With gear that seems to weigh more than them, kids saddle up for a week of fun at the “fabulous” Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. From July 2nd to the 8th, five- to 18-year-old members of the National Little Britches Rodeo Association compete in their Nationals Finals Rodeo.
More than 3,300 members from 33 states traveled to the state of Oklahoma to take their chance at a national title. It is the oldest, continuous junior rodeo association with the largest youth rodeo under one roof.
Resistol crowns Little Britches Rookies of the Year to honor the upcoming generation of rodeo supported by the NLBRA. In each age division, members during their first year of NLBRA vie for their chance at this prestigious award. Similar to the PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Neligh Robinson from Nebraska, won the Little Wrangler, ages five to eight, Little Britches Resistol Rookie of the Year.
Her dad stood joyfully behind her as she interviewed for the Little Britches Rodeo TV Series. “I have goosebumps,” he said, pride filling his eyes. His daughter scored over 10,000 points to win the title—a fact he cheerfully shared.
Devin Johnson, an Utah cowboy, claimed the Junior Boys, ages nine to 13, Little Britches Resistol Rookie of the Year title. Cadie Agner, originally from Florida, won the Little Britches Junior Girls Resistol Rookie of the Year.
When asked her favorite part of the National Little Britches Finals, Agner said, “Winning this,” with a grin widening from ear to ear. She started with NLBRA for a chance to go to more rodeos. Then one day, the rodeos turned into a chance at a title.
“We looked at the points one day and I was there in the top five when we got our magazine in the mail. So, then we started going to more rodeos.” The rodeos took her to Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida.
The NLBRA sanctions over 500 rodeos across 33 states for the youth.
Bubba Johnson from Utah won the Senior Boys, ages 14 to 18, Little Britches Resistol Rookie of the Year. Adell Evans from Colorado won the Little Britches Senior Girls Resistol Rookie of the Year.
Evans’ favorite part of NLBRA is the community.
“Every time I go to a new state, I find new friends and new family. I have people all over the country who I keep in touch with today, even ones I’ve met here at Nationals,” she said.
This title holds a special place in her heart. She is a first-generation cowgirl who has only been rodeoing for three years.
“This is the first title I've ever been in the running for in my entire rodeo career,” Evans said. “I've done four different rodeo organizations, including Little Britches and this is the only one that I've ever made any headway in.”
The 18-year-old recently graduated from high school and plans to attend Northeastern Junior College in the fall. She will continue to compete in NLBRA through her last year of eligibility.
The award winners will be honored again at the PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year awards banquet in Las Vegas during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo—where the next generation will meet the up-and-comers.
Congratulations to the rookies!