Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
A group of Madison locals traveled to Oklahoma for the 2020 National Little Britches Finals, in Guthrie, Okla. The competition began on Tuesday, July 7 and continued through Sunday, July 12. The event featured some of the top young rodeo talent from across the nation, including three from Madison County. Brothers, Zach and Braxton Townsend, along with Blaine Smith proudly represented Madison County.
Braxton Townsend finished 67th in world standings in Flag Racing and 84th place in All Around Cowboy. His older brother Zach finished with a number seven ranking in Steer Wrestling with a 7.95 time. Zach also had a 20.67 time in the Tie Down competition. On their way to Oklahoma, the Townsend brothers competed in a rodeo in Mt. Vernon, Ark., where Braxton won the junior Barrel racing competition and came in second place in both Open Barrel Racing and Goat Tying. Zach won the Open Calf Roping competition in Mt. Vernon.
Blaine Smith and his partner, Hannah Harvey, of Perry, Fla., finished in the top 20 in the world for Ribbon Roping in the National Little Britches Rodeo.
According to Blaine's mother, Marie, "All in all, it was a great trip with lots of great memories made."
Blaine is the son of Travis and Marie Smith. Zach and Braxton are the sons of Brian and Julie Townsend.