RODEO: Every second matters for Pueblo cowboy

Ray Peek says all it takes is a 15-second conversation to tell who a person is. With his son, Josh, every second counts. His life is dictated by a stopwatch. A cowboy from Pueblo, Josh Peek said he couldn’t imagine his life without the rodeo.

“I’ve had a rope in my hand since I was big enough to hold on to it,” he said. “I love it. I have a passion for it. It’s like a big family out here. I just love the competitiveness. Every day I’ve got to be at the top of my game.”

Josh Peek, 27, entered the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo second in the ProRodeo Cowboys world standings for all-around. He has been competing in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association since 2002. He competes in steer wrestling and tie-down roping.

“I love them both,” Peek said. “I love calf roping for the finesse and I love steer wrestling for the adrenaline. I feel like I’m a threat in both.”

Peek started competing when he was 14. He had been a calf roper but it was the help of his friend and chiropractor, Dr. Justin Youngren, that got him into steer wrestling.

“He was doing calf roping and needed another event for all-around competition, so I showed him a few things,” Youngren said. “He was an excellent student and an even better instructor.”

Peek’s two younger brothers also compete in rodeo. Jon is 26, Jeremiah 23. All three are spokesmen for the Saddle Up Foundation in Denver.

“It’s a great therapeutic program for disabled children,” Josh Peek said. “I just love doing that kind of stuff. I’m a sucker for helping kids.”

He also has a soft spot for rodeo supporters.

“The coolest thing about the rodeo is the fans,” he said. “We couldn’t have rodeo without the fans. I think it’s ideal that we have to be good role models. If one kid makes something with their life I think that’s great.”

Early in high school, Josh Peek had to quit basketball, a sport he loves. He dealt with childhood epilepsy. He had seizures on the court and realized he couldn’t play competitively. That’s when he turned to the rodeo.

Rodeo is “a self-motivating sport,” Josh Peek said. “You got to keep yourself positive the whole time. You just train yourself to be focused in every situation.”

Ray Peek said he is proud of his son’s determination and work ethic.

“He’s tough,” he said. “He works hard at it and stays consistent. In rodeo you have to have a good mental game. These cowboys have to be a business person and a family person all in one.

This has been a big year, Josh Peek said. He was the San Antonio Stock Show calf roping and all-around champion in February. He also signed a sponsor contract with Toyota.

Youngren said this is only the beginning for Josh Peek.

“I think we can expect great things from him in the future,” he said. “I would like to see him make it to the National Finals Rodeo and place. I see him being a great competitive professional. I think he’s going to go a long way.”

Josh Peek said he knows how the steer are going to move because he’s been around them so much. He studies them and knows when they’re going to pick up their head or take a step, he said.

“I feel that I have a good awareness of how the cattle move,” he said. “It’s fast-paced. Steer wrestling is quite a rush.”

Peek, who earned his degree in business with emphasis in entrepreneurship from Colorado State University-Pueblo, opened his own business. He has owned Three Peeks’ Trimming for five years.

Josh Peek has never been one to stand down because of injuries. He fractured the rim of his pelvis joint and competed. He has also had knee surgery and broke his finger.

Josh Peek and his two brothers attended Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas, on full rodeo scholarships. Josh Peek teams up with his brothers and dad to team rope when they can get together.

“They work hard at it,” Ray Peek said. “It’s been fun watching them. It’s a family affair. We can all go together on the weekend.”

Added Youngren: “He has excellent technique, he’s consistent and pressure doesn’t affect him. He’s a good friend. If he says he’ll do something, he’ll do it. He’s good to his word."