Editor’s note: Shayna’s mother, Sandi VanDerLeest, submitted this article and photos.
Shayna VanDerLeest from Morrison, IL, earned a spot on the Illinois Junior High Division Rodeo Team, at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo, held at Red Rock Park, Gallup, NM. She is the daughter of Larry and Sandi VanDerLeest. Shayna and Anchor, her American Quarter Horse, pursue a calf.
The Finals were held Sunday, June 23, through Saturday, June 29, 2013. Shayna earned this opportunity by competing at rodeos within Illinois, in the fall of 2012 and the spring of 2013.
The top four contestants at year-end qualify to go to the Finals Rodeo (NJHFR.) Shayna ended the year claiming the title “All-Around Cowgirl,” and qualified for Nationals in all of her events except Barrel Racing.
She is the Cinch Team Captain and competes in Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Goat Tying, Ribbon Roping, and Breakaway Roping.
NJHFR is a week-long competition featuring more than 940 contestants from across the United States, Canada, and Australia. The top 20 contestants–based on their two-head average times and scores–advanced to the short round on Saturday night, June 29. Here they competed in front of a packed house and cameras from RFD-TV’s Cinch Highschool Rodeo Tour.
National Champions were determined by their three-head average scores and earned awards that included college scholarships and custom Gist Silversmiths buckles. Other prizes included products from Cinch jeans and shirts; Ariat boots; Resistol hats; Professional’s Choice equipment; Tod Slone saddles; more.
Shayna knew going into Nationals that she didn’t have the pole-bending horse to win. But she had good runs and was happy finishing #50. Team Roping did not fair so well for her and her partner. She finished 37th in Goat Tying and just missed the short round in Ribbon Roping by finishing 25th.
Breakaway Roping had 149 entries. Shayna competed Sunday evening, June 23, and Saturday morning, June 29. She went into the short round in 7th place with a time of 8.384 seconds.
She caught her 3rd calf in 5.763, capturing the Reserve [2nd place] Champion Breakaway Roper title! Shayna is seventh from the left, holding her Professional’s Choice saddle blanket and other items.
Rodeo is a team sport between you and your horse. In order to compete at your best, your horse must also be in great physical shape. Shayna works hard practicing her roping, as well as riding and conditioning her horses, to keep them in the best shape possible. Below, she rides Dixie, her Quarter Pony.
Shayna graduated 8th grade at Morrison Junior High School in May 2013. She competes in Illinois Junior Rodeo Association (www.ijra.info), plays basketball, and is an Honor Roll student.
For more information regarding Illinois Junior High Division Rodeo, visit www.illinoiswranglerdivision.net and National High School Rodeo Association www.nhsra.com.