Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Three local Madison County youngsters are heading to Oklahoma for the National Little Britches Rodeo Association Finals, in Guthrie, Okla. The competition in Oklahoma begins on Tuesday, July 7 and continues until Sunday, July 12. Brothers Braxton and Zachary Townsend, along with Blaine Smith are heading to Oklahoma for the annual competition. The trip to Oklahoma comes on the heels of successful competitions for all three young competitors.
Braxton Townsend, 10, recently won second place in goat tying and first place in barrel racing, pole bending, break-away calf roping, chute dogging and All Around Cowboy in the Junior Division at the Southern Junior Rodeo Association (SJRA) Finals, held during the weekend of June 19-21.
Zachary Townsend, 15, had a successful weekend competing in calf roping, finishing in the top five with a third place finish. He also finished as the Average Champ in team roping in the High School Division. During football season, Zach can sometimes be seen on the sidelines at Boot Hill with his horse, Ketch.
Blaine Smith, 14, competed in the Senior Division of the SJRA, taking first place in tie down calf roping, break-away roping and team roping. Smith also won "All Around Cowboy" for the most points of the season, which began in September. In total, Smith won six buckles and four saddles, along with a cash prize of $380.
Braxton and Zachary are the sons of Brian and Julie Townsend. Blane is the son of Travis and Marie Smith.