Shanna Johnson

Cowgirl Bio

By Kari Zubach

Name:  Shanna Johnson

Age:  18

Marital Status:  Single  

Hometown:  Browning, Montana

Native American Heritage:  Blackfeet

Occupation:  Shanna is currently a freshman student at Western Montana College on a rodeo scholarship

Major:  Education

Horses:  Heidi (Barrel Horse) and a new 3 year old not named yet

Events Worked:  Barrel Racing

Favorite Event(s):  Barrel Racing and Steer Wrestling

Association member of:  UIRA, lCRA, IRCA 

Rodeo Accomplishments:  2004 INFR Barrel Racing Champion

                                   2004 Year End UIRA Champion

                                    2003 Average UIRA Champion    
                                  2004 MHSRA All Around Cowgirl

                                    4 x UIRA Jr. Barrel Racing Champion

                                    4 x IRCA Jr. Barrel Racing Champion

                                     CPIRA Jr. Barrel Racing Champion

                                   3 x MHSRA Reserve Runner Up All Around Cowgirl

4 x MHSRA Barrel Racing Champion National High School Qualifier
Lots of JRA Championships

When did you start an interest in rodeo?  “When I was 4 years old”.

Do you have a lucky piece that you carry with you when you compete? NO

Do you have any rodeo superstitions?  “I always pray before I make a run”.

What other sports other than rodeo do you enjoy?  “I like to watch my family compete in their sports”.

What is the funniest thing that you have seen or experienced at a rodeo?  “When my mom fell off my sisters barrel racing horse in 3 feet of mud”. 

What advice would you give to Indian youth about rodeo or anything in general?  “Stay focused, practice, have a good attitude, and always try your best”.

What advice would you give to Indian youth who wanted to participate in rodeo but didn’t have the resources or support to get involved?  “Do what you can to be around rodeo and get around people that are involved with rodeo and you might get lucky enough to get some help and to never quit trying”.  

Are their any songs that inspire or pump you up before you ride or rope?  Indian music

What would you like to see more of at Rodeo’s?  “More help from other people or more cowboy / cowboy help and support for each other”.

What are your favorite western movies?  The Cowboys, 8 Seconds, and Pure Country

What is your favorite music?  Country

What was your most memorable ride or run?  “The final run that made me a World Champion at the 2004 Indian National Finals Rodeo”.

Who is your all time hero(s)?  My mom, Robin and my dad, Ron 

What Indian Cowboy influenced you to rodeo?  My dad, Ron Johnson

Would you like to thank sponsors and or anyone for your success in rodeo?  “I would like to thank my father for his support and encouragement and my mother for training me and my horse”.

Indian Rodeo News would like to thank Shanna for taking the time to talk to us, we'll be following her this year during the rodeo season and will update her page with winnings and articles about her rodeo career!  Shanna serves as a role model to future Barrel Racers, so kids if you see her at a rodeo, feel free to walk up to her and say "Hi".