Kaydie Pate, Kaislyn Thornton Cousins competing at the national level

Texas has always been one to stand out at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo. This year, they had an amazing group of kids representing The Lone Star State. Among those on Team Texas were cousins Kaydie Pate and Kaislyn Thornton.

Over 6 days of competition, 10 regions that are spread across the state, gathered in Gonzales, Texas, competing for a State Championship saddle. The Texas Junior High State Finals contains over 850 members from grades 5th through 8th. Madisonville natives, Kaydie, and Kaislyn both showed up and showed out.

Competing in the team roping, goat tying, breakaway roping, and poles, 8th grader Kaislyn secured her title at the Texas Junior High State Finals as Reserve State Champion Pole Bender. Kaislyn was given the opportunity to grow up riding horses. Her dad, Chris Thornton, has implemented the importance of horsemanship, which eventually helped her train her horse, Old Yeller.

Old Yeller is the definition of an “all around horse”, and spends his days working cattle, roping, running poles, and carrying flags in the grand entry. Kaislyn and Old Yeller made quite a mark with the smoking times of 20.3 and a 21.0 in the 1st and 2nd rounds.

Heading into the short go 6th, Kaislyn knew she needed a solid run and that she had the horsepower to do so. A 20.7 in the short go helped Kaislyn qualify for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo.

Kaydie had a tough go during her last year of junior high rodeo. After breaking her medial malleolus (inside of the ankle) during goat tying practice, Kaydie had to sit out the last four region rodeos, making her fall a little behind in the region standings going into the state finals.

On top of overcoming a broken ankle, her horse Rowdy, ended up hurt right before leaving for Gonzales. Luckily, in the rodeo world there is always someone to offer a helping hand. Close friend, Kate Reynolds, allowed Kaydie to borrow her horse, Sadie.

With a 7.33 in the 1st round and an 8.4 in the 2nd round, Kaydie was able to go into the short go 7th.

Her consistency shined in the final round with a 7.35, allowing her to end up 3rd overall.

“I had faith that God would heal me and that he was with me through all of this. I focused on Joshua 1:9 throughout my rehab and the state finals.”, said Kaydie when asked how she overcame all the obstacles that were thrown in her way.

The National Junior High Finals Rodeo took place in Perry, Georgia.

Junior high students from all over the world came together to represent their State/Province. “Being at nationals was very exciting for our family. No one had qualified since our Uncle Randell in 1987 and 1988.”, Kaydie and Kaislyn expressed. Team Texas was represented well by both girls throughout the week.

Kaislyn and Old Yeller managed to qualify for the short round after stopping the clock in the second round with a 20.1. With her horse still hurt, Kaydie was given the opportunity to ride fellow competitors, Lane Thibodeaux’s horse Ragin. Lane and Kaydie became quick friends and spent the week preparing for their runs and having fun.

Kaydie had some tough luck during the national finals but is not letting that get her down. Both girls are using their time at the National Junior High Finals as a learning experience and carrying those lessons into their freshman year.