The dust has settled in Winnemucca and Rock Springs, but the pride is still riding high for
Pershing County rodeo competitors who made their mark on some of the biggest youth rodeo
stages in the world.
This summer, local rodeo athletes qualified for and competed in both the Silver State
International Rodeo (SSIR) and the National High School Rodeo Finals (NHSFR), two of the
most competitive arenas for young rodeo talent. Riders from Nevada, neighboring states, and
Canada competed across multiple events, and Pershing County was well represented.
Tripp Arndt, riding in the Junior High Division, had a breakout season. After putting in the work
at countless 4-H practices and clinics, including goat tying and roping events, Tripp finished the
season ranked 10th in Nevada in boys goat tying. That top-tier performance earned him a ticket
to SSIR, where the top 5–15 contestants from each state are invited to compete.
Once in Winnemucca, Tripp delivered. He placed second in the short go and finished an
impressive fourth overall in goat tying, going head-to-head with competitors from across the
western U.S. and Canada.
Another standout from the Pershing County circuit was Jacob Burke, who also trained heavily
through 4-H and earned his place at SSIR in both Calf Roping and Team Roping. Jacob’s season
didn’t stop there. He also qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals, held in Rock
Springs, Wyoming, where only the top four competitors from each state move on to compete in
each event.
At Nationals, Jacob competed against a stacked field of 1,779 contestants representing 53 U.S.
states and provinces and six countries, with 2,169 entries spread across events. He took on the
largest youth cutting competition in the world, finishing 32nd overall, a proud showing for a
Nevada cowboy on the international stage.
Kashlin Hill, a resident of Spanish Springs and regular participant in Pershing County 4-H rodeo
programs, also made her mark this season. She qualified for SSIR in Cutting, Pole Bending, and
Goat Tying, and earned a coveted spot at Nationals in the Queen Contest. In Rock Springs, she
took home first place in Horsemanship, one of the most visible and highly contested portions of
the queen competition.
With $358,760 in added money and 18 world titles on the line, NHSFR is not just a competition,
it’s proving ground. And Pershing County’s youth proved they belonged.
The success of these young athletes is a testament not only to their personal dedication, but also
to the strength of the Pershing County programs. Riders, parents, and volunteers have poured
hours into practice, mentorship, and skill development. Lyndsey Arndt, a local leader and
mentor, was instrumental in helping the team prepare and perform at the highest levels.
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