HASTINGS, Neb. The best high school rodeo athletes in the state will make their way to Hastings, Neb., June 10-12 to compete for the title of Nebraska’s best.
THEDFORD, Neb. There’s a pretty special horse in Dane Pokorny’s barn.
Shorty, a red roan gelding, is the Thedford High School cowboy’s steer wrestling mount.
Shorty isn’t just any horse. On his back, two Nebraska High School Rodeo Association steer wrestling titles have been won, and countless buckles and saddles.
The Pokornys got the horse eight years ago from the Kasselder family near Ericson. Shorty was raised by Dean Pelster, who considered using him for ranch work but thought his personality was better suited to steer wrestling. Shorty had also been used for a bit of heeling in the team roping.