Local youth cowboys win honors at AJRA rodeo
Published 4:03 pm Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Several local cowboys recently took part in the Alabama Junior Rodeo Association championship and came away with a number of titles.
Gage Smith of Georgiana was named AJRA champion Bull Rider, and he also placed third in the chute dogging competition for the year.
Briar Smith of Georgiana is the AJRA Champion Pole Bender, fourth place in goat tying, eighth place in barrels and fourth place all-around cowgirl.
In addition to the events in the arena, Smith was named first runner-up in the AJRA Queen contest.
Marah Smith of Georgiana also placed fifth in goat tying.
Bailey O’Ferrell, a McKenzie resident took home the title of rookie All-Around Cowgirl.
She also came in 10th in barrel racing, and participated in the queen contest.
Alex Merry of Georgiana came in eighth in the rookie cowgirl division.
Next, Gage and Briar Smith will be traveling to the fifth annual Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, New Mexico from June 28 to July 4.
That rodeo features more than 1,000 contestants from 47 states, Canada and Australia.
Gage will compete in calf and ribbon roping, bull riding and chute dogging, while Briar will compete in ribbon roping, goat tying, barrel racing and pole bending.