A multi-talented Rimbey cowgirl recently competed in four events at the Silver State International Rodeo and took home the barrel racing title.
Kennedy Smith qualified for the rodeo, held June 30 to July 5 in Winnemucca, NV, after she placed in the top 15 in provincials.
“I qualified in two events, barrel racing and pole bending, and due to this I was eligible for entering two events I didn’t qualify in,” Smith explained, referring to her goat tying and breakaway roping events.
This was also Smith’s first time at the Silver State International Rodeo. “I had (such) tough luck and was unable to qualify for nationals.”
At the rodeo, competitors use a three run average in the barrel racing to determine the winner. Smith logged 17.643 on her first run, a 17.868 on the second and 17.90 for her final race.
“I was first out in the short round. So to stick to the lead in the average and the short round from the very start was nerve racking. I’ve never had so much nerves as I did when I watched the last girl run. I was so excited,” said Smith.
Because she was competing in four separate events Smith made a total of nine performances during her time south of the boarder; on three different horses.
“Calhoun would be the first. He is my pole bending horse but we didn’t have very much luck in that event,” said Smith.
Smith rode Cuba during her roping events and Jones in the barrel racing. “This win was very big for me and him because I had just gotten him. We won our first buckle as a team.”
Another highlight for Smith has having another opportunity to compete against many friends and familiar girls that may no longer hold the same spot in her life. “Just spending quality time with my friends as it was my last year of high school rodeo and I won’t see them very much anymore,” she explained.