The 2023 National High School Finals Rodeo Champions!

This past week in Gillette, Wyoming, high school rodeo members filled three arenas to compete for their chance at a national title at the National High School Finals Rodeo. About 1,780 members traveled from all over the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Over $300,00 was awarded in scholarships for the students with $339,000 awarded in jackpots. Each world champion took home $2,500.

2023 National High School Rodeo Champions

• Barrel Racing - Piper Cordes, South Dakota
• Breakaway Roping - Kieley Walz, Nebraska
• Tie Down Roping - Kyan Wilhite, Texas
• Steer Wrestling - Peter Haas, Utah
• Team Roping - Rawley Ben Jr. & Porter Bryant, Arizona
• Bareback Riding - Tuker Carricato, Wyoming
• Goat Tying - Faith Lundberg, Alberta, Canada
• Saddle Bronc Riding - Shane Scott, Oregon
• Pole Bending - Ella Begger, Montana
• Bull Riding - Wacey Schalla, Oklahoma
• Girls Cutting - Sadie Mendenhall, Oklahoma
• Boys Cutting - Cody Gann, Tennessee
• Reined Cow Horse - Landri Lisac, Colorado
• Trap Shooting - Kyler Porter, Utah
• Light Rifle - Kate Godfrey, Idaho
• Queens Contest - Harlee Stokes, Utah

All Around Champions

• All Around Cowgirl - Kate Eiland, Louisiana
• All Around Rookie Cowgirl - Shayda Lesmeister, Wyoming
• All Around Cowboy - Wacey Schalla, Oklahoma
• All Around Rookie Cowboy - Cort Jones, Iowa

2023-2024 Officer Team

• President- Kathryn Smith, Mississippi
• Vice President- Spencer Mancini, New York
• Secretary- Mackenzie Betts, Alaska

Horses of the Year

• AQHA Girls Horse of the Year - Perrywater Dash, ridden by Skylar Nicholas, Texas
• AQHA Boys Horse of the Year - Chex Out Tuff, ridden by Will Jones, Iowa

The Texas High School Team took home the crown for overall team!

We wish everyone the biggest of congratulations!