong mutual respect between us for the roles we hold at a rodeo. We don’t view one position as more important than the other; instead, we support each other fully, no matter the outcome. On top of that, we truly enjoy traveling together and spending time in each other’s company.”

Remaining active in rodeos at an officiating level requires an investment of time and ongoing education. Everyone has their own personal motivations for why they do what they do—what are yours?

Mindy:  “Our love for rodeo goes beyond the competition itself—it’s about the friendships we’ve built over the years, both as competitors and as officials. These lifelong connections are incredibly special to us, and the rodeo community always has the welcome mat out.”

Rick:  “For me, it’s all about the people and the relationships that have formed over time. I’ve enjoyed watching the kids of those I used to compete with grow up and become tough cowboys and cowgirls themselves.  My closest friendships have come from rodeo, and it’s even how I met my bride.   There may even be an old rodeo story that gets told a time or two.”