Landry Larson, Sidney/Glendive High School Rodeo All Around Cowgirl

Each fall, just a few weeks after the Richland County Fair & Rodeo wraps, the Richland County Rodeo Club starts knocking on doors, asking for the community's support for the Montana High School Rodeo in Sidney; and boy, does Richland County show up. The tremendous support for both the Pro and High School/Youth Rodeo in Sidney is unique and well-appreciated by the rodeo community. Sidney's event ran Aug. 30-31, with Kraken Oil & Gas, Tri-County Implement, the Cattle-Ac, Clark & Associates-Denver Gilbert, Dawson County Rodeo Club, Glendive Livestock, Dawson Vet Clinic, Rodeo Rigs and Bank of Baker all sponsoring saddles for the boys and girls all around champions in not only the high school, but junior high and peewee divisions. The weekend's events are combined with Glendive's High School and Youth Rodeo, which ran Sept. 1-2; and over four days, individual, average, and all-around prizes are awarded.

This year saw local talent, Landry Larson, win the High School All Around Cowgirl saddle with her combined scores in Barrel Racing, Breakaway, and Team Roping. Her saddle was sponsored by the Dawson County Rodeo Club. Landry has set her sights on the All-Around title at her hometown rodeo for several years and was extremely proud to have earned it. Making it extra special was that her Team Roping partner is her cousin, Jori Horsburgh. They won the average in the Team Roping for the 2 days of the Sidney rodeo together and were awarded buckles. Landry was also the Reserve All Around for the Sidney rodeo and her other prizes for placings included back cinch buckles, a trophy tumbler, and Bogg bag. Other locals winning events at this year's rodeo were Leddy Larson winning the average in the Junior High Girls Breakaway Roping, winning a buckle and Emma Youngquist placing 2nd in the average in the Junior High Girls Goat Tying winning a Bogg bag.

Landry is grateful for all the community support for rodeo and for the rodeo community's support of her efforts. From horsepower to mentoring to moral support, Landry has a tool box full of winners. Her barrel horse, Rosie, comes from NFR alumni Rayna Prewitt, who enjoys helping Landry and Leddy in their rodeo journeys. She spends time with her and an NFR qualifier/clinician of over 50 years, Judy Myllymaki in Arizona each winter. Landry says "My team of horses and coaching support are a huge part in my success, and I'll always be thankful for them and getting the win in my hometown made it all the sweeter."  Leddy, Landry's younger sister, has big goals of her own and they both work hard to make them happen. Their parents, Tim and Kristin Larson, operate the Sidney Livestock Market and organize the Richland County Rodeo Club. Their older brothers, Grady and Garrett, both are currently competing in college rodeo.

The support of Richland County for its rodeo club shows how they love to see them succeed, and having a local student win the hometown rodeo is just the icing on the cake!