By: Amy Wilson

Three years ago at the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR), Ali Armstrong and her equine partner, Mattsfreckledcowboy, dominated the competition to win eight consecutive rounds in the barrel racing. Following her record-setting performance in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Armstrong once again won the first and second rounds as well as the short round at the event in 2015.

But now, the 18-year-old from Lexington, OK, and the 10-year-old bay roan she calls Panama are looking for redemption as they return to the largest youth rodeo in the world for the final time on July 9-14 at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center. After winning the first and second go at last year's IFYR, Armstrong and Panama caught the second barrel in the short go to thwart their chances of a three-peat.

"He worked great for me. It was a great year as well -- he didn't win it -- but I was still just so blessed to compete there," Armstrong said. "And, I'm looking forward to being back this year."



A Texas state and high school national champion in 2015, Armstrong recently graduated from home school and will attend Western Texas College at Snyder on a rodeo scholarship this fall. But first, she gets to make the short 45-minute drive to Shawnee for the rodeo she loves. 

"The IFYR pays amazing, and the fact that it's right in my backyard so I get to keep my horse at home, makes it so easy," she said. "I've met so many new people and friends that I'll cherish forever. It's just a really great rodeo."

 

Armstrong, who has rodeoed since she was in the third grade, got Panama when he was 4 years old. After six years together, Armstrong said Panama has formed a deep attachment to his owner as well as developed a huge personality.

"It took me over a year to get with him, but I didn't give up on him because I knew he was special," Armstrong said. "Once it clicked, it clicked. He's been a great partner to have -- I love him. He gives me 110 percent every time he goes into the arena."
 
As Armstrong prepares to compete in her last IFYR, she's not only grateful for her superstar gelding but also her support system.

"I have so many amazing people that stand behind me," she said. "I have a ton of sponsors and a million people to thank."

Watch the 2017 International Finals Youth Rodeo LIVE July 9-14 only on FloRodeo

How To Watch

ON TV: Now available on Roku and Apple TV 4
STREAMING: Available only on FloRodeo. A yearly FloPRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites. SIGN UP HERE

Join The Conversation On Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloRodeo
• Follow us on Instagram @FloRodeo
• Follow us on Facebook