OklahomaHorses Magazine May 2023

18 OklahomaHorses • May / June 2023 A Rich History International Finals Youth Rodeo Is Set In Shawnee July 9–14 by Kyle Jones, director of communications, World Champions Rodeo Alliance Photos courtesy of the World Champions Rodeo Alliance S hawnee will again make western sports history in 2023 when the thirtieth annual International Finals Youth Rodeo rides into the Heart of Okla- homa Expo on July 9–14. The $250,000 event will bring youths from around the country to compete for the largest purse in the history of youth rodeo. The IFYR will feature 11 performances, beginning at 8 p.m. July 9 and ending with the championship round at 7:30 p.m. July 14. Three arenas will run simultaneously during each performance. The event will consist of two long-go rounds and a short-go, made up of the top 15 contestants in each event. Athletes in 10 disciplines — bareback riding, cowgirls’ breakaway roping, saddle- bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, pole bending, goat tying, barrel racing, bull riding, and team roping — will compete for their piece of the $250,000 purse and a Trent Ward saddle. In 2022, the event featured more than 930 entries from 35 states. “The IFYR is thrilled to host the world’s best youth athletes at such an iconic rodeo and continue to bring a marquee event to the town of Shawnee for fans across the state,” said Dale Yerigan, president of the International Professional Rodeo Association. “This event looks to be one of the biggest youth rodeos of the year, and we’re extremely fortunate to be able to work with youths from as far as Alaska to bring this opportunity to the youths in rodeo.” Tickets are now on sale and start at $6. They can be purchased at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center or at https://www. IFYR.com. Kase Busby is front and center in rodeo competition.