Shelbie Gibson (Driever), grew up in Sidney Iowa, Rodeo Town USA, and was proud to be a part of the Two County Dusters, the Fremont and Page County Drill Team, for many years. Her last year was 2013.
Shelbie shared “My biggest influencer for my love of horses was definitely my dad, Alan Driever. Both my parents, Amanda and Alan Driever had a lot of involvement with youth, encouraging young riders through horse camps and lessons.
“My brothers and I also grew up helping with their horse drawn carriage business,” she said. “I guess it was instilled in me at a young age, the importance of working hard and the benefits of time in the saddle. It’s been a full circle moment watching these very moments unfold with the next generation.”
Shelbie had other memories to share as well.
“This year was my oldest son Ryker’s first year with the Two County Dusters at age 10,” she said. “Being in the stands watching your baby, instead of being in the saddle, hearing the bomb, knowing the hustle before the Rodeo behind the scenes is a whole different level of nervousness.
“First, he filled my boots. Now he’s riding in my saddle on the same horse that carried me through my final years on the drill team. My heart is overwhelmed with emotion. The sense of responsibilities, companionship, overall happiness and wellbeing was something I wanted for my children as well. And I couldn’t imagine any better way to accomplish that than in the seat of a saddle horseback.”
From Ryker’s perspective, not many kids get the opportunity to love and own pets let alone, learn and grow from the same horse that their mom once rode in the same drill team. “I have also had the opportunity to learn from three different horses that have played a role in my families lives in some way for the last 15-17 years,” Ryker said.
At age 10, Ryker was asked about the Two County Duster tryouts and responded by saying, “My goal this year was to try something new, knowing it might be hard, and would encourage anyone never to be scared. When I’m horseback, I feel free, great and happy.”
Shelbie shared, “I think the fact that these kids face three long 2-3 hour try outs before making the team is often missed or overlooked,” she said. “These kids work so hard. It’s not easy. Ryker has said so many times through the year, ‘I wish people could see how hard it really is.’
“But hard is oh so rewarding! These kids feel so empowered. It’s such an incredible thing to witness firsthand,” Shelbie said.
Shelbie’s dad, Alan Driever said, “I’m just one of the coaches. Josh Sunderman, Beth Carlson and I work together to do our best to make the team just a little better.
“I enjoy helping young people find their way with horses,” Alan said. “This year added a new level of awareness. The Two County Dusters have started having second generation riders in the last few years. Josh Sunderman, who rode the first year the Dusters started, and has helped coach the team for 15 years, now has a daughter on the team, Janae Sunderman. This year was also the first year for my grandson Ryker Gibson. The idea that the parents of the second-generation kids have seen the work and commitment it takes to be a part of the team and still want their kids to experience it, to me, is the best way for anyone I helped to say thank you.”
Submitted by Teresa Crecelius.
