Junior High State Rodeo Championship Gets Underway at Bannock County Fairgrounds
POCATELLO, Idaho — Some of Idaho’s most talented young cowboys and cowgirls are competing this week at the Bannock County Fairgrounds, where the Junior High State Rodeo Championship is being held through Saturday, May 30.
The competition opened Monday, May 26, with a long rifle shooting event before transitioning to the arena on Tuesday, when riders began competing in pole bending and goat tying. The full slate of rodeo events is scheduled to continue through the week, with final awards set for Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
Speed, Skill, and Horsemanship on Display
Pole bending challenges cowgirls to guide their horses through a course of six upright poles in a weaving pattern, racing for the fastest time without toppling any of the poles. Competitors were posting times under 25 seconds in the early rounds, a testament to the level of horsemanship on display at the junior high level.
While the girls competed in pole bending, young cowboys tackled goat tying — bursting from the gate on horseback, dismounting at speed, and racing to tie a goat’s legs in the shortest time possible. Several competitors finished their runs in under ten seconds. Additional events on the schedule include barrel racing, team roping, and goat tying for the girls.
For many of the competitors, rodeo is not a seasonal hobby but a lifelong pursuit. Amiah Hathaway of McCammon has been in the saddle since age eight and is entered in barrel racing this week. “I am a little nervous — I get nervous every time,” she said, reflecting the high-stakes atmosphere of a state championship.
Polly Sweat, a cowgirl from Downey, said she has been riding since she could walk, starting at age two. Despite years of experience, the competition nerves don’t fully disappear. “I’m always nervous before I go in,” she said, “and then when I go in I’m just really confident.” Both Hathaway and Sweat said their deepest connection to the sport comes through their horses.
A Milestone Week for Southeast Idaho Youth
For the junior high athletes gathered in Pocatello, this is the pinnacle event of their competitive season — a chance to measure themselves against the best young equestrians from across the state. Many have experience competing in larger regional rodeos, and the state championship represents both a reward for that preparation and a proving ground heading into high school competition.
The Bannock County Fairgrounds provides a familiar setting for events of this scale, and the competition draws families, coaches, and fans from communities throughout Southeast Idaho and beyond. Towns like McCammon, Downey, and other rural communities across the region are well represented in the competitor roster, reflecting the deep roots that rodeo holds in this part of Idaho.
Thursday’s rodeo action is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., with events continuing daily through Friday before the championship wraps up Saturday morning. Families and community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on the next generation of Idaho rodeo athletes.
The Junior High State Rodeo Championship is one of many community events keeping Bannock County busy this holiday weekend. Residents honoring Memorial Day traditions can also find tributes closer to home — including ceremonies at Sunset Memorial Park recognizing America’s fallen heroes and the annual Thunder Run in Pocatello, which features a respectful retirement of worn American flags.
What Comes Next
Competition continues daily at the Bannock County Fairgrounds, with Thursday’s events beginning at 9 a.m. Barrel racing rounds will give athletes like Hathaway and Sweat additional opportunities to compete as the week builds toward Saturday’s awards ceremony at 11 a.m. Results and standout performances from the championship are expected to be announced at that closing event.