Competing at the recent 13th annual National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) in Lebanon, Tenn. was an invaluable experience for two Mountain View County rodeo athletes.
Raegan Tebb, 13, and Jasey Barnett, 13, faced off against competitors from 43 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces and Australia.
Tebb and Barnett each qualified for the June 18-24 Nationals following good showings at the Alberta High School Rodeo Association junior championships in Olds in May.
In Tennessee Tebb competed in barrel racing and goat tying.
Although she didn't end up winning a top 20 place at the National Junior High Finals World Championships, Tebb called the trip worthwhile.
"It was an amazing experience," Tebb said. "We met a lot of people from all over the world. It was amazing to watch everyone else."
Jasey Barnett, who competed in breakaway roping, echoed Tebb's comments.
"It was fun and a great experience," said Barnett, who also finished out of the top 20 in her event. "I learned a lot and it was great to see all the competitors from so many places."
She said she made a number of new friends during the trip.
Both Tebb and Barnett will be competing at the Canadian championships at the end of July in Nanton.
They both say their experiences in Tennessee will help them at the Canadians.
