June Indian Cowboy Bio

Shawn Best II

Name:  Shawn Best II

Age:  28

Marital Status: Married Maya,    

Family/Children:  Zeeyle, Lauraya, Lainie.    

Hometown: Omak, Washington

Native American Heritage: Colville Confederated Tribes

Horses: I have 5 head of horses, recreation ride them for fun.  We ride around at Omak lake.

Pets that you own:  One cat and two dogs. 

Events Worked:  Bull Riding

Association member of:  PRCA, PBR

Rodeo Accomplishments: I was the PRCA California rookie of the year 2005.  Qualified California circuit finals, Columbia river circuit 4 times.  Won the Western States Region 3 times.  The Columbia River Assocation (INFR region)  that year won that year too.  INFR Bull Riding champion 2011. 

When did you start an interest in rodeo?  My whole life, has been my interest in bull riding. 

What other sports other than rodeo do you enjoy?  I like wrestling I was the high school state champion.  Won state in football.  I got 6 state college scholarships in wrestling and attended Heron Universtiy.

What is the funniest thing that you have seen or experienced at a rodeo?  There was a dance afterwards the rodeo, a old tiny man, was on the dance floor, by himself, hitting all the moves, he took his hat off and swingin it around and in his own zone, the waitress walking by with a tray full of drinks, he back handed her face and dropped her.  This was at the INFR in San Jacinto, at the Soboba Casino. 

What advice would you give to Indian youth about rodeo or anything in general?

 My advice is don’t be scared to put in the work and dedicate yourself every day, go after your goals, and when you do lose, don’t be afraid to get back up and ride again.   Every risk there is a reward, so don’t be scared to lose or win it all. 

Are their any songs that inspire or pump you up before you ride? Once in a while I try to listen to M and M song 8 mile, and I like  to work out to the song "Fail".    

What would you like to see more of at Rodeos?  Money!!  More fan support, more sponsors, companies endorsement in general. 

What are/is your favorite western movie(s)?

 Lonesome Dove, Man from Snowy River, Kingstone,  Unforgiven.  8 seconds, Lightning Jack King. 

What is your favorite music?   Mostly depends on my mood, classic rock.  I listen to country and rap, pretty much anything that sounds good.  

What was your most memorable ride or run?     I was 15, my Dad "Shawn Best" entered me at  White Swan, they had some of the top Flying 5 bulls, and I drew the  NFR bull that has been bucked at the National Finals Rodeo.   I scored 86 and won the round.   Uncle Dave, Jerry Sam, all those guys were there.  

Who is your all time hero?   My Dad, is my all time hero.  He is the toughest guy I know. 

What Indian Cowboy or Cowgirl has influenced you to rodeo?  My Uncle Jim Best, my biggest influences that incouraged me  to go out and see the world. 

Would you like to thank sponsors and or anyone for your success in bull riding: Phoenix Enterprises, Seventh Apparel,