We just spent over a week in Lincoln, Nebraska at the National High School Rodeo Finals. High school students from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico met to compete in the biggest student rodeo in the world.
Contestants earn the right to be at this rodeo by being the top 4 contestants in their state/province.
Most states also have a rodeo queen contest. Every state queen competes for the title of national queen.
Each of the 12 performances begins with prayer and the national anthem of each country.
These students are taught to respect our flag. Note the cowboys prepping to get on a bucking horse. They all stop and show respect to the flag.
Bareback riding is always the first event.
Because there are so many contestants, there are two arenas going at the same time. Barrel racers are running on the other side.
Goat tying is the girl’s version of tie-down calf roping.
Both arenas are continuously worked by a tractor the keep the footing safe for the livestock.
There is a college fair, a trade show, a game room, lots of smaller jackpot runs in between rodeo performances, and many opportunities to meet new people and make friends from all over the world.
We love high school rodeo!
If you have the opportunity, please support or join your local high school rodeo team!
Dr Vet Sonya 