Denton competes in state rodeo finals

By Sandy Morris

A recent Albany High School graduate competed in the Texas High School Rodeo Association Finals that took place last week in Abilene at the Taylor County Coliseum. 

Contestant Addie Beth Denton had previously qualified at the Region 3 rodeo to compete in the state finals in goat tying.

Denton recorded a time of 7.29 seconds to put her in third place in the first go-round at state.

Denton’s mother, Dena Denton said the second go-round didn’t go as well as the first. 

“All she needed to do was have a smooth run, but she drew a bad goat,” said Dena Denton. 

Addie Beth rode her favorite horse Lucky, a 26-year-old quarter horse, during the rodeo.

“Not many horses last that long,” Dena said. “For sure, none of them are still competing at this level at his age.” 

The object of the goat tying event is to race to the end of the rodeo arena where a goat is staked out on a 10-foot rope.

Contestants dismount their horses while they are sliding to a stop or running, and race to the staked-out goat, which must be flipped to its side in order to tie together three of its legs with a nylon or cotton rope.

Finally, contestants signal with their hands to indicate the end of their runs. The contestant with the fastest time wins.

Although the Albany cowgirl did not advance to the National High School Rodeo Finals, she did win a belt buckle for her time in the first go-round.

Denton also was awarded a $500 scholarship from the THSRA and $1,000 from the Region 3 THSRA. 

This contest puts the wraps on Denton’s high school rodeo career, but she has signed with Cisco College where she will compete with the rodeo team on the collegiate level.