Linnay (Couturier) Mallory competing in Barrel Racing.

Ana Moreno competing in Pole Bending.

Linnay (Couturier) Mallory and Ana Moreno, of Rockford, have both earned their spot in the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) competition in July. They secured their spots after competing at the Michigan State Finals Rodeo in Ovid, MI last weekend, in Barrel Racing, Pole Bending and Goat Tying.

Both girls are members of the Michigan High School Rodeo Association (MiHSRA), whose intent is to promote high school rodeo at the state level and encourage eligible students to participate at MiHSRA rodeos. This association promotes the highest type of conduct and sportsmanship while at various rodeos, striving to keep Western Heritage alive and active. The MiHSRA encourages students to further their education after high school with an aggressive Scholarship Program. To compete at each rodeo, students must meet National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) grade and conduct qualifications.

Linnay (Couturier) Mallory

Linnay (Couturier) Mallory, 17, a senior, has been involved with MiHSRA for four years. Two years ago when she was preparing to leave for Nationals, Linnay suffered a severe injury to her foot and had to withdraw one week before competition, leaving her devastated. Now after three years of qualifying, Linnay and her Quarter Horse, Double Vision Time (aka Blaze) are finally heading out West to compete.  “When I had my injury, I felt as if my rodeo career was coming to an end.” said Linnay. “But when I qualified for Nationals again this year…it was a true blessing, and I’m excited for the opportunity to go out to Wyoming and represent Michigan in Barrel Racing. I’m ecstatic about this trip and plan to go out with a bang for my Senior year at Nationals.” Linnay has been a member of the Rockford Equestrian Team, Kent County 4H and is the reigning Barrel Champion of the Double JJ 2014 Rodeo Season.

Ana Moreno

Ana Moreno 17, will be a Senior next fall.  Ana has been an active member of MiHSRA for three years and will be competing in Pole Bending. “The opportunity to compete at nationals with my amazing horse is an honor,” says Ana,”It will be memorable and is even more special to me because I qualified last year but due to family commitments I was unable to go.” Ana is also on the Rockford High School Equestrian Team and assisted in taking her Team to the 2014-15 State Finals in Midland.  She has been training and honing the skills of her young Quarter Horse, Playboy’s Jeweled Doc, for the last 2-1/2 years and they are consistently improving each season.  She credits her trainer, Michelle Wolf, with encouragement and direction. Ana is also involved in 4H, and plays on the Rockford High School Basketball and Track teams.

The NHSFR is the World’s largest rodeo and features more than 1,500 contestants from 42 states, five Canadian Provinces and Australia. In addition to competing for more than $200,000 in prizes, NHSFR contestants will also be competing for more than $350,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named an NHSFR National Champion. Events include Bronc Riding, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Goat Tying, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping and Bull Riding.

If interested in wishing them luck, helping them travel across the country by making a donation or become a sponsor, please contact them thru: iny55@sbcglobal / 6226 Myers Lake Road, Rockford, MI 49341

For more information about MiHSRA please go to their website www.MiHSRA.com.