We could not be more proud of Austin this year! He has come so far in his skills and despite moving up to a tougher division with larger horses, he came out on top. Many boys drop this event after competing as PeeWee's...true, the horses do get bigger and rougher and the judging gets tougher, but Austin put his heart and soul in to it and didn't give up. A few tried to compete but ONLY Austin was able to cover his rides and rise to the top!
We attended the annual NYRA awards banquet at the Linn County Fair Grounds with my parents and friends of ours, who also have a daughter competing. It is a big celebration with many of the kids turning out to see who ranked in the top 5 for each event and who would win the coveted saddles for All Around Cowboy and All Around Cowgirl in each division (Pre-PeeWee, PeeWee, Junior and Senior). It is also the time when a new board is elected and new rules are voted on. There is a scrumptious dinner served and a silent auction. It is lots of fun and generally enjoyable. Austin has received awards for being in the top 5 for the last three years in bareback and in 2006 and 2007 for bullriding. Even having a broken collar bone last year did not keep him from placing out of the top 5. This year, however, was his year! He was the one and only placing/staying on/qualifying/kickin' butt bareback rider in the Junior Division!
Here are highlights from this year!
On John Wayne in St. Paul, Oregon
On Bay at Clark County, Washington
Molalla, Oregon with the Willamette Valley Junior Rodeo Association
On Bay at Grand Ronde, Oregon
On (or off) John Wayne at the Polk County Fair, Oregon
On Bay at the NYRA Finals in Philomath, Oregon
1 comment:
Wah-HOOOOOOOOOOO!!! That's awesome, Austin!!! Congratulations!!!
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