The newest event at the NHSFR was all the rage.

reined cow horse
In three rounds, Wyatt Fisher scored a dominating 885 points to win the reined cow horse average.

One of the biggest buzz words at the National High School Finals Rodeo this year was “cowhorse.” For the first time, reined cow horse was included as an approved event at the NHSFR, held in Rock Springs, Wyoming, July 11–18.

The event boasted 100 entries from many different states, from California to Maryland, as well as riders from Hawaii and Saskatchewan.

“These kids are very talented and we’re excited about the future of this sport,” said Jay Winborn, who as executive director for the National Reined Cow Horse Association was on hand to help facilitate the historic event. “We’ve really garnered a huge interest for cow horses.”

Wyatt Fisher of Nipomo, California, won the event aboard Nu Cash Cutter, an 11-year-old gelding.

“Showing here was a big deal for me,” Fisher said. “I was nervous. This is the biggest event I’ve ever competed in.

“I’ve talked to a lot of kids here who thought this would be boring, and they came out and saw that they get to chase a cow down the fence. A lot of kids thought this would be a good adrenaline rush. So hopefully we’ll have more entries next year.”

reined cow horse
Cora Borman traveled from Minnesota and qualified for the short go in the reined cow horse. 

 

reined cow horse tracking cow
Arizona teen Wyatt Hershberger finished sixth in reined cow horse, which helped him finish fifth in the all-around standings.
bareback coming out of the chutes
Ty Duncan of Arizona busts out of the chutes in bareback riding.
Avery Weatherman pole bending
Avery Weatherman Balmorhea, Texas, won the average in the pole bending, recording a combined time of 59.882 seconds in three rounds.
High school rodeo contestants
Teenage ropers Conner Riddle (left), Zack Kirkpatrick and Ty Best visit before competing in the ninth performance of the NHSFR. The event welcomed 1,604 contestants from across the country, as well as from Canada and Australia.
Girls cutting
Competing in girls cutting, Brailie Allred finished fourth in the average, which helped her home state of Utah finish first in the team standings.


 

 

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