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Roseberry Claims Third Junior Rodeo Championship
gracie roseberry
Gracie Roseberry is a three time goat tying champion, shown here with her quarter horse Wayne. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

Gracie Roseberry, who just graduated from eighth grade, is already a decorated athlete. The local youngster recently won her third Junior Rodeo Association State Championship. Roseberry competes in barrel racing, breakaway and goat tying. It is in the goat tying event where she shines the most and that’s the event that was key to winning her third title.

“I began competing at the age of four and I come from a rodeo family so this is what I enjoy doing,” said Roseberry.

At a ranch just outside of town, the Roseberry family has their own mini arena where she practices goat tying and riding. Her quarter horse named Wayne is her trusty sidekick.

Goat tying is different from calf tying. In goat tying the goat is staked to a pole at the end of the arena and the competitor rides out to the goat, dismounts from the horse and ties the goat. The goat must stay tied for six seconds for the judge’s score. You are judged off your average time. In the state championship Roseberry competed in Red Bluff. To reach to the finals Roseberry earned top finishes in Chowchilla, Oakdale, Fresno and more. She noted that she had a stubborn goat that gave fits to everyone who tried to rope it.

“The goat that I drew in the finals was a challenge. He is notorious for giving competitors trouble and he was tough to tie. It took me over 11 seconds but luckily my average is what helped me win the championship,” she said.

Her average time was under seven seconds.

“I’m going to miss my friends, I’m going into ninth grade so I can’t compete in the junior high events anymore and I will be leaving a lot of close friends behind,” she added.

Roseberry offered thanks to her sponsors and family for their support. She credits her father Vince as her inspiration. Later this year she will be competing in the National Finals Rodeo. In 2018 she competed in the finals for breakaway in Las Vegas but did not place.