Rodeo Dynasty: The Fagerhaug Family Legacy Rides On
WESSINGTON SPRINGS, S.D. – In the heart of the Great Plains, a family is proving that the American rodeo tradition isn't just a sport – it's a way of life, passed down through generations like the land itself. The Fagerhaug family of Wessington Springs is living proof that hard work, faith, and a love for the land still build champions.
From Grandpa's Bass to the Arena
The roots run deep. Grandpa Lennis Fagerhaug wasn't just a calf roper on the pro circuit; he was a bass player in the Kyle Evans and the Company Cowboys Band. His son, Owen, became the 1995 state high school calf roping champion. Shannon Greenfield, Owen's wife, reigned as the South Dakota State High School rodeo queen in 1996 and 1997. They met on the South Dakota State University Rodeo Team. Now, their children, Ella, 18, and Wyatt, 14, are carrying the torch.
Family First, Rodeo Always
“What are our greatest rodeo successes? Ella and Wyatt are our greatest successes in and out of the arena,” Owen said, his voice carrying the quiet pride of a man who built his life around his family and his values. The Fagerhaugs didn't just choose a hobby; they chose a lifestyle. They built their home on the same land where Owen's great-grandparents, Arnt and Ella Fagerhaug, homesteaded after immigrating from Norway. That's not just history; that's heritage.
The Horse: Your Teammate, Your Partner
In rodeo, the horse isn't a tool; it's a partner. Wyatt, 14, competes in breakaway, team roping, tie down, goat tying, and ribbon roping. His No. 1 teammate is Joe, a 20-year-old bay gelding. “Your horse is your teammate,” Wyatt said. “You have to have trust and faith that your horse will do their job, and the horse needs to trust that you will do your job.” That trust paid off. Wyatt and Joe qualified for the Junior High School National Finals Rodeo in Guthrie, Oklahoma, with a qualifying time of 12.34 seconds. That's the kind of discipline that builds men, not just competitors.
Ella's Next Chapter: The Jackrabbit Way
Ella, the 2026 Wessington Springs valedictorian, just signed with the South Dakota State University rodeo team. Her horse, Socks, has been her partner since he was four. “He is consistent to his spot and stops sharp,” she said. She'll compete in barrels, goat tying, and breakaway. But more than the competition, she values the community. “Rodeo is a community. Everyone is so supportive of each other,” Ella said. That's the American spirit – competition with respect, not envy.
Hard Work, No Shortcuts
This family doesn't take shortcuts. They spend hours each evening in the arena, half a mile from Grandpa Lennis's calving pasture. During the school year, they drive 19 miles to the Jerauld County 4-H arena. “We push the calves into the chute or hold the calves or goats until they are ready,” Shannon said. “We enjoy being hands-on with our kids.” Even Grandma Peggy is the unofficial timekeeper, writing down every time in the program. She saves all the programs for all the grandkids. That's a legacy of attention to detail and love.
The Grandkids Rodeo: A 50-Year Celebration
To celebrate fifty years together, Peggy and Lennis asked their children to host a Grandkids Rodeo. Ella made back numbers using their birthdays. The Fagerhaug Ranch Arena was filled with goat tying, calf roping, barrels, and poles. “Rodeo is a family legacy and each of our families continue to support it for the next generation,” Shannon said. That's the American way – passing on values, not just wealth.
FAQ: The Fagerhaug Rodeo Legacy
What makes the Fagerhaug family's rodeo legacy unique?
It's a multi-generational tradition rooted in the same land their Norwegian ancestors homesteaded, with every member of the family – from grandparents to grandchildren – actively participating in the sport and the lifestyle.
How do the Fagerhaugs balance rodeo with regular jobs?
Owen works for the USDA Farm Service Agency, and Shannon is the Jerauld County Auditor. They chose careers and a home that allow them to prioritize rodeo, proving that the American Dream is about making choices, not just taking what's given.
What role do horses play in the family's success?
The horses are raised and trained on the family ranch. Trust between horse and rider is paramount. Wyatt said, “Without Joe's help, it would be just me versus the calf. And the calf would win.” That's a lesson in teamwork and mutual respect.
Photo: Yahoo Sports