News

Nelson to compete at national rodeo

Scott Wagar

06/18/2013

Alyssa Nelson will be participating in the 2013 National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) in the barrel racing event, which will take place at the Red Rock Park in Gallup, N.M. June 23-29.

Nelson, who will be in the eighth grade at Bottineau’s Junior High School this fall, has earned a position on the North Dakota National Junior High Rodeo team for the second year in a row and will be returning back to Gallup with her teammates to compete in this prestigious national competition.

Nelson has participated in rodeo competitions since the age of five at a variety of rodeo events in barrel racing, pole bending and breakaway roping.

She also holds a number of accolades in the other rodeo events, which includes:

  •  In 2011, she was the Youth Reserve Champion for the North Dakota National Barrel Horse Association.

 

  •  Third place in the state for Junior High Rodeo for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons

 

  •  2012 Youth Champion for NBHA

 

  •  2012 Saddle winner at the Borderline Barrel Racing Series in Dunseith

 

  •  2012 Fast Time Award at the Borderline Barrel Racing Series in Dunseith


Nelson horse’s name is Wranglers Top Kat “Greyhound,” which is a champion horse, himself, because Greyhound was nominated for the 2012 Horse With The Most Heart at Borderline Barrel Racing Series.

Nelson is a member of 4-H, NBHA and Roughrider Rodeo.

The national event will feature more than 1,000 contestants from the United States, Canada and Australia. The contestants will be competing for more than $75,000 in prizes, along with more than $100,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named the National Junior High Finals Rodeo National Champion. To earn the title, riders must finish in the Top 20 after two go-rounds in the competition before advancing on to the final championship performance.

Nelson said she is pleased to be going back to the national rodeo event.

“I’m excited,” Nelson said. “My goals in New Mexico are to keep a clean run and get a decent time.”

All performances of the 2013 National Junior High Finals Rodeo can be viewed on ihigh.com/nhsra.
Alyssa’s parents are Angie and Darin Nelson.